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.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or a related discipline (advanced degree is an asset).
- Minimum of five (5) years’ progressive experience in business development, marketing, or commercial leadership, with demonstrated strategic impact.
- Proven experience leading multi-channel marketing and revenue growth initiatives.
- Training in project management, leadership development, or executive management is an asset.
- Multilingual capability is an asset.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Strategic and commercial acumen
- Strong marketing and brand leadership capability
- Advanced communication and presentation skills
- Data-driven decision-making and analytical thinking
- Stakeholder influence and negotiation
- Leadership presence and succession potential
- Innovation and entrepreneurial mindset
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Results-oriented with high personal accountability
- Professional, diplomatic, and ethically grounded
- Resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking
- High integrity and respect for confidentiality
- Strong sense of stewardship and mission alignment
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- The role carries demanding performance expectations tied to revenue, growth, and strategic outcomes.
- Occasional travel and work outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends, will be required.
- Regular attendance at stakeholder events and functions is expected.
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.