Business Development Manager

Loughborough University; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £34,000-£38,000 per year

Bonus up to 20% of salary

Company vehicles for business travel

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Birthday leave

Christmas closure

Holiday purchase scheme

Gym access

Free meal on duty

Free onsite parking

Employee assistance programme

Pension salary sacrifice

EV salary sacrifice

Nursery salary sacrifice

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Imago Venues, a leading conference, meetings and hospitality business, is seeking a ambitious Business Development Manager to join our Commercial team in Loughborough. You will develop new business opportunities, grow existing accounts and build long-term client relationships.

You will lead relationships with event agencies, travel management companies and intermediary partners, manage a healthy sales pipeline and contribute to revenue growth across our venue portfolio.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years in sales, account management, events, hospitality or a similar commercial role.
• Strong relationship-building, communication and negotiation skills.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Experience using CRM systems.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Developing and securing new business opportunities across targeted sectors.
• Managing and growing a portfolio of key accounts.
• Leading relationships with event agencies, travel management companies and other intermediary partners.
• Building and maintaining a healthy sales pipeline.
• Preparing and delivering client presentations and proposals.
• Attending networking events, exhibitions and client meetings.
• Working with Marketing to support sales campaigns and lead generation.
• Reporting on sales activity, account growth and performance against targets.

Skills

Sales experience

Account management

Relationship building

Negotiation

Business development

Tools

CRM systems

Driving licence

Job description

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.

We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage .

Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website .

Job details

Job title Business Development Manager Job reference REQ260598 Date posted 14/08/2026 Application closing date 31/08/2026 Location Loughborough Package £34,000-£38,000 per annum depending on experience

Job description

What You’ll Do

We're looking for an ambitious Business Development Manager to join our small, close-knit and supportive Commercial team.

You'll be responsible for developing new business opportunities, growing existing accounts and building long-term client relationships across our venue portfolio. You'llalso lead the development of our intermediary market, managing relationships with event agencies, travel management companies and other key booking partners.

As a respected commercial leader within the business, you'll work closely with colleagues across Imago Venues to identify opportunities, develop account strategies and drive revenue growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and securing new business opportunities across targeted sectors
• Managing and growing a portfolio of key accounts
• Leading relationships with event agencies, travel management companies and other intermediary partners
• Building and maintaining a healthy sales pipeline
• Preparing and delivering client presentations and proposals
• Attending networking events, exhibitions and client meetings
• Working with Marketing to support sales campaigns and lead generation
• Reporting on sales activity, account growth and performance against targets

About You

We're looking for someone who is commercially minded, relationship focused and naturally curious.

You'll enjoy building connections, understanding what clients need and spotting opportunities others might miss.
We're open to applications from both experienced Business Development professionals and ambitious commercial individuals looking to take the next step in their career

You'll be motivated by delivering results and helping to grow the business.

You'll bring:

• At least 2 years' experience in sales, account management, events, hospitality or a similar commercial role
• Strong relationship building, communication and negotiation skills
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Experience using CRM systems
• Full UK driving licence

Experience working with event agencies, travel management companies or within the meetings and events sector would be advantageous.

About Us

Imago Venues is a leading conference, meetings and hospitality business with a national reputation for delivering exceptional events and guest experiences.

This is an exciting time to join us. Following the £4.5 million refurbishment of Burleigh Court Hotel & Conference Centre in 2024 and with refurbishment works due to begin at The Link Hotel later this year, we continue to invest in our venues and our future.

Our portfolio includes:

• Burleigh Court Hotel & Conference Centre
• Holywell Park Conference Centre
• The Link Hotel
• Elite Athlete Centre and Hotel
• Loughborough University's conference, sports and events facilities
• Loughborough University Nursery

As a Real Living Wage Employer, we're committed to creating a workplace where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.

Our values are simple:

Kind. Caring. Accountable. Sustainable. Ethical and Ambitious

What We Offer

• Salary of £34,000 - £38,000
• Performance related bonus opportunity of up to 20% of salary
• Access to company vehicles for business travel
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Additional paid leave on your birthday
• Christmas closure
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Free access to Burleigh Springs gym with discounted products and treatments
• Free meal on duty
• Free onsite parking
• 24/7 Employee assistance programme
• Pension salary sacrifice schemes
• EV salary sacrifice scheme
• Nursery salary sacrifice scheme
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

Join a business that is actively investing in its venues, committed to service excellence, and proud of its reputation as one of the UK's leading conference and events destinations.

Ready to Apply?

If you're excited by the opportunity to grow relationships, uncover opportunities and contribute to a supportive, high-performing team, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and discover what a career with Imago Venues could look like.

Application Closing Date: 31 st August 2026

Interviews: 10 th September 2026

Imago Venues are an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident Committed Employer