At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales for exciting events and build strong client relationships across unique venues.
- Company: Join Merlin Venues UK, a leader in the events and hospitality sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, competitive salary, and exclusive Merlin passes for you and your loved ones.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with ongoing training and development.
- Why this job: Drive revenue growth while working in a dynamic environment with endless opportunities.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in event sales, strong leadership skills, and a knack for building relationships.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Chessington World of Adventures or Thorpe Park Resort
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, salaried
We are looking for a commercially driven Event Sales Manager with a passion for events and client relationships to lead sales across our Merlin Venues UK portfolio. In this senior role, you will be responsible for driving revenue growth, delivering against ambitious targets, and developing strong relationships with agencies, corporate clients and key partners. You will lead the creation and execution of proactive sales strategies, manage and grow key accounts, and maximise cross-selling and upselling opportunities across a diverse and unique venue portfolio.
You will take ownership of the UK sales pipeline, leading campaigns, activity planning, and performance tracking, while providing clear reporting, insights, and forecasting. Alongside this, you will play a key role in coaching and developing Sales Executives, ensuring a high-performing, commercially focused team with strong conversion and best-practice sales approaches.
With a strong focus on operational excellence, you will champion effective CRM usage, maintain accurate data, and support seamless collaboration with operational teams to ensure outstanding event delivery. You will also stay close to market trends and competitor activity, aligning client needs with the most suitable venue solutions, while representing Merlin Venues UK at key industry events and networking opportunities.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a sales role within the events, hospitality, or venue sector
- Proven track record of delivering and exceeding revenue targets in an event sales environment
- Experience managing and selling across multiple venues or a diverse portfolio
- Demonstrated line management experience, with the ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing sales teams
- Strong key account management experience with corporate clients and agencies
- Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to identify and maximise revenue opportunities
- Confident in leading client pitches, negotiations, and high-value conversations
- Strong organisational skills with experience managing pipelines, forecasts, and CRM systems
- Effective communicator with strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
Benefits
- A competitive annual salary
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes - 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
- Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
- Company bonus
- Private pension scheme
- 40% discount online off LEGO
- 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Plus, many more…
Pay Range
Competitive
Event Sales Manager UK employer: Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Chessington World of Adventures Resort is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and technical skills thrive. As an AV Technician Apprentice, you will benefit from a structured 24-month programme that not only enhances your practical abilities but also provides opportunities for personal growth within a vibrant team dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this role allows you to engage with industry professionals while enjoying the unique atmosphere of a leading entertainment destination.
Contact Details:
Chessington World of Adventures Resort Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Sales Manager UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with people in the events and hospitality sector. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, share your past successes and how you’ve driven revenue growth. Use real examples to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like us at Merlin Venues UK, and express your interest in potential roles. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it fresh! Stay updated on market trends and competitor activities. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Event Sales Manager UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Events:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for events shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Merlin Venues UK. Share specific experiences that highlight your love for creating memorable events.
Highlight Your Sales Achievements:Make sure to showcase your proven track record in sales. We’re looking for someone who can drive revenue growth, so include numbers and examples of how you've exceeded targets in previous roles. This will help us see your potential impact!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Event Sales Manager role. Mention specific skills and experiences that relate directly to the job description, showing us why you’re the perfect fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
✨Know Your Venues
Familiarise yourself with the unique features and offerings of each venue in the Merlin portfolio. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also allow you to suggest tailored solutions during your interview, showcasing your understanding of client needs.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of how you've exceeded sales targets in previous roles. Use metrics and figures to illustrate your achievements, as this will demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to drive revenue growth effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in coaching and developing sales teams. Share anecdotes that highlight your leadership style and how you've motivated your team to achieve high performance, as this is crucial for the Event Sales Manager role.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Research current trends in the events and hospitality sector. Being able to discuss these trends and how they impact client needs will show your proactive approach and strategic thinking, which are essential for success in this position.
