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- Tasks: Drive private hire events strategy and revenue for Freight Newcastle.
- Company: Join a game-changing food market with a vibrant atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be the face of exciting events in a unique venue.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in B2B event sales and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on creativity and commercial success.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Working week: Typically Monday – Friday, 09:00–17:00. Due to the nature of the business, occasional evenings and weekends will be required in line with event needs. Time off in lieu will be provided.
Freight Island is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and disruptive food markets in the world, it’s a game changer and most importantly, it has a soul. Blurring the lines between a food hall and a festival, Freight’s unique set up reflects the times. An urban oasis where guests can enjoy delicious food, great drinks and live entertainment. We specialise in curating an evolving calendar of residencies and menus that span emerging local talent and nationally recognised names, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
The Role: Newcastle is seeking a senior, commercially driven Business Development Manager to own and drive the private hire events strategy and revenue for the Newcastle site. This is a site-specific role, with full accountability for the commercial performance of private hire events at Freight Newcastle only. You will take end-to-end ownership of the private hire revenue stream, from strategy and pipeline development through to conversion, forecasting, and delivery handover. The role requires a confident commercial leader who can set direction, identify growth opportunities, and deliver against ambitious revenue targets, while acting as the senior external representative for Freight Newcastle’s private hire offering.
Key Responsibilities (but are not limited to):
- Own the private hire events revenue strategy for Freight Newcastle, with full accountability for performance against agreed targets.
- Develop, implement and continuously refine a site-specific annual sales and growth strategy, aligned with overall business objectives.
- Set, own and deliver against revenue targets, with responsibility for forecasting, pipeline health, and conversion performance.
- Identify and prioritise high-value B2B and B2C market segments (e.g. corporate events, brand activations, private celebrations).
- Use commercial insight and data to proactively identify new revenue opportunities and optimise yield.
Business Development & Sales Leadership
- Personally drive new business acquisition through proactive outbound activity, networking, and relationship-led sales.
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of corporate clients, agencies, brands, and private clients for the Newcastle venue.
- Position Freight Newcastle as a leading destination venue for private hire and large-scale events within the regional market.
- Act with autonomy and authority in commercial decision-making, including pricing strategy and deal negotiation (within agreed parameters).
Relationship & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the senior face of private hire at Freight Newcastle, representing the venue externally with confidence and credibility.
- Build long-term, high-value relationships with event agencies, DMCs, concierges, PR firms, and venue-finding platforms.
- Host and lead client site visits, familiarisation tours and key stakeholder meetings to drive conversion and repeat business.
Event Conversion & Delivery Oversight
- Maintain oversight of the full sales lifecycle, from initial enquiry through to confirmed booking.
- Ensure a robust and seamless handover from sales to operations, setting clear commercial and delivery expectations.
- Work collaboratively with the Newcastle operations, F&B and programming teams to ensure events are delivered in line with the agreed commercial brief.
Reporting, Forecasting & Performance Management
- Own CRM usage and data integrity for Freight Newcastle private hire activity.
- Produce regular revenue forecasts, pipeline reports and performance updates.
- Track and analyse KPIs including lead generation, conversion rates, average booking value and revenue against target.
- Use insight-led reporting to inform strategic decisions and future planning.
Marketing & Brand Positioning
- Work closely with marketing colleagues to shape private hire positioning, campaigns and client-facing materials for Newcastle.
- Provide commercial input into promotional activity to support revenue growth and brand visibility.
- Ensure all private hire messaging reflects the premium, experience-led nature of Freight Newcastle.
Skills & Experience
- 3–5+ years’ experience in senior B2B or private hire event sales within hospitality, venues or events.
- Demonstrable experience owning revenue targets and delivering against commercial KPIs.
- Proven ability to develop and execute sales strategies, not just manage pipelines.
- Strong existing network within the Newcastle / North East events market.
- Commercially astute, confident negotiating high-value deals and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Highly autonomous, self-directed and comfortable operating with accountability.
Nice to Have
- Experience in immersive venues, brand activations or live entertainment environments.
- Familiarity with hybrid food, drink and cultural venues similar to Freight.
- Experience working in fast-paced, seasonal hospitality businesses.
Interview Process
- Video interview with People & Talent Manager
- In-person interview with General Manager, Freight Island Manchester
- Final in-person interview with Managing Director
Business Development Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Freight Island
Contact Detail:
Freight Island Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join local business groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in driving revenue and managing private hire events. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've smashed targets in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like Freight Newcastle, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it fresh! Stay updated on the latest trends in the events and hospitality industry. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show potential employers that you’re passionate and committed to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in B2B sales and event management, and show us how you can drive revenue at Freight Newcastle.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your successes! Include specific examples of how you've met or exceeded revenue targets in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can represent Freight Newcastle with confidence and credibility, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freight Island
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of revenue targets and KPIs. Brush up on your past achievements and be ready to discuss specific figures that showcase your success in driving sales and managing pipelines.
✨Showcase Your Network
Having a strong network in the Newcastle events market is crucial. Be prepared to talk about your existing relationships with event agencies, brands, and clients. Highlight how these connections can benefit Freight Newcastle and help drive private hire events.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
This role requires a confident commercial leader. Prepare examples of how you've identified growth opportunities and negotiated high-value deals in the past. Show that you can think strategically and make decisions that align with business objectives.
✨Engage with the Brand
Freight Newcastle has a unique identity. Familiarise yourself with their offerings and be ready to discuss how you would position the venue in the market. Share ideas on marketing strategies and how you can enhance brand visibility through your role.
