Commercial Development Executive - Conference & Events

DEPARTMENT: Conference & Events

LOCATION: Stamford Bridge, working remotely as necessary. Travel throughout the UK on an ad-hoc basis.

CONTRACT: Permanent, 35 hours any 5 of 7

Job Function: To drive new business into the Conferences & Events division by building and developing relationships with both agents and corporates, strengthening client retention while creating new revenue opportunities. The role also leads on outbound sales campaigns and supports key activations to generate demand and enhance market reach.

Closing date: 1st January. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

Job Function:

• Drive new business into our venue, proactively promoting and selling our event spaces and non-match day experiences at Stamford Bridge.
• Building and developing current & new relationships with agents and corporates to enhance client retention and new business opportunities.
• Proactively identifying and implementing new concepts and growth strategies.

Responsibilities:

• New Business: Driving new event bookings through predominantly outbound sales activity while also supporting on inbound enquiries, consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets and KPIs.
• Prospecting: Proactively sourcing new prospects through outreach, using available tools, data and targeted research, and qualifying leads to prioritise high-value opportunities.
• Outbound Strategy: Working with our sales manager to lead on the team’s outbound sales campaigns from planning through to tracking and reporting, ensuring consistent and measurable performance.
• Activations & Networking: Owning our activations, trade shows and networking strategy, working with the Sales Manager to ensure each initiative is fully supported by the sales team.
• Agency Relationships: Building new partnerships with event agencies while managing key existing agents, expanding our network to ensure full market coverage.
• Event Support: Providing ad-hoc support to Event Managers to ensure smooth and professional delivery of events.
• Matchday Support: Offering occasional operational or sales support to the Club Chelsea hospitality team on matchdays.

Measures of Performance:

• Consistently hitting all sales targets and KPIs.
• Leading the delivery of new revenue opportunities and product offerings — from research through to execution.
• Building a high-performing agent network that delivers strong revenue on commission terms favourable to the business.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Experience: Proven outbound sales experience in a Conferences & Events role within a venue is essential; experience in a stadium, hotel or large multi-purpose venue is particularly advantageous. Minimum of 3 years’ B2B sales experience required. Strong history of building and leveraging relationships and networks to drive revenue growth.
• Qualifications: A degree in Business, Event Management or a related field – Desirable but not required. Recognised sales/events/hospitality training or qualifications – a bonus, though not essential.

Skills and Behaviours:

• Strong negotiator with sharp pipeline management skills and a proven ability to close deals efficiently.
• Commercially minded and proactive in identifying new opportunities, without losing sight of immediate targets.
• Clear, confident communicator across all stakeholder levels - able to win buy-in internally and externally.
• Results-driven, highly motivated, and committed to exceeding both personal and team targets.
• Quick thinker with strong initiative and confident negotiation instincts.
• Natural innovator with a boundary-pushing, “why not” mentality.
• Self-sufficient and accountable, while also being a strong team player.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (+ Bank Holidays). After three years’ service, AL days increase to 28.
• Pension Contribution (5%).
• Life Assurance (4 x base salary).
• Private healthcare through Vitality.
• C2W (Cycle to Work scheme).
• Chelsea Ticket Membership Program – enables employees to purchase tickets for home games 49 days prior to the match.
• Free staff lunches at Stamford Bridge (Mon-Fri).
• Discount on club and club-affiliated products (Megastore, Nike 25% discount, Stadium Tours, onsite bar/restaurant etc).
• Employee Assistance Program, Mental Health first aiders and a strong well-being community.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC and the Foundation is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.