Venue Sales and Business Development Manager

Here at AIS, we have an exciting opportunity available for a Venue Sales and Business Development Manager to join our Events team based in Solihull. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary, depending on experiencealong with the opportunity to participate in a Sales Target Commission Scheme.

AIS is the UK’s and Ireland’s leading fashion, home and leisure buying group with a membership of 280 independent department stores and specialist retailers. We’re a membership of buying power, creativity and expertise!

As our Venue Sales and Business Development Manager you will be responsible to drive sales growth and maximise the earning potential of Cranmore Park by securing new business, developing long-term client relationships, and delivering exceptional event experiences. The role combines proactive business development with strategic account management to ensure strong pipeline conversion, repeat bookings, and long-term profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Head of Events to develop and deliver a proactive sales strategy to grow venue revenue, explore new markets, and maximise space utilisation.
• Proactively identify and convert new business opportunities across exhibitions, conferences, hospitality, meetings, and experiential events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporates, agencies, associations, and local business networks to drive awareness and bookings.
• Manage key accounts and lead the rebook process to maximise repeat business and client loyalty.
• Be the face of Cranmore Park and represent AIS at networking events, client meetings, and industry showcases, strengthening the venue’s market profile.
• Proactively and reactively prepare and present tailored proposals, pitches, and contracts, ensuring commercial viability and competitive positioning.
• Organise FAM trips and work collaboratively with internal teams (Facilities, Catering, Marketing, IT, Finance) to ensure smooth event delivery and a seamless client journey.
• Provide accurate sales forecasting, pipeline reporting, and performance insights to the Head of Events.
• Monitor competitor activity, market trends, and client insights to inform sales strategies and maximise growth opportunities.
• Contribute to the development of the annual events calendar and provide support with INDX trade show schedules.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on sales activity, and ROI for all sales efforts.
• Undertake any other duties that may be required by the company.

Experience

• Proven track record in pro-active sales and business development, within the venue, event, and/or hospitality sector.
• Strong networker with the ability to build lasting client and agency relationships.
• Commercially astute with experience of delivering against revenue targets and managing budgets.
• Results-driven, self-motivated, and resilient, with excellent negotiation and closing skills.
• Creative and client-focused, able to design bespoke event solutions and deliver exceptional experiences.

Skills

• Strong organisational and multitasking skills, thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Solid negotiation and time management skills.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-motivated with strong leadership skills, able to motivate and lead a team, with a real focus on delivering results and constantly driving improvements.
• Ability to interpret consumer insights and market trends within the events space.
• Clear understanding and delivery of core events KPIs and delivering profitable accounts.
• A keen eye for detail and an assertive, confident approach.
• Personable and approachable creative talent with charisma and the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Work seamlessly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Well-developed questioning and probing skills with an analytical approach enabling the interpretation of answers.
• Experience in effectively communicating priorities, delivery expectations, risks and concerns to management.
• IT literate – Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), a CRM or Event Management system, Internet and social media.
• Experience of using Momentus (formerly Ungerboeck) Event Management system or similar desirable.
• Driving license is essential.

Benefits| Rewards| Wellbeing

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (in a full leave year, prorata for part time employees).
• Opportunity to participate in a Sales Target Commission Scheme.
• Opportunity to buy additional annual leave (up to 5 days per leave year).
• Birthday leave – no one should work on their birthday so have the day off on us!
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing Scheme & Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Charity / volunteering Leave.
• Free employee parking.
• Onsite catering service (subsidised rate for employees).
• Access to discounts and staff sales.
• Employee engagement calendar and activities throughout the year.

If you feel you have the skills and experience needed to become theVenue Sales and Business Development Managerat AIS then please click ‘apply’ today! We’d love to hear from you.