Commercial Development Executive - Conference & Events

Chelsea Football Club; England; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization is seeking a Commercial Development Executive to drive new business for its Conferences & Events division. This role involves developing relationships with agents and corporates while enhancing client retention. Responsibilities include managing outbound sales campaigns and supporting event activations. Ideal candidates will have proven sales experience, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive approach to identifying revenue opportunities. A dynamic work environment and diverse culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave (+ Bank Holidays)

Pension Contribution (5%)

Life Assurance (4 x base salary)

Private healthcare through Vitality

Cycle to Work scheme

Chelsea Ticket Membership Program

Free staff lunches at Stamford Bridge

Discount on club products

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ B2B sales experience required.
• Proven outbound sales experience in a Conferences & Events role.
• Strong history of building and leveraging relationships.

Responsibilities

• Drive new event bookings through outbound sales activity.
• Proactively source new prospects using available tools.
• Work with sales manager to lead outbound sales campaigns.

Skills

Outbound sales experience

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Pipeline management

Proactive identification of opportunities

Clear communication

Education

Degree in Business or Event Management

Sales/events/hospitality training

Job description

Commercial Development Executive – Conferences & Events

DEPARTMENT: Conference & Events

LOCATION: Stamford Bridge, working remotely as necessary. Travel throughout the UK on an ad-hoc basis.

CONTRACT: Permanent, 35 hours any 5 of 7

Job Function

To drive new business into the Conferences & Events division by building and developing relationships with both agents and corporates, strengthening client retention while creating new revenue opportunities. The role also leads on outbound sales campaigns and supports key activations to generate demand and enhance market reach.

CHELSEA FC:

One of the world’s most iconic football clubs, renowned for its winning legacy, global fanbase, and relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the pitch. With a culture rooted in ambition, innovation, and teamwork, Chelsea offers a dynamic environment where bold ideas are welcomed, and careers are built. From our state‑of‑the‑art facilities at Stamford Bridge and Cobham to our cutting‑edge commercial and digital operations, every role at Chelsea is part of a bigger mission: to inspire, lead, and shape the future of football.

Closing date: 1st January

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

Job Function

Drive new business into our venue, proactively promoting and selling our event spaces and non‑match day experiences at Stamford Bridge. Building and developing current & new relationships with agents and corporates to enhance client retention and new business opportunities. Proactively identifying and implementing new concepts and growth strategies.

Responsibilities

• New Business: Driving new event bookings through predominantly outbound sales activity while also supporting on inbound enquiries, consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets and KPIs.
• Prospecting: Proactively sourcing new prospects through outreach, using available tools, data and targeted research, and qualifying leads to prioritise high‑value opportunities.
• Outbound Strategy: Working with our sales manager to lead on the team’s outbound sales campaigns from planning through to tracking and reporting, ensuring consistent and measurable performance.
• Activations & Networking: Owning our activations, trade shows and networking strategy, working with the Sales Manager to ensure each initiative is fully supported by the sales team.
• Agency Relationships: Building new partnerships with event agencies while managing key existing agents, expanding our network to ensure full market coverage.
• Event Support: Providing ad‑hoc support to Event Managers to ensure smooth and professional delivery of events.
• Matchday Support: Offering occasional operational or sales support to the Club Chelsea hospitality team on matchdays.

Measures of Performance

• Consistently hitting all sales targets and KPIs
• Leading the delivery of new revenue opportunities and product offerings — from research through to execution
• Building a high‑performing agent network that delivers strong revenue on commission terms favourable to the business

Experience & Qualifications

Experience

• Proven outbound sales experience in a Conferences & Events role within a venue is essential; experience in a stadium, hotel or large multi‑purpose venue is particularly advantageous
• Minimum of 3 years’ B2B sales experience required
• Strong history of building and leveraging relationships and networks to drive revenue growth

Qualifications

• A degree in Business, Event Management or a related field – Desirable but not required
• Recognised sales/events/hospitality training or qualifications – a bonus, though not essential

Skills and Behaviours

• Strong negotiator with sharp pipeline management skills and a proven ability to close deals efficiently
• Commercially minded and proactive in identifying new opportunities, without losing sight of immediate targets
• Clear, confident communicator across all stakeholder levels - able to win buy‑in internally and externally
• Results‑driven, highly motivated, and committed to exceeding both personal and team targets
• Quick thinker with strong initiative and confident negotiation instincts
• Natural innovator with a boundary‑pushing, “why not” mentality
• Self‑sufficient and accountable, while also being a strong team player

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (+ Bank Holidays) After three years’ service, AL days increase to 28.
• Pension Contribution (5%)
• Life Assurance (4 x base salary)
• Private healthcare through Vitality
• C2W (Cycle to Work scheme)
• Chelsea Ticket Membership Program – enables employees to purchase tickets for home games 49 days prior to the match
• Free staff lunches at Stamford Bridge (Mon‑Fri)
• Discount on club and club‑affiliated products (Megastore, Nike 25% discount, Stadium Tours, onsite bar/restaurant etc)
• Employee Assistance Program, Mental Health first aiders and a strong well‑being community

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC and the Foundation is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well‑being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.