The Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau is a public-private partnership and the official events bureau for Ireland's Shannon Region. The core remit of the Bureau is to attract international conferences, events, sport competitions, and high-end luxury incentive business to the region.
The Bureau provides impartial guidance to ensure global business tourism operators have a memorable event that exceeds their expectations – in a region that makes an excellent destination for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, incentive travel, elite athlete training and sporting events. We work in partnership with the Meet in Ireland team at Fáilte Ireland to offer free support and expertise.
Job Purpose
To lead and deliver the strategic and operational activities of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, driving growth in international association conferences and sports tourism events across the Shannon region. The GM will represent the region nationally and internationally, build relationships with key stakeholders, manage the bureau’s funding and governance, and deliver against the objectives set by the Board in line with Ireland’s Business Events Strategy.
This is a Hybrid role.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic
1. Champion the Shannon Region as a premier destination for international business events and sports tourism.
2. Feed into strategic plans aligned with Ireland’s Business Events Roadmap for Recovery & Growth to 2030.
3. Develop strategic partnerships with public bodies (Limerick Council, Clare Co Co, Shannon Airport), industry associations, academic institutions (UL, MIC, TUS), and private stakeholders including local suppliers (hotels, venues, DMCs, restaurants, etc).
4. Generate insights and identify changing market trends, opportunities and any potential barriers to growth and possible solutions.
5. Play an integral part in project teams established to deliver key projects.
Business Development & Sales
1. Identify and manage a pipeline of international conferences and sports events bids to drive tourism and economic impact.
2. Lead and support bids through CRM, developing tailored proposals, bid books, and presentations.
3. Represent the Bureau at domestic and international trade shows (e.g., IMEX Frankfurt, Meet Dublin in London).
4. Maintain close working relationships with Fáilte Ireland to leverage funding, promotional support, and sales platforms.
Operational Management
1. Oversee day-to-day operations, budgeting, and reporting.
2. Develop a plan to deliver on objectives.
3. Carry out robust prospecting in core markets to identify appropriate leads.
4. Manage key projects such as: Conference Ambassador Programme, Sports Tourism Repository, Annual Sports Ambassador Awards.
5. Ensure accurate recording and active tracking of all leads in sales pipeline.
6. Ensure data learning and ROI from business development activities/funding is captured and reported.
7. Manage and measure impact and legacy programme.
8. Approve and oversee bureau communications, including PR and social media campaigns.
Financial & Governance Oversight
1. Prepare and manage operational budgets, ensuring activities undertaken come within budget and are in line with overall budget and Bureau policies.
2. Day to day finance & cashflow management – including invoice, expense management via Accounting system (Xero) and banking account/cashflow management via online access.
3. Prepare and manage grant applications, and reporting (e.g., Fáilte Ireland drawdowns, council funding, sponsorship).
4. Ensure transparent governance and expense oversight per company policies.
5. Update operational documents in coordination with the Board’s Audit & Risk Committees.
6. Liaise with Board Treasurer on Financial and Governance reporting at Board Meetings.
Team Leadership
1. Manage, mentor and support the Business Development Executive.
2. Conduct regular performance reviews and professional development planning.
3. Delegate responsibilities during transition periods and periods of travel.
Required skills and qualifications
1. Self-starter with strong decision-making ability.
2. Proven ability in generating, managing and converting sales leads.
3. Proven track record in business events or tourism sector (MICE and/or sports tourism).
4. Strong understanding of Ireland’s tourism ecosystem, key sectors, and funding frameworks.
5. Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, public-private collaboration, and partnership development.
6. Exceptional communication, presentation, and project management skills.
7. Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally, and work flexible hours as required.
Preferred skills and qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business management or related field.
2. Familiarity with Ireland’s Business Events strategy.
3. Experience leading bids for international conferences or events.
4. Passion for showcasing the Shannon region’s tourism/MICE assets.
5. Strong awareness of sustainability practices and legacy impact in tourism.
Remuneration
Salary scale €60k - €75k commensurate with experience. Remuneration includes pension and health insurance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr