Careers
Build your career at one of London's top employers
For over 150 years we've brought people together and are always looking for talented people to join us!
Current Career Opportunities:
Business Development Manager
We want you to become a part of our dynamic organization!
We are a not-for-profit Agricultural Society that encourages opportunity, inclusivity, positivity, and great customer experiences! We have been around for more than 150 years and are known for our signature event, the annual Western Fair. But we offer so much more including our internationally recognized Sports Centre and Raceway, London’s best Market, The Grove our agri-food business hub, home to world-class consumer and trade shows and events…. plus, much more!
Job Description:
WFD’s new Business Development Manager’s will be a driven individual with a passion for selling and growing our business. We are looking for a candidate with an existing network in southwestern Ontario and their priorities will centre on generating sales and sponsorship revenue for the organization’s events and facilities.
The day-to-day role involves hitting sales and sponsorship targets, building relationships, improving the sales process, and oversite of WFD’s Group Sales Program - promoting and selling corporate & group packages for new and existing opportunities, building our client base, targeting new group sale promotions and driving revenue.
Reporting directly to the Director of Agri-Business, the Business Development Manager is responsible for a combination of sales, relationship management and strategic planning to identifying new business opportunities, researching potential customers and pursue leads to get new customers and clients to The District.
The Business Development Manager will oversee and foster a range of community relations, corporate groups sales, and sponsor relations for all areas of the District, which include agriculture and food, racing and equine programming, sports and recreation, events and facilities as well as community projects and new initiatives.
As a not-for profit Agricultural Society, relationship management is the primary focus of this role to ensure professional and eager outreach to the businesses, non-profits, community and industry organizations in London as well as the many surrounding counties that WFD serves, creating many mutually beneficial, long-term customer relationships.
Responsibilities of the Business Development Manager
- Develop and execute sales strategies to meet established targets and deadlines.
- Weekly Report on sales strategies, forecasts, and anticipated outcomes.
- Prospect and pursue lead opportunities for corporate, community & group customers. Opportunities included but limited to: Sponsorship, events, building rentals, food & beverage, leasing opportunities, ticket sales
- Foster & nurture existing relationships
- Organize and manage outreach events and programs; attend in-person or virtual events to promote Western Fair District offerings and sell group tickets.
- Work and collaborate with the necessary teams to create marketing promotions for upcoming events
- Follow up with customers regarding satisfaction and concerns on a timely basis.
- Provide support across other areas of Western Fair Association as needed.
- Complete additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Skills/Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality preferred but not required
- 5-10 years of sales experience required
- Established and credible network within SW Ontario
- Proficient in using Excel such as creating spreadsheets and pivot tables
- Can work with a team as well as independent when required
- Experience in lead generation and closing sales preferred
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
Other Responsibilities
- Promoting a positive and professional work environment and conducting role with integrity and respect.
- Act as an ambassador throughout the community, positively representing the Western Fair District.
- Abide by the policies and procedures of Western Fair District
- Other duties as assigned to meet the overall goals and objectives of the Western Fair District
Working Conditions
- Ability to work evenings and weekends including some holidays when needed.
- Environment – involves some office work as well as travel when needed.
Western Fair District is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to equity, value diversity, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Western Fair District accommodates job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, human resources will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant’s accommodation needs.
To apply to the Business Development Manager role, please submit your cover letter and resume to hr [at] westernfairdistrict.com (hr[at]westernfairdistrict[dot]com)
Why Join us
Be a part of one-of-a-kind exciting projects, working for a Not-for-Profit Agricultural Society that reinvests in its people and our community... all while having a little bit of fun!
Our Culture
We are a not-for-profit Agricultural Society that has deep roots in the City of London and southwestern Ontario. The ‘District’ is committed to providing experiences that enrich your life and the community and as part of our “not-for-profit” status, we reinvest our revenue surpluses into our staff, our facilities, and programming to meet the needs of our community. We give our employees the opportunity to grow professionally, and personally all while being a part of a team that is…
- Proud
- Energetic
- Highly-principled
- Dedicated
- Imaginative
The Perks
- Commitment to professional growth and development through training opportunities
- Competitive compensation
- Flexible work arrangements
- Engagement events
- Extended Health Benefits*
- Yearly fitness credit*
- Employer-matched defined-contribution pension program*
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
* For eligible employees
Rewarding Dedication
We're over 150 years strong, and we traditionally acknowledge and share our thanks with our long service employees. Reward levels begin at 10 years and move up in 5-year increments. Employees of all service levels are significant, and we can say we have celebrated 30, 40, and 50-year service employees! Yes, that’s right!
Be Yourself
Employees are encouraged to ask questions and be empowered to make decisions. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to create a stimulating and open workplace that promotes teamwork, fairness, respect, and diversity.
We also provide accommodations to employees with special needs. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant’s accommodation needs.
Social Impact
From the beginning, we've brought people and communities together to celebrate what life has to offer. Agri-food, our community, and sustainability are all important parts of our past, present, and future. Our Change for Change program allows employees to donate a portion of their paycheck to their charity of choice, which we then match in contribution. One of our sustainability projects is The Wormery, it utilizes green waste, reduces emissions, and creates a natural fertilizer that promotes plant growth. Learn about The Wormery here
We invest in the development and growth of thousands of youth, students, local artists, performers, and athletes annually through various programs and facilities. (e.g. Rise2Fame, Learn To Skate, School Agri-Food Education, Day of Dreams, and more.)
CAP is our Community Access Program that makes a small difference in the lives of individuals and families who cannot access entertainment or events without a support person or are living on fixed incomes.
Our Donation Committee supports hundreds of local/regional non-profit organizations with donations, silent auction items, and gift cards to help them raise funds for individual causes, for the betterment of the communities we serve.
We are committed to corporate social responsibility and is one of our strategic initiatives.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about employment, please email hr [at] westernfairdistrict.com (subject: General%20Question) (hr[at]westernfairdistrict[dot]com)
If you're interested in working at the District, please send your resume and cover letter to hr [at] westernfairdistrict.com (subject: Employment%20Opportunities) (hr[at]westernfairdistrict[dot]com )
