Business Development Manager

Homes by Villatel is expanding its vacation rental portfolio along Florida’s Space Coast, and we are looking for a driven, self-directed Business Development Manager to lead that growth from the ground up. This is not an entry-level or administrative role. We are looking for a seasoned hospitality or real estate sales professional who thrives in a field-based, relationship-driven environment and is motivated by the direct financial upside of building something new. This role owns the full acquisition lifecycle: identifying properties and prospective owners, qualifying them against Homes by Villatel standards, presenting our program, and executing management agreements. Once a contract is signed, this individual leads the owner through onboarding before handing the ongoing relationship to the operations team. As the portfolio matures, this role is expected to evolve into a Florida-wide position with a primary focus on the Orlando corridor, making geographic adaptability and market curiosity a core requirement from day one. The Business Development Manager works in close collaboration with site leadership, Villatel’s broker network, and the Homes by Villatel executive team. The role operates under the day-to-day direction of the local General Manager, who guides business development strategy, provides in-market support and ensures field-level coordination, while reporting to the Head of Operations, who owns performance management, goal-setting, and strategic direction for the position. This is a high-visibility individual contributor role with significant income potential tied directly to portfolio performance. Position Responsibilities Owner & Property Acquisition Proactively identify, research, and pursue prospective homeowner partners throughout Brevard County and the broader Space Coast corridor, including Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and surrounding communities. Evaluate properties against Homes by Villatel tier standards (Premier, Signature, Luxe) prior to outreach, ensuring time is invested in qualified opportunities. Conduct property walk-throughs and owner consultations to present the HBV value proposition, differentiate from competitors, and address objections. Manage the full pipeline from cold outreach through executed Property Management Agreement (PMA), maintaining consistent and professional communication throughout. Develop and execute a personal prospecting strategy that includes door-to-door outreach, direct mail, digital prospecting, referral development, and event-based networking. Negotiate contract terms in alignment with HBV standards and escalate to leadership where appropriate. Lead the executed owner through a structured Homes by Villatel onboarding, introducing them to operational leadership and systems, then formally transfer the relationship to the operations team — ensuring continuity and a clean property launch. Market Presence & Community Networking Establish and maintain an active, recognizable presence throughout the Space Coast market — chambers of commerce, real estate boards, investor groups, HOA networks, and STR-adjacent community organizations. Build a referral pipeline through real estate agents, mortgage brokers, attorneys, title companies, and local business leaders who regularly interact with vacation rental property owners. Monitor competitor activity, new property listings, ownership changes, and market trends to surface acquisition opportunities before they go to competitors. Represent Homes by Villatel at relevant trade events, expos, and community functions as a brand ambassador. Maintain meticulous and current records in HubSpot for all prospect activity, outreach, follow-up, and pipeline status. Record-keeping discipline is non-negotiable in this role. Report weekly to the Homes by Villatel executive team on pipeline health, outreach volume, conversion rates, and market intelligence. Track and communicate estimated contract value and projected revenue impact for pipeline opportunities. Draft outreach communications, proposals, and follow-up correspondence consistent with HBV brand standards. Cross-Functional Collaboration Coordinate with Operations, Revenue, and Marketing teams to ensure a seamless handoff and timely property launch. Provide field-level market intelligence to inform revenue strategy, comp set analysis, and expansion planning. Contribute to Homes by Villatel growth planning conversations and represent the Space Coast acquisition pipeline in leadership reviews. Qualifications 4–7 years of experience in business development, hospitality sales, real estate sales, or property management — with a demonstrable track record of prospecting, pitching, and closing. Experience in short-term rental management, vacation rental operations, hotel sales, or a closely adjacent hospitality field. This is not a role that accommodates a learning curve on the industry. Proven ability to build a pipeline from scratch through grassroots outreach — not just through inbound leads or warm introductions. Working knowledge of and genuine comfort with the Space Coast / Brevard County market, its communities, real estate landscape, and seasonal demand patterns. Proficiency in HubSpot CRM or a directly comparable platform. Candidates must demonstrate disciplined pipeline management and documentation habits. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Able to present professionally to property owners, negotiate contract terms, and represent the brand with confidence. Comfort with and willingness to travel up and down the Space Coast regularly, and to expand travel to Orlando and other Florida markets within the first year. Valid driver’s license; reliable personal vehicle required. Self-directed work ethic. This role operates with significant autonomy and requires someone who creates their own momentum. Villatel is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr