South African Tourism’s National Convention Bureau (NCB) is seeking a Business Development Co-ordinator to join its Head Office in Sandton. Reporting to the Head: Business Development & Support, the successful candidate will play a key role in identifying and developing new business opportunities, supporting convention bidding activities, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and driving business development initiatives within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Research

• Identify, research, qualify, and prioritise new business opportunities using industry databases, market research, online resources, and direct engagement with stakeholders.
• Conduct research into key industry sectors to identify opportunities for regional and international conferences, conventions, and business events.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Provincial and City Convention Bureaus, industry associations, and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with South African Tourism’s international offices to identify and qualify new business leads.
• Prepare event bid briefs for convention bureaus and provincial tourism organisations.
• Maintain accurate account, contact, and event information within the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
• Keep business development data updated and ensure follow-up activities are tracked effectively.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of business development strategies and sales plans.
• Respond to internal and external sales data enquiries.
• Coordinate appointments and schedules for trade shows, exhibitions, and business events.
• Support lead generation and hosted buyer recruitment initiatives for Meetings Africa and Meetings Africa Association Day.
• Provide business development support for additional MICE-related initiatives as required.

Capacity Building & Stakeholder Support

• Assist Provincial and Local Convention Bureaus with developing their capacity to source and convert new business opportunities.
• Support convention bureaus in improving data collection and reporting for the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
• Work closely with stakeholders to strengthen local convention bureau capabilities and increase successful convention bids.
• Promote collaboration between industry partners to support the growth of South Africa’s business events sector.

Reporting & Data Analysis

• Compile and maintain business development reports for management.
• Monitor and update the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) pipeline of secured business opportunities.
• Prepare statistical reports on secured events, lead development, and projected economic impact.
• Track the progress of business leads and provide regular status updates.
• Report on key business development activities, stakeholder engagements, and project outcomes.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma in Sales & Marketing, Research, Business Management, or an equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in sales, business development, tourism, hospitality, or the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
• Knowledge of the MICE sector and an understanding of the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) mandate will be advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Business development and sales experience with the ability to identify and convert opportunities.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong planning, organisational, and time management abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Fluency in English; additional language proficiency will be advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to analyse data and produce accurate reports.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.