Sales Manager FTC 12 Months (JR102569)

At Clarion, our people are at the absolute heart of what we do. We’re proud that our core values of PASSION, CARE, IMAGINATION, and TRUST define the way we carry out our work across all of our exhibitions and conferences. If you share our values and want to be a part of a successful, dynamic, and creative global business then we want to hear from you.

The Opportunity: Solar & Wind Europe (SWE) is the European edition of Infocast’s highly successful Solar + Wind Finance & Investment Summit USA - the leading US event for renewable energy deal‑making and investment. Launching in Europe, SWE will bring together the continent’s most influential investors, developers, lenders, utilities, policymakers and technology innovators to drive collaboration and unlock the next wave of solar and wind energy growth.

Building on the US event’s reputation as “where business gets done”, SWE will serve as the premier European platform for clean‑energy finance and investment, offering deep insight into evolving market dynamics, financing structures, policy frameworks and risk strategies shaping the energy transition. Through high‑level discussions, in‑depth case studies and curated networking opportunities, SWE will connect capital with opportunity, accelerating Europe’s journey toward energy independence, resilience and net‑zero.

Why Join SWE:

• Lead the commercial growth of Europe’s premier renewable energy finance event.
• Manage a talented team while engaging directly with the global investors and developers driving the energy transition.
• Gain strategic exposure across event production, marketing and operations – building the experience base for a future Conference Director role.
• Join Clarion Events, one of the world’s leading event organisers, and be part of a dynamic, purpose‑driven team shaping the future of renewable energy finance.

Purpose of the Role: The Sales Manager will lead the commercial strategy, sales execution and client relationships that underpin SWE’s sponsorship and exhibition revenue. This is a senior, hands‑on role combining strategic sales leadership, market insight and people management. You will manage a Sales Executive, drive performance through coaching and clear targets, and personally lead on key account engagement with senior sponsors and exhibitors.

This position is ideally suited to an ambitious commercial professional seeking to progress toward a Conference Director role, expanding their remit beyond sales into strategic event ownership, content alignment and brand leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sponsorship & Exhibitor Sales: Lead the end‑to‑end sales process for sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, from prospecting and proposal through to contract and delivery. Identify, approach and secure commercial partners including investors, developers, technology providers, advisory firms and corporate offtakers. Develop and maintain long‑term relationships with sponsors and exhibitors, ensuring measurable ROI through exposure, positioning and deal‑making opportunities. Collaborate with the Conference Director to design and price high‑value partnership packages that reflect market demand and deliver tangible outcomes. Produce tailored proposals and value propositions that communicate SWE’s unique access to Europe’s renewables finance ecosystem.
• Sales Team Management: Lead, motivate and develop a Sales Executive, ensuring individual and collective revenue targets are achieved or exceeded. Set clear sales goals, manage performance KPIs and provide regular coaching to strengthen consultative sales and negotiation skills. Monitor and maintain accurate sales pipelines, forecasts and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability. Recruit, train and onboard new team members as required, building a high‑performance, collaborative culture.
• Commercial Strategy & Market Intelligence: Develop and execute the sponsorship and exhibition sales strategy, setting targets and identifying growth opportunities across new sectors and regions. Monitor competitor activity and market developments to maintain SWE’s leadership in the renewable’s investment event space. Contribute to the development of innovative partnership formats such as Investor Lounges, Project Showcases and Strategic Partner Sessions to enhance sponsor value and engagement. Work cross‑functionally with the Content, Marketing and Operations teams to align commercial activity with audience and brand strategy.
• Client Management & Event Delivery: Serve as the key contact for all sponsors and exhibitors before, during and after the event, ensuring flawless delivery of their packages. Coordinate internally to guarantee all sponsor entitlements such as branding, speaking opportunities and networking access are executed to a high standard. Attend industry events, briefings and networking receptions to build relationships, promote SWE and identify new opportunities. Gather post‑event insights and ROI data to support renewals and long‑term partnerships.

Key Outcomes:

• Achievement and consistent overperformance of sponsorship and exhibitor revenue targets.
• Strong leadership and development of the Sales Executive.
• Growth in both the volume and value of commercial partnerships year‑on‑year.
• High client retention and satisfaction, supported by tangible ROI metrics.
• Proven strategic contribution positioning the individual for progression into a Conference Director role.

Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours:

• Proven success in B2B event sponsorship or exhibition sales, ideally within energy, finance or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong leadership experience able to manage, coach and inspire sales teams to achieve targets.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation and relationship‑building skills with senior executives and decision‑makers.
• Strong understanding of ROI‑based sponsorship models and the commercial dynamics of conferences or investment forums.
• Highly organised with strong CRM, reporting and forecasting abilities.
• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset – able to identify opportunities, refine propositions and close complex deals.
• Clear communicator with excellent written and verbal skills.
• Ambitious and commercially minded, seeking progression toward broader event leadership responsibilities.

About Clarion Events: Clarion Events is one of the world’s leading event organisers, producing and delivering innovative and market‑leading events since 1947. Clarion Events embraces diversity and equal opportunities in all that we do. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Clarion is private equity backed and owned by Blackstone – a leader in long‑term investment for building successful, resilient businesses. Our purpose is to deliver exceptional customer outcomes and experiences, by making every connection count. Our vision is for every one of our products to be a market leader in customer satisfaction and delight.

Benefits:

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• End of year wellbeing shutdown (closed for the last week of the year)
• Celebration day off (e.g. birthday, Diwali, Eid, etc)
• Summer hours in August (3pm finish on Fridays)
• Helping Our World (HOW) Days – one paid day per quarter to carry out charity work
• Pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Health cash plan
• Wellbeing library (MYNDUP)
• Mentoring programme
• Subsidised café
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle‑to‑work schemes
• Free on‑site gym and shower facilities
• Free eyesight tests
• Free flu vaccination – offered on site once a year for all employees