Business Development Manager - Associations

TN United Kingdom; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic organization dedicated to promoting London as a premier destination for international events. As a Business Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in targeting and winning bids from the association sector, contributing to the city's economic growth. This exciting position involves collaboration with various stakeholders, managing key accounts, and conducting market research to enhance London's appeal. With a hybrid working environment and generous benefits, this role is perfect for a motivated individual looking to make a significant impact in a fast-paced setting.

Benefits

30 Days Holiday

Employer Pension Contribution

Medical Cash Plan

Flexible Working Environment

Qualifications

• Proven track record in sales and account management within the business tourism sector.
• Experience managing client relationships and delivering on sales targets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sales and marketing plans to attract international events.
• Manage key accounts and facilitate site inspections for prospective clients.

Skills

Sales Experience

Account Management

Client Relationship Skills

Knowledge of London Business Tourism

Presentation Skills

Budget Management

Attention to Detail

Marketing Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

CRM Software

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Business Development Manager - Associations, London

Client: London and Partners

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 36ea7009bcef

Job Views: 3

Posted: 10.05.2025

Expiry Date: 24.06.2025

Job Description

We are a dynamic and growing organisation focused on attracting people and businesses into London now and in the future, securing economic benefits for the city and strengthening London’s reputation as the world’s greatest city. We passionately champion London's excellence with one confident and powerful voice to businesses, events organisers, students and visitors, and work to position London & Partners as the experts to partner with when looking to set up a business or host a major corporate, sporting or cultural event in the capital.

Purpose of the Role

To be an integral member of the association sales team to promote London to the association sector. Identifying and targeting potential clients and intermediaries to win bids for London and to contribute to the economic benefit of the city and L&P’s targets. Working closely with stakeholders and L&P to improve London’s offering to attract international association events to the city. The role involves some overseas travel.

Key Tasks

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and delivery of the business sales & marketing plan and company vision.
• Develop a portfolio of assigned key accounts and congress organizer accounts to develop and retain.
• Assist with managing new enquiries by telephone, email, and website, in conjunction with the Associations Sales team.
• Manage enquiry follow-up to conversion, including site inspection facilitation/visits if required.
• Maintain the IDSS Account management system with regards to accuracy of data.
• Research potential leads for pipelines from ICCA, trade magazines, and relevant partners.
• Work with the Head of Associations in the organization and implementation of external research projects to develop new business and international Congress leads.
• Assist with larger citywide bid documents including housing and managing the charter contact relationships and education.
• Manage the Associations data for ICCA rating.
• Research, organize, and deliver sales missions or individual sales appointments with or without partners and as per outlined sales objectives.
• Proactively research and source new leads by telephone, email, and website, from start-up to conversion, including site inspection facilitation/visits if required.
• Maintain the CRM Account management system with regards to accuracy of data.
• Attend trade shows as required to manage incoming enquiries, including follow-up and communication post-activity.
• Identify potential clients for Hosted Buyers programmes, sales missions, and familiarization events.
• Project management for Association client events, partner events, and potential sales missions.
• Participate actively in Team Association partners meetings/Charter meetings.
• Take an active project management role in identifying, recruiting, and managing suitable ambassadors for the London Ambassador programme and/or advisory board.
• Perform other duties as allocated by the line manager, such as competitor knowledge and analysis, CRM reporting.
• Assist with budget management.
• Lead on large bids.
• Lead on event management and other project-based team initiatives.
• Handle day-to-day finance administration: raising purchase orders & invoices.

Key Relationships

• International/European association clients/intermediaries
• L&P business tourism team
• L&P Business marketing, PR, Events/Exhibitions teams
• Trade Associations like ICCA, ABPCO, INCON, UIA, Association Execs
• L&P Partners

You’ll have/bring

• Previous sales experience in the business tourism sector or hotels/venues.
• Experience working in a sales target environment.
• Key client account management skills.
• Good knowledge of the London business tourism product.
• Working knowledge of budgets/financial targets.
• Experience managing contacts within a database.
• Proven track record in account management relationship skills.
• Sales and presentation experience.
• Knowledge of the International/European Association sector.
• Excellent knowledge of the London venue/hotel market.
• Experience working in venues/CVBs at middle management level.
• Excellent administration skills with strong attention to detail.
• Computer literacy: Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Marketing and PR knowledge.
• Relationship-building skills, tenacity, and a can-do attitude.
• Experience selling destinations and working with the convention bureau (desirable).

You’ll Get

• Opportunity to join a fast-paced, flexible, and inclusive social enterprise.
• Hybrid working environment.
• 30 days’ holiday plus UK public holidays.
• Excellent pension contributions and Medical Cash Plan.

Note: Due to high application volumes, we may close the vacancy earlier than the advertised date. Please submit your application promptly. We value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community, including those requiring flexible working arrangements.