Senior Business Development Manager

We are looking for a Senior Business Development Manager who will be responsible for developing and nurturing strong, long-lasting relationships with key clients. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional networking skills and a deep understanding of the event industry. The role will be responsible for identifying, generating leads and building a robust pipeline of new business opportunities, nurturing existing and new client relationships plus working with the Operations and Productions team on event planning, and ensuring client satisfaction.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leadership and People Management - Manage, support, and develop direct reports by setting clear expectations, tracking progress through KPIs, and conducting probation reviews, appraisals, development/improvement plans, and one-to-one meetings. Act as a consistent role model, fostering high performance, motivation, and strong team relationships.
• Operations, Resourcing & Continuous Improvement - Oversee day-to-day operations within the Business Development & Growth department, ensuring efficiency in resourcing, project allocation, and delivery of new business. Drive the development and implementation of best practices and processes to enable continuous improvement.
• Recruitment - Work closely with the Director of Business Development & Growth and Head of People & Culture to recruit staff in line with legislation and best practice.
• New Business Development & Market Expansion - Identify and pursue new business opportunities across key markets including the US, Europe, and the UK. Proactively drive revenue growth through research, attending industry events, initiating strategic calls and meetings, presenting compelling proposals to potential and existing clients, and leveraging industry networks for referrals.
• Client Relationship Management & Growth Opportunities - Build, manage, and nurture a strong pipeline of new business and client relationships for long-term growth. Identify opportunities to expand existing relationships through upselling, cross-selling, and introduction of new services, ensuring sustained engagement and satisfaction.
• Performance Monitoring & Team Contribution - Track and report on KPIs, client relationship status, project updates, and new business opportunities. Act as a strong collaborative member of the Business Development team, contributing to achieving revenue and growth targets while sharing insights and progress with stakeholders.
• Client Relationship Management - Develop and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key clients by conducting regular check-ins, understanding their evolving needs, providing timely updates, and acting as a trusted point of contact to ensure consistent engagement and satisfaction.
• Client Growth, Retention & Experience - Proactively identify opportunities to enhance client experiences and expand relationships across markets, while monitoring client satisfaction and implementing strategies to drive loyalty, retention, and long-term business growth.
• Account & Project Oversight - Manage multiple client accounts simultaneously, joining onsite project teams to ensure smooth event execution and consistent client support.
• Strategic Event Planning - Partner with clients to define event objectives, create strategic plans, and collaborate with internal teams on RFPs, proposals, and budgets to deliver high-quality events on time and within budget.
• Operational Delivery & Client Care - Support venue selection, vendor coordination, and budgeting where required, while ensuring client satisfaction and resolving issues promptly to maintain strong relationships.
• Team Support & Mentorship - Assist the Director of Business Development & Growth in mentoring junior team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment across departments.
• Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices - Contribute to team development by sharing industry insights and best practices, enhancing overall team performance and capability.
• Supplier & Vendor Collaboration - Work with the Director of Business Development & Growth and Venue Sourcing Manager to maintain strong vendor relationships and support the implementation of effective supplier strategies.
• Safety and Compliance - Ensure that all parties involved in the delivery of the projects are both familiar and compliant with the Health and Safety policy and all associated policies, procedures and methods of working. Responsible for Health & Safety issues in the workplace and manage successful compliance with current legislation. As part of our commitment to sustainability, you will be responsible for integrating sustainable and environmental practices into your work, ensuring that the requirements of our Environmental Management System are always met. Ensure legal compliance with all activities are adhered to for regulatory requirements. Adhere with all Principal Policies & Procedures.

What We're Looking For

• Proven track record of working in the events industry and account management as well as client relationship management.
• Proven track record in acquiring and securing new business opportunities and growing the business with existing clients.
• Proven success in securing and managing high-value partnerships, with a history of delivering significant business outcomes.
• Results-driven mindset with robust sales acumen, capable of meeting ambitious targets and driving revenue growth.
• Strong understanding of the event industry, including trends and best practices.
• Experience of setting and managing budgets and other financial processes.
• Right to work in the UK.