Head of Sales & Events / Director of Sales & Events in London

Head of Sales & Events / Director of Sales & Events in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Fastmarkets

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and innovate in sales strategy for exciting global events.
  • Company: Join Fastmarkets, a trusted leader in global commodities data and events.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Embrace a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with a focus on growth.
  • Qualifications: Strong B2B sales leadership experience and a passion for team success.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Fastmarkets is an industry-leading price-reporting agency (PRA) and information provider for global commodities, providing price data, news, analytics and events for the agriculture, forest products, metals and mining and new-generation energy markets. Fastmarkets' data is critical for customers seeking to understand and predict dynamic, sometimes opaque markets, enabling trading and risk management. Fastmarkets is a global business with a history dating back to 1865 and is built on trust and deep market knowledge. It has more than 700 employees spread across global locations in the UK, US, China, India, Singapore, Brazil, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland and beyond.

This is a high-impact leadership role for a commercially ambitious sales leader ready to drive the next stage of growth for Fastmarkets Events. You will shape the commercial strategy for sponsorship, exhibitions and partnerships, lead a high-performing team, and play a direct role in growing flagship events and deepening strategic client relationships.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
  • Commercial Strategy and Revenue Growth
    • Own the commercial strategy for sponsorship, exhibitions and partnerships across the events portfolio, with accountability for ambitious revenue growth.
    • Lead key strategic accounts and flagship events, personally contributing to commercial performance.
    • Build data-led sales plans that identify market opportunities and improve portfolio performance.
    • Strengthen the sales proposition with modern, high-value partnership packages aligned to client needs.
    • Partner closely with senior leaders on pricing, positioning, lead generation and new revenue opportunities.
    • Help shape targets, improve processes and raise commercial performance across the events business.
  • Transformative Leadership
    • Lead the evolution of the sales function to support growth, efficiency and stronger customer focus.
    • Improve sales tools, processes and ways of working to increase effectiveness and pace.
    • Work across marketing, editorial and product teams to create compelling, market-led propositions.
  • Sales Team Leadership
    • Lead, coach and inspire a high-performing sales team.
    • Set clear direction and high standards, linking individual performance to wider commercial goals.
    • Build capability in consultative selling, account growth, pipeline discipline and market insight.
    • Create an inclusive, accountable culture where strong performance is recognised and developed.
  • Market Intelligence and Relationship Management
    • Develop deep market insight and use it to shape the commercial approach.
    • Build senior-level relationships with sponsors, exhibitors, industry bodies and commercial partners.
    • Identify partnership and channel opportunities that expand reach in priority markets.
  • Performance and Revenue Management
    • Set and manage revenue targets with strong visibility of pipeline health, forecasting and team performance.
    • Drive new business while protecting and expanding existing revenue through disciplined account planning.
    • Identify risks or underperformance early and respond with clear mitigation plans.
    • Represent the sales function confidently in leadership discussions and forecast reviews.
  • Operational Excellence
    • Embed a consistent, customer-focused sales approach that drives strong results.
    • Maintain strong CRM discipline, package governance and effective handovers to delivery teams.
    • Provide clear, insight-led reporting on performance, progress and risk.
  • Strategic Contribution
    • Act as a credible change leader, helping the business adapt and grow.
    • Shape a clear sales strategy aligned to wider business priorities.
    • Contribute to pricing decisions and wider Fastmarkets initiatives.

We recruit talented, dynamic people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, all united by a belief in our mission to provide the world’s leading and most trusted price reporting, events, and intelligence service for the markets we serve. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating a fully inclusive workplace, where everyone feels able to participate and contribute meaningfully.

If you are open-minded, curious, resilient, solutions-oriented and committed to promoting equality, then read on.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated, driven, and has a passion to be part of a fast-paced, successful team. Being a strong team player is also important as well as someone who is happy to work flexibly.

  • Strong B2B sales leadership experience, ideally in events, media, data or a related sector.
  • A proven track record of delivering revenue growth and leading commercial change.
  • Experience building, leading and developing high-performing sales teams.
  • Confidence operating strategically while staying close to delivery.
  • Strong influencing, communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Good knowledge of CRM systems, sales analytics and forecasting.
  • A degree in business, marketing or a related field is helpful but not essential.
Key Competencies
  • Strategic thinking: You spot market opportunities and turn them into clear commercial plans.
  • Leadership through change: You improve performance and bring people with you.
  • Commercial judgement: You understand customer value and build propositions that win.
  • People leadership: You build a culture that is supportive, challenging and accountable.
  • Execution: You turn strategy into results and maintain momentum.

If you're excited about the role but your experience, skills or qualifications don't perfectly align, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Additional Information

Our Values: Fastmarkets people come from all different walks of life. It’s this mix of brilliant personalities, experiences and insights that gives us that warm, open, and friendly culture you can feel as soon as you meet us. But however wonderfully different we all are, there are six things we all have in common – and they form our Fastmarkets values.

  • METRICS DRIVEN. We use insights to improve our customers’ experience and our business performance.
  • ACCOUNTABLE. We are accountable to ourselves and those we work with: we keep our promises and get things done.
  • GROWTH MINDSET. This value enables us to be nimble to the changing realities and operate with a sense of urgency.
  • INCLUSIVE. We are inclusive and respectful, celebrating each of us and giving everyone a deep sense of belonging with the desire to bring their best self to work every day.
  • CUSTOMER CENTRIC. We are customer-centric in all that we do.
  • COLLABORATIVE. We are collaborative, able to work across teams and capitalise on the diversity of intellect, perspectives, and experiences.

We are committed to ensuring all candidates feel welcomed and supported. Should your application advance and you require accommodations for the interview process, please inform us so we can make the necessary arrangements.

You’ve read a little about us – now it’s over to you! If you like what you’ve read so far and think you can see yourself as a Fastmarkets person, it’s time to fill in your application form. This form is an important part of the selection process: it’s used to determine whether or not you’ll be chosen to have an interview and acts as a basis for the questions we’ll ask you on the day. It’s vital that you try to capture all the relevant information we have asked for on the form so we can get a good feel for who you are and why you’re great.

Head of Sales & Events / Director of Sales & Events in London employer: Fastmarkets

Fastmarkets is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where diverse talents come together to drive innovation in the global commodities market. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer ample opportunities for professional development and leadership within a supportive environment, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our mission. Located in a vibrant global setting, Fastmarkets provides a unique chance to engage with industry leaders and shape the future of price reporting and events.

Fastmarkets

Contact Details:

Fastmarkets Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Sales & Events / Director of Sales & Events in London

Leverage Your Network

In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!

Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results

When targeting a full-time role like Head of Sales & Events / Director of Sales & Events at Fastmarkets, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!

Engage with Sales Communities

Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.

Direct Applications Matter

While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Fastmarkets. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Sales & Events / Director of Sales & Events. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales & Events / Director of Sales & Events in London

B2B Sales Leadership
Revenue Growth Strategy
Team Development
Commercial Change Management
Influencing Skills
Communication Skills
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!

Tailor Your Message for Fastmarkets:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Fastmarkets. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!

Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!

Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!

How to prepare for a job interview at Fastmarkets

Know Your Sales Methodologies

Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Fastmarkets that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.

Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills

Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Fastmarkets that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.

Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios

In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!

Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision

Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Fastmarkets’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.