At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive revenue growth by securing high-value events and building relationships.
- Company: Join one of the UK’s leading conference providers with exciting new venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, pension scheme, discounted travel, and more perks.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values unique perspectives.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of conferences and events.
- Qualifications: Proven business development experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35681 - 41636 € per year.
Grade 6: £35,681 - £41,636 per annum including the Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per annum. Fixed‑term or secondment (two years), full time (37.5 hours per week).
We are one of the UK’s leading conference, meeting and events providers, offering an exceptional range of lecture theatres, classrooms, seminar rooms and accommodation across multiple world‑class venues. In 2026, we will proudly expand our portfolio with the opening of the Global Leadership Centre—a spectacular new venue created from a converted power station, set to become an iconic destination for leadership programmes, conferences and events.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an ambitious, entrepreneurial and self‑motivated Conference Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth and secure high‑value event business for the School. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to our strategic ambitions, maximising conference income while aligning seamlessly with our core teaching and programme activities. This is a target‑driven role, suited to someone who thrives on building relationships, generating new business and creating commercial opportunities that elevate our brand and expand our reach.
Key Responsibilities- Proactively identify and generate new business through prospecting calls and outreach
- Represent the organisation at exhibitions and networking events
- Plan and deliver targeted email marketing campaigns
- Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities and competitors
- Monitor and analyse sales performance, KPIs and campaign effectiveness
You will have proven experience in business development or sales, with a strong track record of meeting or exceeding targets and demonstrating commercial awareness. You will be confident in telesales or remote selling and skilled at engaging and pitching to senior decision‑makers. Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation abilities are essential, along with proficiency in CRM systems and sales reporting tools. You must have the Right to Work within the UK as this position may not amount to enough points under the points‑based immigration system in the UK.
Diversity & InclusionAt Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.
Benefits- Generous holiday allowance of 38 days including bank holidays
- Membership of the Oxford staff pension scheme
- Discounted bus travel
- Subsidised onsite catering
- Plus, many other University benefits
Conference Business Development Manager employer: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
At Saïd Business School, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer that champions diversity and inclusion while offering a vibrant work culture. As a Conference Business Development Manager, you will enjoy generous benefits such as 38 days of holiday, membership in the Oxford staff pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within our expanding portfolio, including the upcoming Global Leadership Centre. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact our strategic ambitions and help shape the future of leadership programmes and events.
Contact Detail:
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conference Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get networking! Attend industry events and exhibitions where you can meet potential clients and partners. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to new business opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t shy away from making those prospecting calls. The more you reach out, the better your chances of landing high-value events. Be confident and pitch your ideas clearly to senior decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 3
Utilise social media to showcase your expertise and connect with industry leaders. Share insights, trends, and your successes to elevate your personal brand and attract potential clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Conference Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Conference Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in business development and sales, especially any achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet or exceed targets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've built relationships and generated new business in the past, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for our mission!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to engage effectively. Use clear, concise language and ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors—first impressions count!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments, especially regarding the Global Leadership Centre. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully driven revenue growth or secured high-value business. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your career aspirations.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building
Since this role involves building relationships with senior decision-makers, be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged with clients or stakeholders in the past. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills, and be prepared to share strategies that have worked for you.
