Commercial Events Manager

We Are Aspire; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event management company is seeking an experienced Sales Manager for an international defence event in London. This role involves developing sales strategies, securing exhibitors and sponsors, and building relationships in the defence and security sectors. Candidates should have at least 5 years of B2B sales experience and strong communication skills. This position offers competitive compensation and international travel opportunities.

Benefits

Commission

Excellent benefits

International travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

B2B sales experience

Strong communication skills

Relationship building

Negotiation skills

Fluency in English

Strong CRM knowledge

Education

Degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

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.

We Are Aspire Ltd are a Disability Confident Commited employer