Real Estate Business Development Manager (Landlord Acquisition)

About Smart Suites

Smart Suites is redefining hospitality in Australia. From a few Brisbane homes in 2024, we have grown to managing 100+ short-term vacation rentals across Rocklea, Sunnybank, Acacia Ridge, Carina, and Kuraby, Queensland.

Guided by our core values Customer Obsession, Ownership, Curiosity, Humility, Efficiency, and Teamwork (COCHET), we use technology and automation to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Every stay we host is clean, comfortable, and personalized.

We are now expanding our offshore team in the Philippines to support our next phase of growth.

Why Join Us

• Competitive contractor rate: AUD 2,000 – 2,400/month ( negotiable)
• 100% remote engagement with an Australian client
• Direct impact on company growth through property acquisitions
• Exposure to international real estate and AI-enabled operations
• Collaborative, accountable, and fast-moving team environment

The Role

Smart Suites is seeking a Real Estate Business Development Manager who will take full ownership of converting qualified property leads into signed agreements.

This role goes beyond outreach. You will engage directly with landlords and property stakeholders, build trust in a new and often misunderstood business model, and guide conversations from initial skepticism to successful deal closure.

You will be responsible for managing a pipeline of opportunities, driving consistent follow-ups, and closing agreements that contribute directly to the company's expansion.

What You'll Do

• Own the full lifecycle of property acquisition, from initial contact to signed agreement
• Engage landlords, agents, and property stakeholders through calls, meetings, and follow-ups
• Build trust and credibility with stakeholders who may initially be skeptical or unfamiliar with the model
• Clearly explain and position Smart Suites' value proposition using structured communication
• Handle objections related to legality, operations, and commercial terms with confidence
• Maintain and actively manage a pipeline of qualified leads, ensuring consistent follow-through
• Conduct feasibility checks and collaborate with internal teams on site viability
• Negotiate lease terms, management agreements, or partnership structures
• Provide regular updates on pipeline status, risks, and conversion progress
• Coordinate handover of secured properties to operations and onboarding teams

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in business development, real estate, or commercial sales
• Proven ability to close deals, not just generate leads
• Strong confidence and presence in conversations with decision-makers
• Experience handling objections and navigating complex or skeptical stakeholders
• Ability to manage long sales cycles with persistence and structured follow-ups
• Strong English communication skills, especially in verbal discussions and negotiations
• Experience working with Western clients or in international environments
• Familiarity with CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho) for pipeline tracking
• Organized, self-driven, and capable of managing multiple opportunities independently
• Comfortable using digital tools for reporting, research, and communication

Preferred (but not required)

• Lived, studied, or worked overseas
• Experience in real estate, property management, or landlord engagement
• Exposure to Australian property or leasing environments

What Success Looks Like

• You confidently engage landlords who initially question or hesitate to proceed
• You are able to build trust and move conversations forward despite objections
• You consistently follow through on leads and maintain momentum in your pipeline
• You convert opportunities into signed agreements that contribute to company growth
• You operate with ownership, requiring minimal follow-up or supervision

Engagement Details

• Type: Independent Contractor (not employment)
• Compensation: AUD 2,000 – 2,400/month (all-inclusive rate)
• Schedule: Full-time, 5 days per week, with flexibility based on business needs

Selection Process

1. Initial Discussion with VargasAndrews (30 to 45 minutes)
A conversation to understand your background, experience, and motivation. You will also learn more about the engagement and expectations.

2. Technical Live Assessment with the Client (60 to 90 minutes)
A practical session focused on sales conversations, lead handling, and negotiation scenarios.

3. Behavioral Interview with the Client (60 minutes)
Focus on communication style, trust-building approach, and alignment with team values.

4. Pre-Engagement Steps (10 to 15 minutes)

• IT Audit
• Reference Check

5. Meet the Founder (30 to 60 minutes)
A final conversation to discuss fit, expectations, and long-term alignment.