Commercial Manager

Job Summary:

The FUTR Event Commercial Manager is a leadership role responsible for driving the commercial strategy and revenue growth for FUTR’s events portfolio. This includes overseeing all aspects of sponsorship sales, exhibitor relations, partnerships, and business development for our high-profile, future-focused events. The Commercial Manager will work closely with the marketing, operations, and event teams to ensure that commercial goals are aligned with the company’s overall objectives while delivering exceptional value to clients and partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial Strategy and Leadership:

Revenue Generation:

• Develop and execute the overall commercial strategy for FUTR’s events, including sponsorships, partnerships, and exhibitor sales.
• Drive revenue growth by identifying and securing new business opportunities and maintaining existing relationships.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set and achieve commercial targets for each event.

Sales Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and mentor a high-performing commercial team, including sponsorship sales executives, and event sales support.
• Set clear goals and KPIs for the sales team and ensure they are met or exceeded.
• Monitor and manage the team’s performance, providing coaching and training to maximize results.

Partnership Development:

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key partners, sponsors, and exhibitors.
• Identify and approach potential new partners to enhance the value proposition for FUTR’s events.
• Develop bespoke sponsorship and partnership packages tailored to clients’ objectives, driving innovation in the commercial offerings.

Event Commercialisation:

• Sponsorship and Exhibitor Sales:
• Oversee the creation and sales of event sponsorship packages, ensuring they are compelling, high-value, and aligned with both client and event objectives.
• Identify and target high-value sponsors and exhibitors, negotiating contracts, and ensuring satisfaction and retention.
• Work closely with the event management team to ensure the seamless delivery of sponsor and exhibitor services before, during, and after the event.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Leverage industry connections to secure strategic partnerships that enhance the commercial success of events.
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to promote sponsorship and partnership opportunities effectively.

Event Program Integration:

• Collaborate with event producers and content teams to integrate commercial elements into the event program (such as sponsor talks, workshops, or branding opportunities).
• Identify new commercial opportunities within the event, such as networking sessions, VIP experiences, or digital activations.

Market and Industry Insight:

Market Research and Trends:

• Keep up to date with industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities to inform the commercial strategy.
• Use market intelligence to drive innovation in event commercialization, ensuring FUTR events remain at the forefront of the industry.

Client and Market Feedback:

• Regularly gather and assess client feedback to refine commercial offerings and ensure alignment with market needs and expectations.
• Conduct post-event reviews to evaluate commercial performance and identify areas for improvement.

Financial Management and Reporting:

Revenue and Budget Management:

• Oversee the budget for all commercial activities related to events, ensuring profitability while delivering exceptional value to clients.
• Track sales progress, and monitor financial metrics to ensure events meet or exceed revenue targets.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership on commercial performance, including key insights, forecasts, and recommendations.

Brand Growth and Market Presence:

Brand Positioning:

• Enhance FUTR’s position in the market as the premier platform for future-focused events through innovative commercial strategies.
• Elevate the visibility of FUTR’s events to attract top-tier sponsors, exhibitors, and partners.

Networking and Business Development:

• Attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and industry leaders.
• Represent FUTR at major events, fostering brand awareness and promoting business opportunities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Events, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 3-6 years of experience in a commercial or sales leadership role within the events or media sales industry, with a proven track record of revenue generation and partnership development.
• Strong background in sponsorship sales, exhibitor relations, and strategic partnerships.
• Experience managing large teams and working in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Exceptional sales and negotiation skills, with the ability to close high-value deals and manage long-term client relationships.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve commercial goals.
• In-depth understanding of the events industry and market trends.
• Ability to think strategically and identify new commercial opportunities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with senior clients, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Able to travel as required to attend events, client meetings, and industry conferences.
• A passion for the events industry and a drive to innovate and push the boundaries of commercial event strategies.