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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and partnerships to drive growth and impact.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on creativity and cultural development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career advancement, and the chance to shape the future.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a small, ambitious team with big goals.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial development and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for networking and representing the organisation at industry events.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a commercially minded senior manager who is ready to take on a pivotal role within I.D.E.A. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident mid-career professional who is ready to step into a leadership position and shape the organisation’s commercial development. With the support of the Director and an external consultant, you will connect sponsorship, partnerships and wider strategic opportunities across our programmes and related projects. You’ll help build and strengthen a growing sales and partnerships function, while ensuring commercial activity is fully integrated with content, communications and programming. This role would suit someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, and who is excited by the opportunity to make a visible impact within a small, ambitious team.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a cohesive commercial strategy aligned with I.D.E.A.'s mission and long-term growth objectives.
- Lead and expand the partnerships and sales function, setting clear KPIs and performance goals.
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of sponsorship, brand and institutional partners.
- Develop compelling proposals, pitch decks and commercial materials.
- Work closely with internal teams to integrate commercial partnerships into programming, communications and delivery.
- Track and report on performance metrics, budgets and revenue forecasts.
- Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring strong long-term relationships with partners.
- Identify and develop new commercial opportunities in both the UK and internationally.
- Represent I.D.E.A. and its projects at industry events and stakeholder meetings.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience
- A proven track record in commercial development, business development or partnerships within a creative, cultural or design-led organisation.
- Strong network or demonstrable ability to build relationships across brands, agencies and cultural partners.
- Experience using CRM systems (ideally Salesforce) to manage pipelines and reporting.
- Excellent copywriting and presentation skills, including experience developing pitches and proposals.
- Strong financial literacy - comfortable managing budgets, revenue and forecasts.
- Data-driven approach with the ability to analyse performance and inform strategy.
- Strong negotiation and client management skills with experience developing long-term partnerships.
- Understanding of brand storytelling and how to build authentic, mutually beneficial collaborations.
Desirable
- Experience supporting or leading elements of a commercial or partnerships team.
- Knowledge of the design, culture or creative industries (UK and/or international).
- Experience working across both B2B and B2C environments.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to jobs@londondesignfestival.com by Friday 12th December 2025.
Senior Development Manager employer: London Design Festival
Contact Detail:
London Design Festival Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet someone from I.D.E.A. or similar organisations, be ready to discuss your past successes and how they relate to the role. Bring along a portfolio or examples of your work to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the conversation that excited you. It shows you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities listed, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and follow up if needed!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial development and partnerships, and don’t forget to showcase your strong network and relationship-building skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of your past successes in similar positions and how they align with I.D.E.A.'s mission.
Showcase Your Copywriting Skills: Since excellent copywriting is essential for this role, make sure your application reflects your writing prowess. Keep it clear, concise, and engaging – just like you would for a pitch deck or proposal!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Design Festival
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the commercial strategy of I.D.E.A. and how it aligns with their mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience in commercial development can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Network
Prepare examples of how you've built relationships across brands and agencies in the past. Highlight specific partnerships you've developed and how they benefited your previous employers.
✨Master the Art of Pitching
Since you'll be developing proposals and pitch decks, practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. Bring a sample pitch or proposal to demonstrate your skills and creativity during the interview.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key performance metrics relevant to commercial development. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your strategies and decisions in previous roles.
