Sales Manager

Sales Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Akabo Media

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive revenue by selling exhibition space and managing key accounts.
  • Company: Join Akabo Media, a fast-growing B2B events and media business in the UK.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate across teams and mentor junior members in a vibrant setting.
  • Why this job: Play a key role in ambitious growth plans and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 4+ years in B2B exhibition sales with a proven track record.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

About the role

Akabo Media is one of the fastest-growing B2B events and media businesses in the UK, with a portfolio that includes IntraLogisteX, Supply Chain Excellence Awards, Logistics Manager, Road User Charging and Aurora Insights. Our UK exhibition is now firmly established as the leading event in its sector. The next phase is ambitious:

  • Scale the UK show significantly
  • Double our US business
  • Launch and grow new international exhibitions

We are looking for a Sales Manager – Exhibitions to play a central role in delivering that growth.

This is not an account management role. It is a revenue-driving sales role. You will be responsible for delivering and exceeding revenue targets across a portfolio of international exhibitions, while helping to improve sales performance across the wider team. This is a senior, hands-on role. You will lead from the front — closing deals, managing key accounts and driving commercial outcomes.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

  • Driving Revenue
    • Deliver and exceed your personal sales target across multiple exhibitions
    • Sell exhibition space, sponsorship and associated packages
    • Maintain a strong pipeline and consistent deal flow
    • Take ownership of key accounts and high-value opportunities
  • Sales Strategy & Execution
    • Work with the Head of Sales to shape strategy across specific events
    • Identify new business opportunities and bring new exhibitors into the portfolio
    • Build tailored, commercially compelling proposals
    • Lead negotiations and close deals efficiently
  • Exhibitor Growth & Retention
    • Drive rebooking and long-term client relationships
    • Ensure exhibitors understand and achieve ROI
    • Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities across the portfolio
  • Performance & Accountability
    • Maintain accurate forecasting and pipeline reporting
    • Work to clear KPIs around activity, conversion and revenue
    • Continuously improve personal performance and conversion rates
  • Team Contribution
    • Support and mentor junior sales team members
    • Help set standards around pipeline discipline, pace and output
    • Share best practice and contribute to overall team performance
  • Cross-Team Collaboration

    You will work closely with:

    • Marketing (lead generation and campaign alignment)
    • Content (programme-led commercial opportunities)
    • Operations (delivery and exhibitor experience)

    This is a fully integrated commercial role.

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience
    • 4+ years’ experience in B2B exhibition or event sales
    • Proven track record of hitting and exceeding revenue targets
    • Experience managing key accounts and closing larger deals
    • International sales exposure is a strong advantage
  • Mindset
    • Commercially driven — focused on revenue and results
    • Competitive and target-oriented
    • Comfortable working at pace in a growing business
    • Hands-on — willing to pick up the phone and sell
    • Resilient and consistent
  • Skills
    • Strong negotiation and closing ability
    • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
    • Comfortable managing multiple deals simultaneously
    • Proficient with CRM systems, pipeline management, reporting tools

Why This Role Matters

We are entering a critical growth phase. Over the next 12–18 months, we will:

  • Grow our UK exhibition significantly
  • Scale the US business
  • Launch and build new international events

This role is central to delivering that growth.

Sales Manager employer: Akabo Media

Akabo Media is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation in the B2B events sector. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead from the front, driving significant revenue growth while collaborating with a passionate team. Our culture encourages ambition and resilience, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly expanding company.
Akabo Media

Contact Detail:

Akabo Media Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with fellow sales professionals, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your pitch! Whether it’s in front of a mirror or with friends, make sure you can confidently sell yourself and your skills. Remember, you’re not just selling products; you’re selling your ability to drive revenue.

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up! After meeting someone or applying for a role, drop them a quick message to express your interest. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar. Plus, who doesn’t love a friendly reminder?

✨Tip Number 4

Check out our website for openings! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Applying directly through our site gives you the best chance to stand out and show us what you’ve got!

We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager

Revenue Generation
Sales Strategy Development
Negotiation Skills
Closing Ability
Key Account Management
B2B Sales Experience
Pipeline Management
CRM Proficiency
Communication Skills
Relationship-Building Skills
Performance Tracking
Team Mentoring
Commercial Acumen
International Sales Exposure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in B2B exhibition sales and any achievements that showcase your ability to exceed revenue targets. We want to see how you can drive results!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've closed deals and managed key accounts. Show us your commercial mindset and how you can contribute to our ambitious growth plans.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your negotiation skills and relationship-building abilities. Mention any experience with CRM systems and pipeline management, as these are crucial for the role. We love seeing candidates who are organised and proactive!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Akabo Media

✨Know Your Numbers

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with your past sales figures and achievements. Be ready to discuss how you’ve exceeded targets in previous roles, as this will show your potential employer that you can deliver results.

✨Research the Company

Dive deep into Akabo Media’s portfolio and understand their exhibitions. Knowing their key events and recent successes will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Prepare for Role-Specific Scenarios

Think about specific situations where you’ve had to negotiate deals or manage key accounts. Prepare to share these stories during the interview, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to drive revenue.

✨Show Your Team Spirit

Since this role involves mentoring junior team members and collaborating across departments, be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to team success in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve shared best practices or supported colleagues.

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