C&E Sales Manager Venues · AO Arena in Manchester

We are Legends Global! Legends Global delivers world-class solutions in sport, entertainment, and live events, combining international expertise with a 360-degree, data-driven approach across Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise, and Attractions. We partner with leading clients to create memorable experiences worldwide. Committed to inclusion, diversity, and innovation, we foster a collaborative culture guided by our values — Align, Scale, Connect, Team, Win — where every team member can thrive and make an impact.

The Venue

The AO Arena has welcomed over 30 million guests and thousands of world-renowned artists since opening its doors in 1997. It has played a vital role in shaping Manchester’s music scene and has supported artists from back rooms to the main stage. With its £50 million redevelopment, the new look AO Arena will attract more artists and more fans for many years to come. Made in Manchester, Made for Manchester.

About the Role

As our C&E Sales Manager, you will own and execute a brand-new business strategy for our Conferencing and Events business in 2025 and beyond. This is a vital role, driving growth and success to elevate the AO Arena’s brand presence and cement us as Manchester’s biggest and best venue. Working as an integral part of the team, you will make it your mission to identify, pursue and secure new revenue; you will be a disruptor – building exciting new relationships with businesses all over the UK, harnessing every opportunity to give businesses the chance to host events with us. We are looking for someone entrepreneurial, who is passionate about all things Manchester, all things sales and all things client satisfaction, who will take our C&E business to the next level through their energy and tenacity.

What we can offer

• Access to discounted tickets to unleash your superfan for all your favourites.
• 25 days annual leave.
• Life Assurance policy.
• A healthy contribution of 5% Pension.
• Support with unexpected costs through Healthshield.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support mental health in the workplace.
• Eye care vouchers and a contribution towards any glasses required.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee Referral Scheme.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and executing a strategic sales plan for the Conferencing & Events business to achieve revenue goals and wider commercial objectives.
• Driving new business growth within the MICE sector through proactive prospecting, networking, cold outreach, and attendance at key industry events.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, understanding event requirements, and delivering tailored solutions that meet and exceed expectations.
• Managing and growing a high-quality sales pipeline, including the development and optimisation of CRM systems and processes.
• Creating and presenting compelling proposals and sales materials, collaborating with internal teams across the Legends portfolio, monitoring market trends, and consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets.

We are looking for someone with:

• Proven experience in face-to-face sales within the events, stadia or hospitality sectors, with a track record of building and delivering successful sales strategies.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to forge long-lasting, professional connections.
• A well-established Northwest network, enabling you to hit the ground running and quickly create commercial opportunities.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, supported by proficiency in CRM systems and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• A genuine passion for events paired with a creative, solution-focused mindset that helps you overcome challenges and deliver outstanding results.

Recruitment Process Outlined

• 1st Stage - Meeting with Venue Team
• 2nd Stage – Presentation Brief Task with Venue Team and GM.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. These may include verification of identity, proof of address, right to work, employment history, qualifications, and—where relevant to the role—a basic or enhanced DBS check. All checks will be carried out in line with data protection law, and we will only request information that is necessary for the role.

Inclusive Workplace

At Legends Global, we are committed to leading the entertainment industry towards a greener, faster, and more innovative digital future. There’s never been a better time to join our team. We aim to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our employees, customers, and suppliers. Join us and make a significant impact from day one. We are committed to active inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities. This commitment begins with our recruitment and selection process. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know in your application. We are dedicated to providing a fair and transparent assessment process and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.