Strategic Account and Business Development Manager in Luton

Location: Luton
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 basic plus commission
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.5-hour days
Flexi start: Between 8.00am and 10.00am

About the Role

My client is an established exhibition company looking for an experienced Strategic Account and Business Development Manager to join their team in Luton.

This is a hands-on commercial role for someone with proven exhibition sales experience who can come in, build strong client relationships and hit the ground running.

You will be responsible for developing new business opportunities while also growing and managing high-value existing accounts. The role would suit an experienced Exhibition Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Account Manager or Senior Sales professional with a strong background in exhibitions, events or a related commercial environment.

What You’ll Do

• Develop new business opportunities and generate revenue through exhibition sales

• Identify and develop relationships with potential clients and decision makers

• Manage and grow a portfolio of high-value client accounts

• Build long-term relationships with existing customers and identify opportunities for additional business

• Lead sales conversations from initial enquiry through to securing the business

• Understand client requirements and recommend suitable exhibition and event solutions

• Manage the full sales cycle, including prospecting, presentations, proposals and negotiations

• Work closely with internal teams to ensure client expectations are understood and delivered

• Maintain regular contact with key accounts and develop strategic account plans

• Meet and exceed agreed sales and revenue targets

What We’re Looking For

• Must have previous exhibition sales experience

• 5+ years' experience in sales, account management, business development or a similar client-facing commercial role

• Proven track record of winning new business

• Experience managing and growing high-value client relationships

• Strong commercial awareness and confidence dealing with senior decision makers

• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills

• Experience within exhibitions, events or a closely related industry

• Someone who can work independently and make an immediate contribution

Who Might Suit This Role

This role would suit someone currently working as an Exhibition Sales Manager, Exhibition Account Manager, Business Development Manager, Strategic Account Manager, Senior Account Manager, Sales Manager or Senior Business Development Executive.

Experience within exhibitions is essential, but candidates from closely related events, experiential, display, trade show or event sales environments may also have relevant transferable skills.

If you have a strong exhibition sales background, enjoy winning new business and are confident developing long-term commercial relationships, this could be a great opportunity to take the next step in your career.

Why Join

• £45,000 - £50,000 basic salary

• Commission opportunity

• Permanent position

• Monday to Friday working

• Flexible start time between 8.00am and 10.00am

• Opportunity to work with an established exhibition company

• Opportunity to develop and grow high-value client relationships

• A key commercial role with the opportunity to make a real impact

If you have the exhibition sales experience required and are looking for a permanent role where you can make an immediate impact, we would like to hear from you.

Submit your CV or contact Kerry Moore on 07306 091 954 to find out more or to be considered for the role.