Business Development Manager in Dorking

UKi Media & Events, part of Closerstill Media, is one of the world’s most respected organisers of specialist exhibitions and publishers of leading industry magazines. For more than three decades, we’ve delivered authoritative content and market-defining events across the automotive, aerospace, transport and technology sectors. Our brands are known for their innovation, global reach and deep industry relevance, and our teams pride themselves on creating high-value experiences for exhibitors, delegates, and readers alike. Joining UKi means becoming part of a collaborative, fast-moving organisation that encourages creativity, commercial ambition and professional growth.

We’re looking for an ambitious Business Development Manager to join our North America team and drive the growth of our automotive events portfolio. Based in North America, you'll have a background in the events and/or automotive sector and be a self-starter who excels at sourcing, nurturing, and closing your own sales pipeline. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, commercially astute, and keen to immerse themselves in the supply side of the automotive, agriculture, and off-highway industries. You'll report to the Event Directors and work as part of the UKi Sales team. This is a new business role focused on selling booth space and sponsorships across three co-located shows at The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan (27-29 October 2026).

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage day-to-day sales across the shows
• Lead by example - responsible for delivering personal sales targets across the events
• Proactively deliver the show strategy across new and existing business
• Deliver the campaign strategy as set out by the Event Directors, exceeding show targets including overall numbers of exhibitors, exhibitor mix, stand sales, sponsorship inventory, yield, and sponsorship revenues
• Ensure the sales plan is being delivered on target and budget, and that activity targets (outbound call volumes and face-to-face meetings) are met
• Visit and canvas at competitor and industry events, developing a systematic understanding of and monitoring of competitors
• Manage the prospect database to ensure it is constantly updated and fit for purpose in line with the company’s CRM policy
• Ensure a constant high quality of delivery in all prospect, exhibitor, and partner communication, ensuring the message is on point
• Work with, collaborate with, and support the US-based Content Manager in identifying and sourcing companies for exhibiting or sponsoring content streams within Vehicle Tech Week

Brands

• Execute the Event Director & team’s strategy and objectives outlined in the event’s business plan
• With the Event Director, develop an exhibitor campaign strategy including vertical and horizontal activity
• Ensure you are regularly out meeting customers, prospects, and event partners (at least one day every fortnight)
• Ensure that the exhibitor marketing strategy is delivered, monitored, and analysed
• Identify, implement, and manage profitable show features
• Monitor and report competitor activity, taking actions where necessary
• Get close to your market, understand its trends, and develop your event around it

Financial

• Maintain an accurate stand and sponsorship ledger
• Regularly reconcile sales ledger, accounting ledgers, and CRM sales logs
• Provide a monthly report and forecast on show revenues, contribution, manpower, and actions being taken for the shows to achieve the budget

Relationships

• Foster positive and professional relationships with key suppliers, associations, media, and commercial partners

About You

• A proven background in the events and/or automotive sector
• A strong track record of solid sales growth and revenue generation
• Excellent customer relationship skills
• The ability to source, nurture, and close your own pipeline/sales leads
• A self-starter mentality with the drive to exceed targets
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Commercial awareness and understanding of the automotive, agriculture, and off-highway industries
• Experience managing CRM systems and sales pipelines
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Confidence-building relationships with senior stakeholders and industry partners
• Willingness to travel regularly for client meetings and industry events

CSM do not offer sponsorship for this role. CloserStill Media reserves the right to request a DBS or credit check should the role require it.

Diversity and Inclusion

CloserStill Media embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to continuing to develop a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment based on merit without attention to age, ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status or disability status. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage, don't hesitate to get in touch with our HR team at hr@closerstillmedia.com.