Commercial Events Manager

Hubbul; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An international event company in London is looking for an experienced Sales Manager to launch a high-profile defence event in Africa. The role involves developing a sales strategy, securing sponsorships, and engaging with senior stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a strong sales background, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to travel internationally. Attractive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary + commission

Excellent benefits

International travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven sales experience in defence, aerospace, security, or international events.
• Track record of exceeding sales targets and business development.
• Fluent in English; additional languages a plus.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

B2B sales experience

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree educated

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.

Key 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.

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