Conference and Events Sales Manager in Blackburn

Sodexo Live! is where hospitality meets passion, ambition and unforgettable experiences. From world‑class stadiums to cultural landmarks, we create moments that matter, and we’re now looking for a driven, commercially astute Business Development Manager to shape the Conferences & Events (C&E) future at Ewood Park and Deepdale Stadium. This is a high‑profile, hands‑on sales leadership role for someone who thrives on winning new business, inspiring teams and positioning unique venues as market leaders.

As Business Development Manager, you’ll own and deliver the C&E sales strategy, driving year‑on‑year growth through proactive selling, key account management and standout customer experiences. You’ll lead from the front, combining strategic thinking with relentless energy, to connect with clients, convert opportunities and unlock the full commercial potential of these iconic venues.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and deliver a high‑performing Conferences & Events sales strategy, driving sustainable revenue and profit growth.
• Proactively win new business while nurturing and growing key local and national accounts to maximise market share.
• Inspire, coach and develop the onsite sales team, creating a motivated, engaged and results‑driven sales culture.
• Own the end‑to‑end sales journey, ensuring all enquiries, proposals and follow‑ups are delivered to exceptional standards.
• Use market insight, performance data and CRM tools to identify opportunities, forecast accurately and exceed targets.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including operations, marketing, central sales and senior leadership, to unlock wider opportunities.
• Act as a brand ambassador for Sodexo Live! by delivering compelling site tours, presentations and networking activity.
• Ensure best‑practice, compliance and sales standards are embedded, with a constant focus on client satisfaction and ROI.

What You Bring:

• A proven track record of winning and growing proactive sales, ideally within venues, hospitality, events or a comparable commercial environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage budgets, forecasts and KPIs in a highly target‑driven role.
• A confident, engaging leadership style with experience coaching and developing sales talent to achieve outstanding results.
• The drive, creativity and initiative to identify new opportunities and turn insight into revenue‑generating action.
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills, with the credibility to influence clients and senior stakeholders.
• A customer‑first mindset, underpinned by exceptional relationship‑building skills and a focus on long‑term partnerships.
• Confidence using CRM systems and sales analytics (Salesforce experience highly desirable) alongside strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Resilience, organisation and energy to thrive in a fast‑paced environment, balancing proactive selling with operational excellence.

What we offer:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
• Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
• The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
• Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
• A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
• Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!