Business Development Manager

Showbase; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (Manchester office + 0/

Mileage/Travel expenses

Annual bonus potential for hitting rev

Job summary

Showbase, a UK specialist in large-scale temporary structures and experiential environments, is expanding its commercial team in Manchester. The Business Development Manager will win high-value UK hospitality projects, leveraging a strong industry network and autonomous sales approach.

You will manage opportunities from £50k+ to £250k+, travel nationwide, and collaborate with design, project management, and operations to translate briefs into proposals.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing large-value contracts in hospitality, F&B, events.
• Strong existing network within hospitality groups and premium F&B operators.
• Experience with temporary structures or bespoke builds is desirable.
• Ability to translate briefs into proposals with commercial awareness.
• Tenacious, long-term client relationship skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Self-driven with autonomous pipeline management.
• Willingness to travel nationwide and attend evening/weekend visits.

Responsibilities

• Generate revenue opportunities £50k+ with typical £80k+ deals.
• Build a nationwide sales pipeline in hospitality, F&B, and events.
• Identify and pursue new business leads via contacts and networking.
• Translate creative briefs into clear, priced proposals.
• Present Showbase portfolio including structures and build-outs.
• Conduct site visits, meetings, and pitch presentations UK-wide.
• Collaborate with design, project management, and operations teams on pricing.
• Track sales metrics and report pipeline and revenue monthly.
• Stay informed on industry trends and client objectives.

Skills

Sales leadership

Hospitality network

Communication

Presentation skills

Autonomous working

Negotiation

Travel willing

Job description

Commission: 10-30% of base If on target

Hybrid Working

Manchester

A motivated, connected strategist to win major hospitality projects.

About Showbase

Showbase is a specialist provider of large-scale temporary structures, infrastructure, and creative production projects for major hospitality, food & beverage and events clients across the UK. We design, build, and deliver bespoke environments and complete operational solutions for high-profile brands and venues (New World Trading Company, The Curling Club, RHS Flower Shows, The Britfest).

Our projects typically range between £80k–£250k, and we work closely with clients to translate creative concepts into functional, high-impact spaces.

We are expanding our commercial team and seeking an experienced, driven Business Development Manager with deep sector knowledge and strong contacts in the hospitality and F&B sectors.

The Role

You will be responsible for winning new high-value business across the UK, with a focus on hospitality, food & beverage, leisure, and brand-led experiential environments. This is an independent role for a confident sales operator who thrives on building relationships, spotting opportunities, and closing complex, high-value deals.

The position is hybrid: working from our beautiful rural farm offices just outside Manchester, with regular UK travel to meet prospective clients.

You will be part of a tight-knit, creative team with a constant thirst for progress, and you will play a key part in the next phase of the company’s growth.

Key Responsibilities

Generate new revenue opportunities valued £50k+, with typical deals in the £80k+ range.

Build and manage a strong nationwide sales pipeline in hospitality, F&B, and large-scale event environments.

Proactively identify and pursue new business leads, leveraging existing contacts and developing new ones.

Understand, interrogate, and translate creative briefs and operational requirements into clear proposals.

Represent Showbase’s diverse portfolio, including temporary structures, bespoke hospitality design+builds, production solutions, and large-scale event infrastructure.

Conduct in-person site visits, client meetings, and pitch presentations across the UK.

Work closely with internal design, project management, and operations teams to scope and price complex solutions.

Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends, competitive landscape, and client objectives.

Track sales metrics and deliver monthly pipeline and revenue reports.

Required Experience & Skills

Proven track record of securing large-value contracts in hospitality, food & beverage, events, or related sectors.

Strong existing network of contacts within hospitality groups, premium F&B operators, experiential agencies, or venue operators.

Experience working with temporary structures, marquees, bespoke builds, or technical production environments (highly desirable).

Ability to understand and challenge creative and technical briefs, with excellent commercial awareness.

Tenacious, persistent approach to business development while understanding the nuances of long-term client relationships.

Exceptional communication and presentation skills.

Self-driven: able to operate autonomously and manage your own pipeline and schedule.

Willingness to travel nationwide and attend evening/weekend site visits when required.

Additional Benefits

Hybrid working (Manchester office + remote)

Work from our beautiful rural offices on our own farm complex

Mileage/Travel expenses

Annual bonus potential for hitting revenue targets

*Please note, you will need your own vehicle transport to get to our offices, as they are not on public transport. Please consider our location when applying.*