At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Finovate portfolio, driving sales and creating impactful events.
- Company: Informa Festivals is a global leader in B2B events, merging creativity and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25+ days leave, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape industry conversations and collaborate with a diverse, talented team.
- Qualifications: Significant B2B sales experience, strong communication skills, and leadership qualities required.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture that values diversity and internal promotions.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Informa Festivals, you play a key role in the world’s leading facilitator of knowledge sharing and business connections. You will connect communities around our leading brands, delivering year-round high-quality digital and face-to-face content, networking opportunities, and professional development. With us, you help provide cutting-edge content and thought leadership while building platforms for collaboration, giving your customers real advantages in their industries.
This role focuses on leading our Finovate portfolio, including flagship events such as FinovateFall (September) and FinovateSpring (May), alongside geo-specific events. You will directly sell to an international client base (primarily US based) while collaborating with a dynamic team based out of our London office. If you have portfolio leadership skills, enjoy mentoring, and can work collaboratively across diverse teams, this role is for you. With 3 direct reports at the BDE/BDM level and the potential to develop other portfolios in the future, this is an opportunity for you to grow and lead.
QualificationsWhat You Will Bring to the Role
- You have significant, demonstrable B2B sales experience, especially in conference and special events (SpEx) environments.
- You can plan, develop, and execute strategic sales plans with accuracy in forecasting.
- You excel in growing key accounts and acquiring new business, consultatively selling high-value sponsorship opportunities, and managing multiple complex briefs.
- You can conduct mapping and analysis on products, client bases, and competitor landscapes.
- You engage confidently at a senior level, building lasting relationships.
- You have a working knowledge of Salesforce.com or similar systems.
- You may have experience mentoring or managing, coaching and developing junior team members.
Personal Attributes & Behaviours
- You are a confident and articulate communicator, capable of fostering strong relationships both internally and externally.
- You possess excellent prioritisation skills, with foresight to anticipate obstacles and the tenacity to overcome them.
- You demonstrate gravitas and mental agility when presenting solutions.
- You are committed to continued learning and professional development.
- You take pride in maintaining the Informa Festivals brand.
- You exhibit credible leadership qualities and contribute to creating a culture of excellence.
Why Choose This Role?
This position offers you the chance to lead industry-defining events, collaborate with a diverse and talented team, and make a real impact by shaping meaningful conversations. You will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where innovation and creativity are celebrated. Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us, and let’s create exceptional experiences together.
Additional Information
Why work at Informa?
- Employee experience is very important to us at Informa. On top of joining a supportive, diverse and ambitious team that welcomes all types of candidates.
- We are also flexible with different working patterns and prioritize promotions internally.
- Freedom & Flexibility: Colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive, with most of us balancing time in the office with working remotely.
- Great Community: A welcoming culture with both in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day, and active diversity and inclusion networks.
- Broader Impact: Take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding also available.
- Career Opportunity: The opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms, and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning.
- Time Out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year.
- Personal Benefits: A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company-funded private medical cover.
- ShareMatch Scheme: Allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares.
- Strong Wellbeing Support: Through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps, and more.
- Recognition for Great Work: With global awards and kudos programs.
- International Collaboration: As an international company, you have the chance to collaborate with teams around the world.
We know that sometimes the 'perfect candidate' doesn't exist, and that people can be put off applying for a job if they don't fit all the requirements. If you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could be just what we need! We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Informa is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under federal, state or local law.
Head of Sales - Finovate employer: Informa
Contact Detail:
Informa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales - Finovate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Finovate portfolio and its flagship events. Understanding the unique selling points of these events will help you articulate your vision and strategies during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Informa Festivals, especially those in sales roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with B2B sales in detail, particularly in the context of events. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex sales processes and built key relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any mentoring or coaching experiences you have. Highlight how you've developed junior team members, as this aligns with the role's focus on leading a team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales - Finovate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant B2B sales experience, particularly in conference and special events. Emphasise your ability to develop strategic sales plans and manage complex briefs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, showcase your leadership skills and experience in mentoring. Discuss how you can contribute to the Finovate portfolio and your passion for creating immersive experiences.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your success in growing key accounts and acquiring new business. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is crucial for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships at a senior level. This could include instances of presenting solutions or collaborating with diverse teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Informa
✨Showcase Your B2B Sales Experience
Make sure to highlight your significant B2B sales experience, especially in conference and special events environments. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully executed strategic sales plans and grown key accounts.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and managing a team, be ready to share your experiences in leading teams. Discuss how you've coached junior members and contributed to a culture of excellence in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Senior-Level Engagement
You’ll need to engage confidently at a senior level, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you build lasting relationships with clients and stakeholders.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in the events industry, particularly in the FinTech space. Being knowledgeable about current market dynamics will help you demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role during the interview.