Event Sales Manager

We are looking for people to join our fantastic team at Somerset House Trust. As the home of cultural innovators, the Trust connects creativity and the arts with the broader society. Somerset House pursues a ‘Step Inside, Think Outside’ spirit and is born from the creative community we nurture - the experience and perspectives we host across background, age, race, and stage, and the intersections and crossovers we encourage.

We are looking for an experienced Event Sales Manager to join our Venue Hire team within the Commercial Department. This role is responsible for driving commercial hire revenue by managing incoming enquiries, developing client relationships, and proactively converting sales opportunities. Somerset House offers 12 versatile, blank‑canvas event spaces—both indoor and outdoor—capable of hosting events of all scales, from intimate gatherings of 10 to large‑scale productions of up to 3,500 guests. Our Sales team oversees all commercial hires across the site, spanning drinks receptions, Christmas parties, fashion shows, brand activations, film shoots, and more.

We’re looking for a motivated, enthusiastic self‑starter who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, brings strong commercial acumen, and has proven sales experience within the events sector. You will be confident working independently while also being an integral part of a collaborative, high‑performing team, with a genuine passion for creating exceptional event experiences.

What we are looking for:

• SALES MANAGEMENT
  • Manage reactive enquiries across all types of events, including corporate and commercial events, private hire, filming, and photography.
  • Manage a high volume of daily enquiries via phone and email, ensuring timely and professional responses to secure commercial bookings and meet annual revenue targets and departmental budget.
  • Conduct site visits with clients, agencies, and suppliers, supporting both reactive and proactive sales activity.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships to drive repeat business and long‑term retention, produce repeat business reports and provide insights to inform sales strategy.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key agencies and accredited suppliers to generate new event enquiries.
  • Deliver excellent customer service throughout the sale process while balancing client needs with the operational constraints of a historic venue.
  • Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure a smooth transition from sale to event planning and delivery.
  • Plan and deliver contracted exclusive skate sessions.
• SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT
  • Act as the sales lead with accredited furniture, entertainment and graphics suppliers.
  • Deliver supplier induction tours and maintain strong supplier relationships.
  • Collaborate with all furniture, entertainment and graphics accredited partners on marketing initiatives, including content creation and case studies.
  • Support with the supplier tender process across your designated categories, including contributing to annual KPI reviews and performance evaluations.
  • Identify and develop joint promotional opportunities to drive revenue growth.
• PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, MARKETING & BUSINESS GROWTH
  • Lead the development, implementation, and sales delivery of seasonal and commercial products, including summer packages, conferences, screening room packages and New Years Eve.
  • Represent the venue at trade shows, networking events, and client cultivation activities.
  • As part of the sales team, support with proactive sales outreach, including meetings, presentations, networking, and business development events.
  • Work closely with the Senior Sales Manager to promote the venue offer and drive new business opportunities to Somerset House.
  • Work with the other Event Sales Manager to oversee the booking of event photography and videography of approved events, ensuring high‑quality content capture for marketing and promotional use.
  • Liaise with an external social media agency to support with the implementation and delivery of the venue hire social media strategy (via Instagram and LinkedIn).
  • As part of the Sales team, support on updating all sales materials, including templates, packages, venue documentation, proposals and website listings.
  • Regular reporting to the Head of Sales on live enquiries, pipeline activity, and performance insights.
  • Manage marketing subscriptions and memberships where required, ensuring data accuracy and effective system use.
• SALES & FINANCE ADMINISTRATION
  • Manage sales invoicing, including raising invoice requests and proactively chasing outstanding payments.
  • Prepare contracts and complete associated administrative tasks accurately and efficiently.
  • Raise purchase orders and oversee agency commission processes.
  • Maintain accurate financial, booking, and client records using internal systems (Iplicit, DIESE, Tessitura).
• OTHER
  • Work closely and creatively with all departments across the Trust to ensure open communication and to maximise business opportunities, by thinking outside the box to accommodate different types of events.
  • To carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the post as may be required from time to time.

Skills, knowledge & expertise required for the role:

• EXPERIENCE
  • Sales experience in a similar role, preferably within a unique venue with public spaces.
  • Experience working with a broad mix of clients across a range of events, delivering an excellent customer experience.
  • Some marketing experience is preferable, e.g. producing, distributing and presenting information to a variety of audiences.
  • Experienced in diary management, working with venue/event management software.
  • Adept at working both independently and as part of a team.
• SKILLS
  • Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time management skills, with ability to maintain attention to detail whilst working under pressure.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues at all levels, with the ability to influence decision‑making.
  • Ability to work creatively and strategically, to help develop and promote initiatives to expand the business.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication styles and approach accordingly.
  • A commitment and passion for Somerset House’s vision, goals and cultural programme.

Benefits to working at Somerset House:

• Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed.
  • Mental health support and guidance from our in‑house trained Mental Health First Aiders.
  • Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro‑rata if part‑time).
  • Contribution towards eye tests and glasses.
  • Trust life insurance scheme.
  • We offer winter flu vaccination vouchers.
• Holiday
  • Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro‑rata).
  • Birthday leave – additional day leave.
  • Celebration day – to celebrate anything of your choice.
• Other Leave
  • Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro‑rata & following 3 months service).
  • Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro‑rata & following 3 months of service).
  • Enhanced maternity pay.
• Benefits
  • 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required (following 3 months of employment).
  • Option for salary sacrifice.
  • Season ticket loan.
  • Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounts, offers and free stuff
  • The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites.
  • Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants.
  • Discounts with various high‑street retailers and restaurants.
  • Discounts to local leisure centres.