Director, Sales and Marketing

About Us: 

Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.5 million visitors a year.  The 192-acre site is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario’s economy, particularly with respect to conventions, sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism.  Located at Exhibition Place is the award-winning Enercare Centre, Canada’s largest exhibition and convention centre which is now LEED Platinum certified, and Beanfield Centre conference venue which is LEED Silver certified. Since 2004, Exhibition Place has undertaken an environmental stewardship initiative, entitled GREENSmart; which includes the promotion of sustainable development, environmental initiatives and leading edge green technologies and practices across the site. Our environmental initiatives have resulted in award winning recognition across North America, such as the Platinum Waste Minimization Award from the Recycling Council of Canada and have established Exhibition Place as a world leader in energy-efficient technologies. 

We offer a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive rewards package. Enjoy OMERS participation – a defined benefit pension plan, employer-paid health & dental, extended healthcare, and professional development.

What can I expect to do in this role? 

As a member of the leadership team, direct and provide leadership to the Sales & Marketing areas for the direct management of the division, including the operational, financial, and planning objectives, as well as representing the Board in the implementation of the marketing strategy in Toronto, nationally and internationally.

• Develop and lead complex change management initiatives and the development of internal policies, sales and marketing procedures and strategic objectives.
• Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s affiliations (staff, clients, volunteers, and contractors), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks.
• Direct the development and implementation of comprehensive annual sales and marketing strategic business plans to drive revenue and increase market share.
• Direct and develop joint sales and booking strategies and tactics with Hotel Tenant.
• Initiate and direct development of International and United States sales prospects, lead generation and ensue negotiations.
• Directly responsible for sales and management of Exhibition Place’s largest meeting, convention and exhibition clients and major city-wide events.
• Direct and manage client negotiations, maintain key customer relations.
• Develop and implement internal programs fostering high level customer service for event organizers, exhibitors and patrons.
• Liaise with exclusive food services provider on catering sales programs, food function bookings, collateral materials, etc.
• Direct sales activities such as direct sales calls, marketing, prospecting, direct mail campaigns, social media engagement and FAM Tours and site inspections.
• Participate on Destination Toronto’s Sales Advisory Committee and work with City of Toronto Economic Development & Culture Division to increase economic impact for the city and Exhibition Place by closing large city-wide conventions.
• Direct development of media relations campaign for trade, national and local publicity coverage and provide media liaison support.
• Direct development of marketing strategies to promote Exhibition Place and our tenants and community-based programming
• Direct and manage social media marketing, advertising and brand management for all venues.
• Monitor market conditions for trends, issues, or other conditions requiring modifications in sales activities and strategies.
• Oversee preparation and management of annual budget for all rental revenue and foodservices commission revenue derived from meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events.
• Set and monitor sales quotas and goals for sellers
• Oversee electronic and print advertising concepts, and placement schedules as well as negotiating rates, editorial support, etc.
• Develop and manage operating budget for the division, and provide input to the capital budget and development of systems infrastructure, including working with external consultants.
• Participate on project teams as a strategic resource in a leadership capacity to ensure new internal processes are implemented in a clear and concise manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

How do I qualify? 

• Completion of a university degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience in a discipline pertinent to the job function.
• Extensive experience (minimum 5-10+ years) at a senior level in marketing in a major high profile event facility environment.
• Previous leadership experience (minimum 5-10+ years) directing and managing a sales team (hiring, coaching, mentoring, etc.) in a sales and marketing environment.
• Strong functional ability in the use of a standard office suite and CRM software programs.
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate complex situations, identify key issues, and develop innovative solutions
• Ability to promote effective teamwork and understand the importance of managing change effectively.
• Excellent skills in the area of verbal and written communications, interpersonal, conflict resolution and problem solving at all organizational levels including political level, third party clients, contractors, etc.
• Highly developed presentation skills and professional appearance.

Application Process:  

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We carefully review every application – including yours. We’re fortunate to have many outstanding people apply to each of our positions. While we appreciate every application that comes our way, due to the high volume we receive, we’re not able to follow up with each person individually. If a strong match is found between your qualifications and the needs of the role, we’ll contact you.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:  

Exhibition Place is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment where all employees and members of the public feel valued, respected, and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the public and the communities in which we live and serve.  

Accommodation:  

We value the unique skills and experiences each person brings to Exhibition Place and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment. We are committed to the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, so if you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let our Recruitment team know by emailing us at Humanresources@explace.on.ca.