Vice President of Business Development and Client Relations

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Business Development and Client Relations plays a critical role in driving the growth and long-term success of OVG's hospitality division and Spectrum Catering, Concessions & Events. This leader is responsible for both high-impact new business development and exceptional client retention, ensuring Spectrum's portfolio expands with the right opportunities across its diverse markets.

This role sits at the intersection of OVG's hospitality division and Spectrum, requiring a leader who can comfortably navigate, translate, and harmonize the cultures, priorities, and strategic objectives of both organizations. The ideal candidate brings a high degree of flexibility, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trust with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

The Vice President independently manages the full sales cycle - from market assessment and competitive analysis to financial modeling, proposal development, and final negotiations - while serving as a visible brand ambassador in the industry. The role involves significant work away from the office, including attending events, industry conferences, site visits, and client engagements.

Additionally, the VP leads retention and renewal strategies for select accounts, acting as a proactive client advocate focused on long-term satisfaction and loyalty. This leader collaborates closely with operations teams, surfacing insights, addressing risk, and supporting continuous improvement.

The successful candidate must maintain a polished, positive, and professional presence; deliver thoughtful and informed recommendations; and ensure seamless communication among OVG, Spectrum, clients, and partners. A variable schedule - including evenings and weekends - may be required based on business needs.

This role pays an annual salary of $125,000-$175,000 and is commission eligible

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until March 6, 2026.

Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Growth

• Lead new account acquisition: conduct market research, define targets, prospect effectively, and execute multi-channel sales and marketing strategies.
• Develop compelling proposals, RFP/RFI responses, and presentations that showcase Spectrum's differentiated value.
• Source and pursue networking opportunities across the industry, community events, and prospect engagements.
• Negotiate and finalize contracts in alignment with company standards, partnering with the SVP and Division President when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate pipeline records and CRM documentation for all sales activities.

Client Relations, Retention & Renewals

• Build and sustain strong, trusted relationships with clients, prospects, influencers, and executive leadership.
• Identify at-risk clients early, create proactive retention plans, and drive successful contract extensions.
• Develop and lead a structured renewal process, including multi-year strategies where appropriate.
• Implement systems to measure satisfaction (surveys, reviews, feedback cycles), ensuring timely and strategic follow-up.
• Support accounting settlements, resolve client inquiries, and ensure elevated customer service.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Internal Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between OVG Hospitality and Spectrum, ensuring alignment on opportunities, client expectations, and cultural norms.
• Translate insights, needs, and expectations across both organizations to foster partnership and seamless execution.
• Communicate consistently with the SVP, Division President, sales support teams, and operations leadership on client opportunities and service needs.
• Support operations teams through accurate information flow, contract handoff, and startup oversight.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Assist in commercial design and financial modeling to support proformas and business case development.
• Establish and uphold high standards for proposal quality, ensuring alignment with company strategy and market positioning.
• Maintain a robust professional network and stay ahead of industry trends to inform strategic direction.

Qualifications

• Proven relationship builder, negotiator, and closer.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain executive-level networks.
• Strong marketing, sales, and client experience management skills.
• High level of flexibility and comfort working across multiple teams, styles, and organizational cultures.
• Ability to manage time, prioritize effectively, and manage complexity with ease.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in sales, business development, or client relations.
• Experience in live events, sports, entertainment, or hospitality strongly preferred.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

---