Finance Manager

Shi International Corp.; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event management company in the UK is seeking a Commercial Manager to drive strategic growth in sponsorship and stand revenue. The ideal candidate will have a proven sales track record within large-scale events, managing high-value clients and leading a team. Responsibilities include developing proposals, leading negotiations, and collaborating with multiple teams to ensure exceptional delivery. The role requires strong leadership skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to identify new opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in senior exhibition and/or sponsorship sales roles.
• Experience growing revenues across complex, large-scale events.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive stand and sponsorship sales to achieve and exceed revenue targets.
• Develop a strong pipeline of exhibitors and sponsors.
• Lead by example on major accounts and manage negotiations.

Skills

Sales skills

Client acquisition

Team leadership

Negotiation

Commercial awareness

Job description

Overview

As Commercial Manager, you will lead the strategic growth of stand revenue and sponsorship for one of the UK's leading events, driving both new business and account development. You will work on high-value sponsorships, experiential partnerships, and brand activations that elevate the event's commercial performance and market presence. A key focus will be delivering and exceeding revenue targets through proactive sales leadership, client acquisition, and effective team management. Working alongside the Commercial Director and collaborating closely with event, marketing, content, and operations teams, you will ensure every partnership is delivered to the highest standard, from first conversation through to on-site execution.

Responsibilities

• Drive stand and sponsorship sales to achieve and exceed revenue targets.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of exhibitors, sponsors, and partners across relevant industry sectors.
• Create compelling, tailored proposals that meet client objectives while enhancing the event's overall offering.
• Lead by example on major accounts, managing negotiations and closing strategic, high-value deals.
• Collaborate with creative, content, and features teams to design immersive brand activations that deliver measurable impact.
• Work with marketing and operations teams to ensure smooth delivery and exceptional client satisfaction.
• Analyse performance metrics and market trends to refine commercial strategy, pricing, and floorplans.
• Represent the event at industry functions to build relationships, generate leads, and stay ahead of emerging trends.
• Produce insightful post-event reports with recommendations to support future growth.
• Lead, coach, and inspire your team to achieve their goals and develop their skills.

Qualifications

• A proven track record in senior exhibition and/or sponsorship sales roles.
• Demonstrable experience growing revenues across complex, large-scale events.
• Excellent sales skills, from prospecting to close, with the confidence to pitch at senior level.
• Experience in creating tailored, results-driven proposals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify and shape new opportunities.
• Experience managing high-value clients and building long-term relationships.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to lead, mentor, and inspire your team.
• A flair for selling within lifestyle, interiors, or consumer-facing sectors is a bonus.