The Business Development Sales Manager drives early sales processes, identifies potential clients, engages them, and collaborates with internal teams to close deals.
This role is offered on a freelance contractor basis (invoice-based).
The position is 100% remote and offers flexibility in scope (full-time or part-time), making it suitable for candidates seeking a flexible working arrangement while being part of a global organization.
Why Kenes:
With more than 60 years of experience, Kenes Group is a global PCO leader and association management. Our team of 250 employees works together to create impactful professional events. We foster a family-like work environment within our global company, where collaboration and support are at the heart of what we do. We believe in empowering our employees by equipping them with knowledge and skills that help them grow and advance in their careers. We understand the significance of work-life balance and strive to create an atmosphere that supports personal well-being, to meet the diverse needs of our employees.
Job Summary:
The Business Development Sales Manager will be responsible for driving the early stages of the sales
process, focusing on identifying and qualifying potential clients — primarily associations, societies, and institutions across North America. This role involves proactive outreach, meaningful engagement, and the ability to present our company’s capabilities with confidence and clarity.
Once genuine interest is established and discussions progress, the Business Development Sales Manager will collaborate closely with the senior Kenes BD team to further explore client needs, tailor proposals, and guide opportunities through to closure. This partnership approach ensures that every potential client experiences a seamless and well-supported journey from first contact to signed agreement.
The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator who can both initiate new relationships and represent the company in early discussions, positioning us as a trusted and knowledgeable partner in the association and event management sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Research, identify, and qualify potential clients (associations, federations, societies, institutions) across North America.
- Develop and execute lead-generation strategies via online research, industry platforms, LinkedIn, and other channels.
- Initiate contact with potential clients through personalized outreach (email, calls, LinkedIn, etc.).
- Understand client needs and align them with the company’s services and capabilities.
- Schedule introductory meetings or presentations with senior business development management team.
- Maintain accurate records of leads, contacts, and outreach activities in the company’s CRM system.
- Collaborate with internal marketing and sales teams to refine messaging and identify target sectors.
- Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activity, and association event landscapes in North America.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in lead generation, business development, or sales prospecting, ideally in events, conferences, associations, or related hospitality service industries.
- Proven ability to identify and engage senior-level decision-makers in professional or non-profit organizations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills — confident in outreach and relationship building.
- Familiarity with CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce, or Pipedrive) and lead-tracking methods.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable working independently in a remote environment.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Preferred Experience
- Background in the meetings, events, association management or hospitality industry.
- Understanding of the North American association market.
- Experience working (remotely) with international or multi-cultural teams.
What We Offer
- Flexible remote work environment.
- Opportunity to work with a global, mission-driven team serving high-profile international clients.
- Growth potential into full-cycle sales or account management roles.
Top Skills
Crm Tools
Hubspot
Pipedrive
Salesforce
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