At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and create unique experiences in the arts and cultural sector.
- Company: Join Opera North, a leading arts organisation transforming communities across the North of England.
- Benefits: Be part of a new team with performance bonuses and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment; we celebrate diversity and welcome all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting communities with music and the arts.
- Qualifications: Entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for creativity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you drawn to the arts, events or cultural sector? Do you seek a sales role where you can influence strategy, develop fresh ideas, and create meaningful experiences? If so, this brand-new position could set the stage for you to shine. Opera North is on a journey that will enable an emerging myriad of opportunities that will transform perceptions of what a cultural arts institution can be, while further enhancing their existing positive impact on communities across the North of England.
Following the appointment of a Director of Strategy & Commercial, the leading arts organisation is seeking an entrepreneurial and results-focused Commercial Sales Manager who will conceptualise and collaboratively define a growing portfolio of viable and profitable offerings and packages. From the atmospheric Howard Assembly Room to Kino, the Howard Opera Centre’s studios and rehearsal spaces, and the expansive Kirkstall warehouse, you’ll bring their vibrant and distinctive range of venues to life.
We are looking for a self-starter, someone who will think creatively and act commercially, driven to ignite fruitful partnerships, generate reliable revenue streams, and connect the organisation more deeply than ever before across the city of Leeds and beyond. This is unlike any other sales role out there right now. Driving income will directly fuel Opera North’s inspirational and purposeful initiatives with schoolchildren from impoverished areas across Yorkshire, and will bring music and the arts to communities who are too often overlooked, powering programmes that build creativity, confidence, and opportunity.
Opera North is looking for someone who will become part of the fabric of the organisation and help shape its future. You’ll deliver a seamless client experience from first conversation to final applause, representing the company across Leeds and the wider region with confidence and pride.
With this being a brand-new position within an emerging commercial team, you’ll work closely with the Director of Strategy & Commercial to set ambitious yet attainable targets and performance bonuses.
To apply: Please submit your CV to: louis@hire-purpose.uk. The JD can be found via the Hire Purpose website. The closing date for applications is 12pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2025. First stage interviews will take place in person between 11:00 – 16:30 on Tuesday 9th, and 12:00 – 17:00 on Wednesday 10th December, with the final stage taking place online on Friday 12th and Monday 15th December.
Hire Purpose champions inclusive recruitment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We uphold equal opportunity principles and challenge bias at every stage, partnering only with organisations that share our commitment to integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hire Purpose is also proud to be an active member of The TEAM Network, the UK’s largest recruitment community of independently owned recruitment businesses.
Commercial Sales Manager in Leeds employer: Opera North
Opera North is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and community impact, offering a unique opportunity for the Commercial Sales Manager to shape the future of cultural engagement in Leeds. With a vibrant work culture that values innovation and collaboration, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to meaningful initiatives that enrich the lives of those in underserved communities. The organisation's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures a supportive environment where every team member can thrive and make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Sales Manager in Leeds
✨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 Commercial Sales Manager at Opera North, 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 Opera North. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Commercial Sales Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Sales Manager in Leeds
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 Opera North:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Opera North. 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 Opera North
✨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 Opera North 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 Opera North 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 Opera North’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.
