Commercial Events Manager

We Are Aspire; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in London seeks a Sales Manager for a high-profile international defence event. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of B2B sales experience, a strong network in the defence sector, and excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary and the chance for extensive international travel, making it an exciting opportunity for a motivated sales professional.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Commission

Excellent benefits

International travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years' proven B2B sales experience in defence, aerospace, or large-scale events.
• Strong network in the defence and security sectors.
• Track record of exceeding sales targets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a sales strategy to meet revenue targets.
• Identify and secure exhibitors and sponsors.
• Build relationships with government bodies and trade associations.

Skills

B2B sales experience

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

CRM knowledge

Education

Degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Overview

Sales Manager - International Defence Event

London | Competitive Salary + Commission + Excellent Benefits

I am recruiting on behalf of my client for an experienced Sales Manager to join the team launching a high-profile defence and security event in Africa. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving exhibitor and sponsorship sales for a flagship launch event, working with government agencies, defence contractors, and industry stakeholders across Africa and global markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to meet revenue targets
• Identify, approach, and secure exhibitors, sponsors, and partners across defence, aerospace, and security sectors
• Build and maintain relationships with government bodies, trade associations, and international delegations
• Negotiate and close exhibition space sales, sponsorships, and partnership agreements
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and provide regular reporting to the Sales Director
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and content teams to ensure commitments are delivered
• Represent the event at industry forums, conferences, and networking opportunities
• Support on-site sales and client relationship management during the event

About You

• Degree educated with 5+ years' proven B2B sales experience, ideally in defence, aerospace, security or large-scale international events/exhibitions
• Strong network across the defence and security sectors in Africa and internationally
• Track record of exceeding sales targets and driving business development
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Confident engaging with senior-level stakeholders and decision-makers
• Proactive, with the ability to thrive under pressure and meet deadlines
• Fluent in English (French, Arabic, or Portuguese an advantage)
• Strong CRM knowledge (Salesforce preferred)
• Willingness to travel extensively across Africa and internationally

Package

• Competitive base salary + commission
• Excellent benefits
• International travel opportunities

This role is ideal for a commercially driven sales professional who is excited by the challenge of shaping and growing a new international defence event.

We Are Aspire Ltd are a Commited employer