At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead revenue growth and develop innovative commercial strategies for a dynamic media company.
- Company: Join Retail Gazette, a forward-thinking leader in digital media and events.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team with significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of media while driving impactful partnerships and new revenue streams.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Retail Gazette is seeking an ambitious, commercially driven Sales Director to lead revenue growth across our portfolio of digital media, conferences, awards and commercial partnerships. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Sales Director will be responsible for developing and delivering the company's commercial strategy, leading a sales team, and driving sustainable revenue growth across existing and emerging products.
This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts, exceptional relationship-building skills and a proven ability to win and grow major accounts. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the future commercial direction of Retail Gazette, with a particular focus on expanding strategic partnerships, developing innovative commercial solutions, scaling a growing events and awards portfolio, and successfully bringing new products and revenue streams to market.
The Sales Director will also be responsible for ensuring that CRM systems, sales processes and commercial data are effectively managed to support revenue growth, forecasting accuracy and strategic decision-making. The role is London-based and requires significant face-to-face engagement with clients, agencies, partners and industry stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the development and execution of Retail Gazette's commercial growth strategy, and build a high-performance sales culture focused on growth, accountability and customer success.
- Translate business objectives into clear revenue plans across digital, events, conferences, awards and sponsorship products and identify new revenue opportunities, market trends and emerging commercial sectors.
- Work closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to shape long-term business strategy.
- Drive innovation in commercial product development and go-to-market approaches and lead the commercial launch of new products, events, awards and sponsorship opportunities from concept through to market delivery.
- Own overall sales performance and revenue delivery across the Retail Gazette portfolio and personally lead the acquisition and development of major strategic accounts.
- Build relationships with senior decision-makers across retail, technology, consultancy, logistics, payments, property and professional services sectors.
- Drive growth in conference sponsorship, exhibition sales and awards partnerships.
- Develop and implement a structured key account strategy focused on long-term revenue growth whilst expanding relationships within existing client accounts.
- Ensure excellent client retention and partnership renewal rates.
- Lead commercial sales activity across Retail Gazette's events portfolio, including conferences, networking events and awards programmes.
- Develop sponsorship packages and commercial propositions aligned to client objectives and play a leading role in the commercial launch, growth and long-term development of major awards initiatives.
- Collaborate with marketing and events teams to maximise delegate, sponsor and partner engagement.
- Identify new event formats and sponsorship opportunities that support revenue diversification.
- Own and continuously improve Retail Gazette's CRM strategy, processes and data quality and ensure the CRM is fully utilised as the central platform for sales management, forecasting, pipeline visibility and account development.
- Establish and maintain best-practice sales processes, reporting disciplines and opportunity management standards.
- Use customer and prospect data to identify growth opportunities, improve account penetration and support strategic planning.
- Maintain accurate sales forecasting and pipeline management processes to support budgeting and business planning.
- Lead, motivate and develop a team of sales professionals providing coaching, mentoring and ongoing professional development.
- Set clear objectives, revenue targets and performance expectations whilst creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Support succession planning and talent development within the commercial team.
- Ensure the team adopts a consultative, strategic approach to selling and account development.
- Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to company-wide planning and decision-making.
- Ensure commercial opportunities are delivered in a way that enhances audience value and brand reputation.
- Contribute to budgeting, forecasting and business planning processes.
- Proven success in a senior sales leadership role within media, events, publishing, information services or B2B commercial environments.
- Demonstrable experience successfully launching and commercialising new products, events, services or revenue streams.
- Strong experience of CRM management, sales operations and pipeline governance.
- Proven ability to build and implement scalable sales processes and reporting frameworks.
- Strong track record of delivering revenue growth and exceeding commercial targets.
- Experience managing and developing sales teams.
- Demonstrable success in key account management and strategic business development.
- Experience selling sponsorship, partnerships, events, conferences, awards or integrated marketing solutions.
- Strong commercial negotiation and deal-closing skills.
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Experience operating at senior decision-maker and C-suite level.
- Strong understanding of consultative and solution-based selling approaches.
- Experience developing and executing go-to-market strategies.
- Experience within retail, e-commerce, consumer brands or related sectors.
- Experience working within media, publishing, events or information businesses undergoing growth and transformation.
- Knowledge of audience-led commercial models, content marketing and digital media monetisation.
- Experience working in entrepreneurial or founder-led businesses.
- Achievement of annual revenue and profitability targets.
- Successful commercial launch and growth of new products, events and awards.
- Growth in strategic account revenue.
- Expansion of sponsorship, partnership and integrated marketing revenues.
- CRM adoption, data quality and forecasting accuracy.
- Strength, quality and value of the sales pipeline.
- New business acquisition performance.
- Client retention and renewal rates.
- Team performance, development and engagement.
- Contribution to overall business growth and strategic objectives.
Reports to: Chief Executive
Direct Reports: Commercial Team
Location: London (Hybrid, with significant client-facing activity)
Seniority: Member of the Senior Leadership Team
Sales Director employer: Retail Gazette
Retail Gazette is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Sales Director will not only lead a high-performance sales culture but also have access to extensive professional development opportunities, ensuring personal growth alongside the company's success. With a strong focus on strategic partnerships and a commitment to employee well-being, Retail Gazette fosters a culture that values accountability, creativity, and meaningful contributions to the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director
✨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 Sales Director at Retail Gazette, 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 Retail Gazette. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Director. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director
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 Retail Gazette:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Retail Gazette. 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 Retail Gazette
✨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 Retail Gazette 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 Retail Gazette 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 Retail Gazette’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.