Event Sales Executive (Maternity Cover) - FTC in Ascot

Event Sales Executive (Maternity Cover) - FTC

Who we are

Welcome to Ascot where tradition meets innovation and excitement is the heartbeat of our business.

We are a destination for over 500,000 guests each year where passion, elegance, and celebration converge, and it is our team of behind‑the‑scenes heroes that bring every intricate detail to life.

As one of the world's leading racecourses, Ascot is renowned for its rich heritage spanning over 300 years. But we are not bound by the past; we're driven by the pursuit of excellence in everything we do.

From hosting our flagship event, Royal Ascot, to pioneering sustainable practices, we are committed to building a global lifestyle brand, wrapped around the world‑class horse racing we stage.

At Ascot we believe in preserving the beauty of our surroundings and minimising our ecological footprint. From eco‑friendly initiatives to community engagement programs, we strive to make a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of those around us.

What we are looking for

We are seeking an Event Sales Executive – Maternity Cover, based on a full‑time Fixed Term Contract on site at Ascot Racecourse.

To pro‑actively sell Ascot Event’s products and services, to existing and new customers. Focusing on the conversion of new business and development and nurturing MICE agency accounts, in order to generate new business.

Maximising revenue opportunity via a thorough and innovative approach. Consistently delivering a best‑in‑class experience to all our customers.

To support the team, being a reference point for Ascot Events, leading by example and displaying a positive, engaged and motivated work ethic.

This is a full time, temporary role for 12 months from August 2026.

What you’ll be doing

• To achieve sales targets and maximise sales through all sales channels.
• To maximise revenue and profit through the implementation of a sales activity plan, by account managing MICE agents and selling to clients and key accounts. Via face‑to‑face meetings, calling and personal contacts. Through use of a sales platform and commercial management techniques (CRM, LinkedIn and other management tools).
• Be fully responsible for the conversion of incoming enquiries allocated to you to confirmed bookings.
• Ensure all incoming enquires are responded to within 4 hours of receivership, by phone call and followed by a written proposal within 24hours, or an agreed time scale with the client/agent with an overall 25% conversion rate.
• To regularly engage with existing and lapsed accounts/agents and build an account development strategy to ensure retention and growth.
• To research and identify new market and existing account opportunities.
• Assist in preparing sales collateral and presentation materials.
• Ensure the enquiry call process supports ARL delivery standard and KPI’s are achieved.
• To maintain accurate records on prospects through the venue management system TripleSeat.
• To log all enquiries in TripleSeat and ensure all associated revenue tracking documents are up to date.
• To be aware of competitor pricing, understand the dynamics of the local market and the demand generators, and the effect this has on profit.
• Actively participate in local networking groups and relevant trade bodies.
• Build and manage a vibrant, long‑term network of relationships with individuals from multiple market segments.
• In conjunction with all relevant partners ensure that the levels of Customer Service are market leading.
• Be actively involved (when required) in the race day hosting and client entertaining activities.
• To continuously demonstrate The Ascot Way i.e. act as a role model through the Ascot values to provide the best possible customer service where delivery is always maintained.
• To undertake special duties or work outside the normal daily / weekly routine but within the overall scope of the position at the request of the Senior Management Team.
• Support Racedays as applicable
• Development of the role to be proactive
• Supporting the Events team on an ADHOC basis.
• Such other duties as the Company may, at times, reasonably require.

Skills and experience you can bring

• Demonstrable experience in a sales environment preferably within Events
• Understanding and experience of cold calling and selling to agents, corporates, and private individuals
• Competence with Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and a Customer Relations Management system
• Exceptional presentation and negotiation skills
• Ambitious
• Ability to work under pressure and to agreed timelines
• Thinks on her / his feet
• Is a strong and convincing communicator
• Sales Focus: Targets; is target driven and recognises the need to hit and exceed through effective selling at all levels
• Task Management: Planning/organising; identifies what needs to be done to achieve objectives, prioritising key issues, organising short term activity and planning to ensure all tasks will be achieved
• Thinking Style: Decision Making; weighs up a situation in order to judge what course of action should or should not, be followed and to take a clear decision accordingly.
• People Skills: Communication; listens to what others have to say and communicates ones’ own ideas/information in an appropriate manner to ensure all parties maintain a full and up to date understanding. Influencing; convinces others to a course of action through the application of an understanding of the politics of a situation, building a strong and assertive case and making an impact
• Coaching: ability to combine both communication and influencing skills to aid in the development of others
• Personal Style: Adaptability; ability to respond appropriately to changing circumstances, adapting ones’ plans as necessary, to ensure change is implemented effectively. Drive; a competitive drive to achieve results to the highest standard and the commitment and courage to see things through despite obstacles or setbacks
• Business Focus: Customer focus; manage customer relationships (internal/external), developing a professional relationship in order to identify needs and deliver a quality service. Commercial awareness; applies own understanding of the organisation and the external environment to make sound commercial judgments and identifies ways of improving effectiveness

What you can expect from us

• A best‑in‑class welcome with a tailored induction and racecourse tour, as well as a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
• Access to a range of wellbeing support for yourself and your family including a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Healthcare support app with 24/7 virtual GP access
• Opportunity to make an impact in our volunteer week with a day out of the office to support local community and charity partners
• End of year offices closed (extra 2 days annual leave added to your entitlement)
• Clothing and hat hire
• Complimentary race day entry for friends and family
• Exclusive discounts in local shops and cafes
• Exclusive discounts from selected partner brands and suppliers

And let’s not forget, invitations to our monthly social nights as well as annual parties and afternoon teas to celebrate our most special occasions throughout the year.

What sets us apart from the rest

We take pride in our commitments to make a positive change for now and future generations to come, whether through our Diversity and Inclusion strategy and training programmes, our award‑winning ‘Racing To Zero’ sustainability actions, or our forward‑thinking employee benefits including flexible working and menopause policies, as well as health and EAP support access.

We are also proud of our community outreach which includes a volunteering week for all employees to spend time supporting local charities.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision

We are committed to ensuring guests from all backgrounds and communities feel welcome at the Racecourse and are working to ensure our internal teams are nurtured within a supportive and inclusive environment. Our mission is to eliminate discrimination and prejudice of any kind at our venue and throughout our business. By educating and implementing meaningful actions across all that we do, we can make certain that Ascot is a place for everyone to enjoy. As an equal opportunities employer, Ascot Racecourse is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our company.