Business Development Manager/Lead

About us: Vision Ireland – The Wayfinding CentreVision Ireland’s groundbreaking new service The Wayfinding Centre is an immersive, user-friendly transport training environment that aims to facilitate safer and more inclusive journeys in Ireland.The centre prioritises the provision of travel training programs designed to help those with access requirements and disabilities build the skills and confidence to navigate public transport safely and easily.  A first of its kind, the centre places individuals with disabilities at the core of its work, also providing a diverse suite of learning opportunities including disability equality and awareness training, inclusive design workshops and hosting transport accessibility projects with transport, urban realm and academic stakeholders to help address the transport accessibility gap. Read more about our exciting journey on our website https://thewayfindingcentre.ie/  An excellent opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Business Development Manager Role Overview:The Business Development Manager will play a crucial role in developing and fostering meaningful connections between the Wayfinding Centre and a diverse range of stakeholders including individuals with a disability, representative organisations and transport services.Reporting to the Wayfinding Centre Manager, this role will focus on leveraging expertise in disability awareness and stakeholder engagement to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of public transportation in Ireland. The Business Development Manager will lead and generate new business for The Wayfinding Centre, organise and attend events to generate new clients and promote The Wayfinding Centre and Vision Van services.The successful candidate will be passionate about social change regarding accessibility, can navigate complex project work and holds the ability to operate in a politically sensitive, fast-growing, and rapidly changing environment.The role is key to embedding accessibility at the core of the Wayfinding Centre and will ensure the long-term success of the project by leading activities that contribute to the local buy-in and ownership of the project.Contracted hours: 37 hours per week. Full time, permanent position.Location: Glasnevin, Co. Dublin. This role involves a combination of on-site duties as well as tasks performed in various external settings as required.All applicants must submit a current CV and cover letter outlining your motivation to apply. Candidates must be eligible to work full-time in the Republic of Ireland.Garda Vetting RequiredGarda Vetting will be conducted for the recommended candidate as part of the selection process for the post in accordance with the Vision Ireland Garda Vetting policy.Informal enquiries by email only to recruitment@vi.ieKey Responsibilities:Plan and execute community engagement projects and events, collecting insights to inform effective project planning and decision-making.Analyse engagement outcomes to present findings and recommendations for further actions.Lead and generate new business for The Wayfinding Centre by calling leads, generating leads and visiting clients. Lead and generate new business and community events for the Vision VanOrganise and attend events to generate new clients and promote centre servicesBe responsible for the full business development, sales, and marketing cycle from customer acquisition right though to retentionDevelop and coordinate the effective implementation of community engagement strategyExperience selling to and/or influencing C-level executivesBuild and maintain the Access Ambassador program and community which serves the function of the work program and serviceCollaborating closely with the team to create operational efficiencies and support the daily smooth operations of the centreCollect feedback and suggestions for services and activities and assist in service optimisation through proposalsIdentify and create new referral partners to generate new clients.Be accountable for own customer base and follow up on all queries and commitments.Keep accurate records in the client management system of each interaction, produce reports and provide statistical data for analysis and decision making purposesBe vigilant to any H&S risks regarding the use of the centre and bring any concerns to the attention of the managerAbove responsibilities reflect the current business requirements and may be subject to amendment to meet the changing needs of the business. Selection CriteriaSkills and experienceUnderstand the role BDs play in the lead generation contextProactive and continuous improvement mindset, particularly when it comes to rapidly evolving processes and structuresAppetite to move forward quickly in an organisation that is scaling fastMinimum 5-7 years’ experience in Business Development RoleProven track record of revenue directionsProven experience growing or scaling a company’s customer baseExperience and understanding of disability supports is a distinct advantageExperience working withing a start-up environment an advantageBehavioural Competencies Strong influencing and diplomacy skillsStrong verbal, written, and interpersonal skillsAbility to prioritise workload and manage time effectivelyHighly data driven, analytical and structuredManage external relationships with good emotional intelligenceStrong commercial awareness and business-oriented mindset Strong focus on delivering high quality customer serviceAbility to engage with people who have disabilities, reduced mobility and/or cultural and individual differencesAwareness of the disability sector and willingness to upskill within relevant knowledge areasEducation & QualificationsDegree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or related discipline to this positionEvidence of continuous professional developmentThe Wayfinding Centre is an equal opportunities employer.Accessibility, Equality, Diversity and InclusionVision Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. It is our policy to recognise people as a key resource required for successful attainment of the organisation’s mission. In support of this, it is important to remember that differences between people, whether devised from their different backgrounds and personalities, cultures and/or their different abilities, can be a source of strength to the organisation.  We welcome, encourage, and embrace people of all backgrounds, to include those with disabilities, accessibility plays a huge part of ensuring that the needs of all our employees and service users, can access our systems and services, with ease and respect, in a supportive environment, enabling all to effectively engage our services and achieve our goals whether they are an applicant for employment or an employee requiring special facilitation.