Commercial Manager

The Curve Group; Loughton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event management company in the UK is seeking a Commercial Manager to drive sponsorship and stand sales at one of the most iconic consumer events. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing compelling proposals, managing key client relationships, and collaborating with various teams to ensure a seamless experience. The role requires proven sales success, excellent communication skills, and a passion for lifestyle sectors. A generous salary package with performance-based bonuses is offered.

Qualifications

• Proven success in senior sponsorship and/or exhibition sales roles.
• Experience growing revenues across large-scale or complex events.
• A flair for lifestyle or consumer-facing sectors is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead sponsorship and stand sales across the client's portfolio.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of sponsors and partners.
• Create tailored and compelling proposals that align with client objectives.
• Manage key accounts and close long-term partnerships.
• Collaborate with teams for integrated sponsorship opportunities.
• Analyse sales performance and market trends to optimise revenue.
• Attend industry events to network and identify new leads.
• Contribute to post-show analysis for future growth.

Skills

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Strong commercial awareness

Ability to craft bespoke proposals

Experience managing high-value clients

Collaborative and team-focused mindset

Job description

Commercial Manager

Location: Loughton

Salary: £60-65k DOE + uncapped bonus

The Role

As Commercial Manager , you’ll take the lead in developing and delivering sponsorship and stand agreements for one of the UK’s most iconic consumer events. From high-profile sponsorships to innovative experiential activations, you’ll drive commercial performance, secure brand-aligned partnerships, and grow our sponsorship and exhibitor base through creative, consultative selling.

Working closely with the Commercial Director and the wider event, marketing, content, and operations teams, you’ll ensure every client enjoys a seamless and rewarding experience — from first conversation to on-site delivery.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading sponsorship and stand sales across the my clients portfolio.
• Building and maintaining a strong pipeline of sponsors, partners, and exhibitors across relevant lifestyle and consumer sectors.
• Creating tailored, compelling, and creative proposals that deliver value and align with client objectives.
• Managing key accounts and closing high-value, long-term partnerships.
• Collaborating with the content and features teams to develop integrated sponsorship opportunities.
• Partnering with operations and marketing teams to ensure flawless on-site delivery and client satisfaction.
• Analysing sales performance, pricing, and market trends to optimise revenue and strategy.
• Attending industry events to network, identify new leads, and stay ahead of emerging trends.
• Contributing to post-show analysis and insights to support future show growth and innovation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Year-on-year growth in sponsorship and stand revenue.
• Development of new business across sponsorship and exhibitor streams.
• Strong conversion rates on proposals and pitches.
• High retention and satisfaction levels among sponsors and exhibitors.
• Timely and high-quality delivery of all commercial elements on-site.
• Innovation and creativity in packaging and presenting commercial opportunities.

About You

You’re a commercially driven professional with a passion for building partnerships and delivering value through creative event experiences. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, are confident pitching at senior levels, and enjoy turning ideas into impactful commercial results.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven success in senior sponsorship and / or exhibition sales roles.
• Experience growing revenues across large-scale or complex events.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, from cold call to close.
• Ability to craft bespoke proposals and solutions that resonate with clients.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
• Experience managing high-value clients and long-term partnerships.
• A collaborative, proactive, and team-focused mindset.
• A flair for lifestyle, interiors, or consumer-facing sectors (a bonus).