Commercial Development Manager in London

Department: Venue

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: A hybrid new business role responsible for driving revenue across both the Hospitality and Conferences & Events departments. The position blends direct sales with strategic commercial development – converting inbound leads while leading proactive outbound initiatives, building a strong network of buyers and industry contacts, uncovering new revenue opportunities, and taking ownership of assigned revenue‐driving initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Driving new revenue through a mix of inbound and outbound sales, consistently meeting targets and KPIs. Focusing 85% on Hospitality and 15% on Conference & Events, working across both sales teams while managing one direct report.
• Partnering with the Senior Sales Manager to plan and deliver outbound sales campaigns across both departments, ensuring activity is well‐targeted, measurable and effectively executed, and supporting Sales Executives with guidance and follow‐up.
• Taking ownership of assigned new business initiatives and growth projects set by the Head of Sales, identifying opportunities to expand existing revenue streams, develop new ones, and presenting clear, data‐driven recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Building and maintaining a strong pipeline of prospects using sales tools and insights, working with Sales Operations to identify emerging markets, analyse buyer trends, and design outreach strategies for both personal and team activity.
• Representing the Club at key industry events to build relationships and uncover opportunities, developing a networking calendar for the wider team, identifying priority events and ensuring strong follow‐up on leads generated.

Performance Measures

• Achievement of individual sales targets and key performance indicators.
• Year‐on‐year growth in outbound‐generated revenue across both Hospitality and Conference & Events.
• Delivery of revenue objectives for assigned commercial projects and initiatives.
• Effective management, development, and performance of the Senior Commercial Executive.

Qualifications

• Degree in Business, Event Management or a related field – desirable but not required.
• Recognised sales training or qualifications – a bonus, though not essential.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years' experience in sales within sports, entertainment, or premium hospitality.
• Proven success in driving revenue through outbound sales and proactive business development.
• At least 2 years' direct line management experience, with a track record of developing and motivating sales talent.
• Strong history of building and leveraging client relationships and networks to generate new business and long‐term revenue growth.

Skills & Behaviours

• Strong negotiator with excellent pipeline management and a proven record of converting high‐value prospects.
• Commercially minded, strategic, and proactive in identifying and developing new revenue opportunities.
• Collaborative team player who works seamlessly across departments to drive aligned sales and marketing activity.
• Skilled relationship‐builder with a strong network mindset, able to create and nurture partnerships that drive revenue and long‐term growth.
• Results‐driven, self‐motivated, and accountable for consistently exceeding targets.
• Innovative and commercially creative, confident challenging convention to find new ways to grow.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (+ bank holidays). After three years' service, annual leave increases to 28 days.
• Pension contribution 5%.
• Life assurance 4 × base salary.
• Private healthcare through Vitality.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Chelsea Ticket Membership Programme – 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 Programme, 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. We give 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 are fully committed to ensuring the safety and well‐being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). Successful applicants may be required to complete a DBS check prior to starting employment.

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.