Development Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Business Development Manager

Lake Life Catering & Lake Geneva Cruise Line | Williams Bay, WI

Full-Time | Hybrid Work Schedule

Reports To: Director of Events & Executive Leadership

DESCRIPTION

Lake Geneva Cruise Line and Lake Life Catering are looking for a Business Development Manager who is responsible for developing new business opportunities, generating new leads, and increasing sales and revenue for private events, charters, and catering.

This is an outward-facing sales role focused on lead generation, partnership development, community engagement, and relationship management. The position requires an energetic, self-motivated professional who excels at outbound outreach, networking, and personalized client engagement.

If you excel at building relationships, identifying opportunities, and connecting people to memorable experiences, this role is an incredible opportunity.

ABOUT GAGE MARINE

Gage Marine Corporation includes Gage Marine Boat Sales and Service, Lake Geneva Cruise Line, PIER 290 Restaurant, Lake Life Catering, and the Lake Life Store. Founded in 1873, our family of businesses brings the spirit of the lake life to locals and visitors across Wisconsin. With a passion for fun and a commitment to excellence, we serve our customers, colleagues, and community every day. Gage Marine has locations in Delavan, Fontana, Green Lake, Lake Geneva, Minocqua, and Williams Bay. Lake Life Begins with Gage.

ABOUT LAKE LIFE CATERING AND LAKE GENEVA CRUISE LINE

Get the best of land and lake when you work with Lake Geneva Cruise Line and Lake Life Catering. Both specialize in luxury events on and off the water with corporate, wedding, and private parties. Lake Geneva Cruise Line has a fleet of eight classic boats, hosting 12 to 200 guests out on beautiful Lake Geneva and Lake Life Catering has three private, lakeside event spaces and offers on and offsite catering and bar service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales & Revenue Generation

• Identify, pursue, and convert new business opportunities for private events, charters, and catering.
• Research and target prospect segments including corporate clients, wedding planners, DMCs, tourism partners, hotels, schools, community groups, and organizations.
• Conduct proactive outreach through calls, emails, in-person visits, networking, and community engagement.
• Sell and promote private boat charters, catering services, seasonal offerings, private events, and specialty experiences.
• Create customized proposals, pricing packages, and event concepts tailored to client needs.
• Meet or exceed monthly and annual revenue goals across all business lines.

Client Acquisition & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for new inquiries from introduction through booking.
• Manage an active pipeline and follow-up system to maximize conversion rates and repeat business.
• Build strong, lasting relationships with planners, corporate partners, hospitality and tourism groups, and community organizations.
• Conduct site tours of boats and event spaces with professionalism and enthusiasm.
• Represent the company at networking events, trade shows, chamber meetings, bridal shows, and tourism events.

Marketing & Brand Visibility

• Collaborate with Marketing to support sales campaigns, promotional materials, and brand initiatives.
• Identify new promotional opportunities and strategic partnerships to expand brand presence regionally.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to keep the brands at the forefront of the Lake Geneva hospitality market.

Operational & Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Events, General Managers, and Sales Managers to ensure sales commitments align with operational capabilities.
• Provide accurate details during event handoff, supporting seamless planning and execution.
• Participate in internal planning meetings and contribute to continuous improvement of sales processes.

Reporting & Administrative Duties

• Maintain detailed CRM records including lead activity, communications, and revenue forecasting.
• Produce monthly and quarterly reports outlining opportunities, conversion metrics, and performance trends.
• Assist in annual forecasting and strategic growth planning.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 2–3+ years of experience in outside sales, business development, event sales, hospitality sales, or tourism.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with a polished, professional presence.
• Highly motivated, persuasive, priority-driven, and collaborative, with a strong ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Proven experience in generating leads and managing relationships.
• Highly organized with strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Comfortable using CRM systems, productivity tools, and standard sales software.
• Flexibility to attend events, appointments, and networking activities outside standard business hours.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage sales territory.

Preferred

• College degree preferred but not required.
• Experience in catering sales, wedding sales, corporate event planning, or tourism and hospitality.
• Familiarity with the Lake Geneva region and destination-event markets.
• Understanding of boat charter operations, event planning logistics, BEO systems, or diagramming tools.
• Creative thinker with ability to tailor experiences to client needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel locally for meetings, tours, and events.
• Must be able to conduct frequent on-site tours of boats, docks, and venue spaces.
• Occasional standing, walking, lifting materials up to 25 lbs., and performing event-related duties as needed.
• Work includes evenings, weekends, and peak seasonal periods based on business demands.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive base salary plus commission or bonus structure.
• Opportunities for career growth.
• Team-oriented work culture with a passion for fun and commitment to excellence.
• Full Benefits Package:
• Personal Time Off
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company-provided Life and AD&D for employee, spouse and child(ren)
• Voluntary life insurance, STD, LTD, Accident and Critical Illness plans
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Holiday schedule & time off
• Employee discounts across Gage Marine’s lifestyle brands

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Gage Marine Corporation is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, compensation, and benefits, are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.