Business Development Manager

United Church Mission Enterprise (UCME) is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to lead revenue growth, brand development, and market expansion across its business units.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Business Development Manager (BDM) is a senior leadership role responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth, brand strength, and market expansion across UCME’s business units including: Meadowrest Memorial Gardens (MMG), Shirley Retreat Hotel (SRH), and the Madge Saunders Conference Centre (MSCC).

The role provides progressive exposure to enterprise-wide strategy, governance, financial stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership while maintaining a strong commercial and marketing focus. The BDM partners closely with the CEO to translate strategic vision into executable plans and measurable outcomes.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Lead enterprise-wide business development and marketing strategy to achieve and exceed approved revenue, profitability, and brand objectives.
• Serve as brand steward and ambassador for UCME’s Funeral Services and Hospitality businesses.
• Drive market intelligence, customer insight, and innovation to support long-term organizational sustainability.
• Support and deputize for the CEO in strategic planning, operational oversight, and stakeholder engagement as assigned.

KEY STRATEGIC & SUCCESSION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as principal support to the CEO in the development, execution, and monitoring of UCME’s corporate and commercial strategy.
• Participate in executive decision-making, strategic reviews, and management deliberations, providing data-driven commercial and market perspectives.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the CEO, including special projects, growth initiatives, and organizational improvement programmes.
• Represent the CEO at internal and external meetings, forums, and negotiations as delegated.
• Build deep institutional knowledge of UCME’s governance framework, financial model, risk environment, and stakeholder landscape.
• Contribute to Board-level submissions, strategic briefs, and performance reports related to growth, brand, and market positioning.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and execute integrated business development and marketing strategies aligned with UCME’s mission, values, and financial goals.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure local and international business opportunities across all business units, including: – Funeral services, vaults, crematorium, columbarium, and repast services (MMG) – Room occupancy, group bookings, and ancillary revenue streams, conferences, meetings, and events (SRH & MSCC).
• Lead market research, customer analytics, and competitor intelligence to inform strategic decisions and investment priorities.
• Oversee all marketing campaigns, brand positioning, advertising, public relations, and digital marketing initiatives.
• Champion digital transformation and the effective use of online platforms, distribution channels, and data-driven marketing tools.
• Manage all stages of new product and service development, from concept to launch and post-implementation review.
• Prepare robust business cases, investment proposals, and growth forecasts for CEO and Board consideration.

FINANCIAL & COMMERCIAL LEADERSHIP

• Assume shared accountability for revenue performance, margin optimization, and return on investment across business units.
• Demonstrate strong command of P&L statements, pricing strategies, cost drivers, and profitability levers.
• Authorize and manage expenditure within approved budgets and UCME’s Levels of Authority policy.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and volume discounts in collaboration with the CEO and Finance Manager.

PEOPLE & OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Provide direct supervision and performance management for assigned staff, including the Hotel Administration Supervisor.
• Build a high-performance, customer-focused culture aligned with UCME’s mission and service ethos.
• Ensure timely completion of performance appraisals, coaching, and people development initiatives.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to align marketing promises with service delivery excellence.

GOVERNANCE, COMPLIANCE & RISK

• Ensure compliance with all licensing requirements, health and safety standards, data protection obligations, and statutory regulations.
• Support the CEO in identifying and mitigating commercial, reputational, and market risks.
• Ensure marketing and promotional activities comply with ethical standards and regulatory requirements.