JOB SUMMARY:

The Vice President of Business Development's primary responsibility is to drive growth in third-party management business by leveraging industry relationships and identifying new management opportunities. Secondarily, the position will enhance First Hospitality’s relationship in the hotel development, ownership, and capital market communities. This position is based in Chicago and reports to the Executive Vice President – Owner Success

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Primary focus is to generate third-party management agreements and keep the business development pipeline full of opportunities at all times.
• Designs and executes successful strategic business plan and tactics that align with First Hospitality’s overarching objectives and goals.
• Identifies, develops, and maintains strong business relationships with key hotel developers, owners, investors, lenders, brokers, capital partners, and brand partners.
• Evaluates investment opportunities necessary to secure hotel management agreements, including key money and silver equity placements.
• Takes the lead while working with our internal development and operations teams to coordinate all phases of the development process, including presentations, market feasibility studies, pro forma projections, RFP responses, and negotiating hotel management agreements.
• Conducts ongoing and routine outreach to potential clients and represents First Hospitality at national industry events including ALIS, NYU, Lodging Conference, and others when necessary

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• A degree in real estate, business, or hotel administration is required
• Minimum of 10 year’s experience in client relationship
• Previous hospitality business development and/or investment experience is a must
• Results-oriented and ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to process new information quickly and respond aptly to change
• Strong written, oral presentation, sales communication skills required
• Well-rounded understanding of independent and branded hotel operations
• Experience with MS Office and ability to use spreadsheets, manipulate large amounts of data, and translate into meaningful analysis
• Close attention to detail and a focus on fact-based decision making
• Effective negotiator and clear communicator of ideas and solutions.
• Fosters a collaborative environment within our organization
• Travel is required based upon business demands

COMPANY OVERVIEW

First Hospitality is a national, experienced, and established hospitality management and development company serving the investment and real estate industries. Since 1985, we have been an award-winning pioneer in the hospitality industry.

For 35 years, we’ve led our industry and our partners as a beacon of passion, progress, and profitability. Between our decades of experience and the energy and enthusiasm of our team, we’re dedicated and discerning partner in hotel management, acquisitions, and development. Being one step ahead is more than a goal; it is our legacy and our promise.

We have successfully developed, marketed, and managed properties throughout the Midwest, ranging across 19 brands from full service to limited service, and suburban to city center. We understand that our success is rooted in the quality of our people. Our innovative people practices focus on rewards for results.

Our career development and training programs allow us to nurture and grow top performers with the lowest turnover rates in our industry. We believe that our company's success is rooted in the individual and must be nurtured through the embracement of a common set of values.