Senior Sales Manager – Exhibitions

Salt; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt is seeking a senior commercial leader to launch and grow a flagship exhibition in Dubai. You will own the commercial strategy, build a high-impact sales pipeline from scratch, and secure anchor exhibitors and sponsors to drive early momentum and credibility.

You will work closely with marketing, content, and operations to ensure aligned objectives and sustained revenue growth. The role demands a proactive, resilient professional with a proven track record in exhibitions or large-scale

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in exhibitions industry.
• Proven success selling stand space, sponsorships, or partnerships.
• Experience launching new shows or entering new markets is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial strategy for a major new exhibition launch.
• Build and manage a sales pipeline from scratch.
• Secure anchor exhibitors and sponsors to ensure market momentum.
• Develop go-to-market plans for rapid market entry and long-term viability.
• Manage full sales cycle: outreach, meetings, proposals, negotiations, closures.
• Collaborate with marketing, content and operations to align commercial goals.
• Provide accurate revenue forecasting and weekly performance reporting.
• Represent the show at industry events and stakeholder meetings.
• Maintain long-term client relationships with exceptional service and account management.

Skills

Sales leadership

Strategic sales

Exhibitions sales

Partnership development

Job description

Industry

Events & Exhibitions

Reporting to

Commercial Director / Show Director

Client

Leading Global Events & Exhibitions Organisation

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial strategy for a major new exhibition launch, driving stand sales, sponsorship revenue, and commercial partnerships.
• Build and manage a strong sales pipeline from scratch - identifying, targeting, and converting key clients and industry partners.
• Secure anchor exhibitors and sponsors, ensuring the event enters the market with strong momentum and credibility.
• Develop and execute robust go-to-market plans to accelerate market entry and establish long-term commercial viability.
• Manage the full sales cycle: outreach, meetings, proposals, negotiations, conversion, and contract closure.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, content, and operations teams to ensure commercial objectives are aligned with event positioning.
• Provide accurate sales forecasting, revenue planning, and weekly performance reporting.
• Represent the show at industry events, meetings, and stakeholder engagements to maximise visibility and strategic partnerships.
• Maintain strong, long-term client relationships through excellent service, follow-up, and account management.

Experience & Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in the exhibitions industry - this is essential.
• Proven success selling stand space, sponsorship packages, or commercial partnerships for large-scale exhibitions.
• Strong track record in launching new shows or taking products into new markets (highly advantageous).
• Demonstrated ability to generate pipeline, drive conversions, and exceed commercial targets.
• Experience shaping commercial strategy and contributing to the overall growth of a show.
• Highly proactive, resilient, and commercially driven - comfortable working in a launch environment.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-growing, high-performance commercial team.

Why This Role

Opportunity to lead the commercial launch of a flagship new event in a high-growth sector. Work with one of the most respected names in global exhibitions. High-impact role with clear visibility, growth opportunities, and commercial ownership.