Commercial Events Manager

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment platform in London is seeking a Sales Manager to drive exhibitor and sponsorship sales for an international defence event. The role offers a competitive salary, commission, and excellent benefits. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of B2B sales experience in the defence sector, a strong network, and fluency in English. Opportunities for international travel are included.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Commission

Excellent benefits

International travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years' proven B2B sales experience in defence or international events.
• Strong network across defence and security sectors.
• Track record of exceeding sales targets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategy to meet revenue targets.
• Secure exhibitors and sponsors across defence sectors.
• Build relationships with government and trade associations.

Skills

B2B sales experience

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Networking

CRM knowledge

Fluency in English

Education

Degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Overview

Sales Manager - International Defence Event London. Competitive Salary + Commission + Excellent Benefits. This role is a unique opportunity to drive exhibitor and sponsorship sales for a flagship launch event, engaging 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).
• Willingness to travel extensively across Africa and internationally.

Package

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