Sales Manager UKI - Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo

Closerstill Media; Dorking; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative events company in Dorking seeks a Sales Manager to lead sales activities and ensure financial success of events. The ideal candidate will have a proven sales background, experience in team leadership, and the ability to develop effective sales strategies. This role offers opportunities to influence an impactful sales team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven in delivering sales targets in events or B2B environment.
• Experienced in managing and coaching junior sales staff.
• Comfortable creating complex sales strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily sales activity and motivate junior sales staff.
• Deliver personal sales targets while supporting team achievements.
• Drive new and existing business across various sales channels.

Skills

Sales ability

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Communication

Organizational skills

Job description

WHO WE ARE:

At CloserStill, we strive to deliver the best. We’re on a mission to be the most dynamic B2B events and communities business in every market we serve, bringing people together to learn, connect and grow.

Operating across five regions, we power over 200 market-leading events, publications and brands across Business Technologies, Healthcare, Learning, HR & Education, and Future Transport & Infrastructure.

Our teams are diverse, driven, and united by a shared commitment to excellence. Rooted in our core values of ownership, empathy, teamwork, integrity, and determination, we empower every employee to grow, shape their own path and make a meaningful impact.

Joining CloserStill means being part of something bigger - not just building events, but creating opportunities, connections, and lasting value for the communities we serve.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo - becoming increasingly deployed in multiple vertical sectors. Initially developed for the passenger vehicle market, the technology can now be found in robo-taxis, commercial trucking, agriculture, mining, forestry and defence.

Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo covers all these vertical sectors and is the leading show for OEM’s and Tier 1 companies to find new component and technology suppliers.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We’re seeking a dynamic and driven sales leader to take ownership of the day-to-day sales performance of our show. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the financial success of the event, while inspiring and developing a high-performing sales team.

THE ROLE:

As Sales Manager, you will:

• Lead the daily sales activity for the show, including managing and motivating junior sales staff.
• Deliver personal sales targets while supporting the team to achieve (and exceed) theirs.
• Drive new and existing business across stand sales, sponsorship, exhibitor mix, and yield.
• Implement the sales plan to ensure revenue, budget, and activity targets are consistently met.
• Work closely with the Event Director and Show Manager on strategy, planning, and delivery.
• Manage the rebook process and lead by example during key campaign periods.
• Oversee the prospect database and ensure CRM compliance.
• Build strong exhibitor and partner relationships, ensuring top-quality communication and service.
• Support other departments (marketing, operations, show team) to ensure smooth pre-event planning, on-site delivery, and post-event review.
• Stay close to the market – attending competitor events, monitoring trends, and evolving the event to stay relevant.
• Provide accurate sales forecasts, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Play a role in shaping the brand strategy, ensuring the event remains market-leading and profitable.

ABOUT YOU:

You’ll bring a strong mix of sales ability, leadership, and commercial awareness. We’re looking for someone who is:

• Proven in delivering (and exceeding) sales targets within an events, exhibitions, or B2B environment.
• Experienced in managing and coaching junior sales staff, motivating teams, and leading by example.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to juggle multiple priorities while keeping detail in check.
• Comfortable creating and executing sales strategies, including complex sales such as sponsorship.
• Commercially astute with a strong understanding of revenue streams, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• A confident communicator with the ability to build rapport with clients, prospects, and partners.
• Naturally collaborative, able to work cross-functionally with operations, marketing, and senior leadership.
• Resilient, adaptable, and always focused on continuous improvement for both personal and team performance.

CloserStill Media is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment based on merit without attention to age, ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status or disability status.

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage, don't hesitate to get in touch with our HR team.