Sales Executive

William Reed; Gatwick; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food and drink sector is seeking a Sales Executive to join their exhibitions commercial team. The position involves managing the full sales cycle, from generating leads to closing deals, with a focus on building relationships and driving growth. Key responsibilities include qualifying prospects, creating proposals, and collaborating with internal teams. Candidates should have a strong understanding of sales principles and technology, including CRM tools. This role is based in Gatwick with hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Experience with the sales process from lead qualification through to close.
• Ability to understand client challenges and position solutions effectively.
• Strong technology capability including CRM tools.

Responsibilities

• Generate and qualify new sales leads through proactive outreach.
• Manage the sales pipeline and ensure accurate records in CRM.
• Present compelling commercial proposals and represent the organisation at events.

Skills

Sales principles understanding

Commercial awareness

CRM tools proficiency

Presentation skills

Collaboration skills

Relationship building

Resilience and determination

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Position: Full time – Permanent

Location : Gatwick / Hybrid

Are you motivated by building strong relationships, uncovering opportunities and driving commercial growth? We’re looking for a Sales Executive to join our Exhibitions commercial team and play a pivotal role in expanding our client base across the exciting food and drink sector.

In this role, you’ll manage the full sales cycle, from generating leads to closing deals. You’ll work closely with prospects to understand their challenges, showcasing how our exhibitions can support their goals and creating compelling proposals that deliver real value. If you’re proactive, commercially minded and enjoy working collaboratively across teams, this is an exciting opportunity to make a direct impact.

What you’ll be doing :

• Generating and qualifying new sales leads through proactive outreach, networking and following-up on marketing-generated opportunities
• Owning and actively managing the sales pipeline, progressing opportunities through qualification stages
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records within the CRM system, ensuring full visibility of sales activity, opportunities and forecasts to support data-driven decision-making.
• Developing a strong understanding of client business priorities, using insight to position solutions effectively and influence purchasing decisions.
• Creating and presenting compelling commercial proposals, with clear value propositions and accurate costings, to support successful deal conversion.
• Representing the organisation at industry events and networking forums, building relationships, enhancing brand presence and identifying new business opportunities.
• Collaborating with multiple internal teams, ensuring prospects receive cohesive and well‑aligned solutions.
• Monitoring sales performance against agreed targets and KPIs, taking accountability for pipeline quality, conversion rates and revenue outcomes, along with predictable forecasting accuracy.

Requirements

• An understanding of sales principles and experience with the sales process from lead qualification through to close.
• Commercial awareness to understand client challenges and position solutions effectively.
• Strong systems and technology capability, including CRM tools and confident use of Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Effective presentation skills with the ability to produce clear, persuasive proposals
• A collaborative approach to work effectively with internal teams to support the sales process, delivering well‑aligned solutions.
• The ability to build and maintain strong client relationships whilst being a trusted long‑term adviser.
• Resilience and determination, maintaining momentum, focus and positivity throughout the sales cycle.