Senior Conference & Group Sales Manager

The Growth Company; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Growth Company seeks a Senior Conference & Group Sales Manager to lead a high-performing team dedicated to enhancing Manchester's profile as an international conference destination. You'll manage major client relationships, oversee conference logistics, and contribute to financial planning while ensuring excellent service delivery across events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a sales or customer service environment within the conference or events sector.
• Proven experience in managing teams and successful business development strategies.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, including forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a high-performing client services team.
• Account manage a portfolio of major conferences.
• Oversee venue location and accommodation booking services.
• Provide leadership in financial reporting and revenue growth.

Skills

Sales experience

Customer service

Team management

Account management

Financial management

Tools

CRM systems

Reporting systems

Job description

Following internal promotion, Marketing Manchester has a rare opportunity for a driven and proactive Senior Conference & Group Sales Manager. In this role, you will lead a team to support Manchester’s position as the UK’s leading international conference destination. You will play a vital role in delivering high-level client services, developing key relationships, and supporting the successful hosting of major conferences across Greater Manchester.

Marketing Manchester promotes Greater Manchester nationally and internationally as a place to visit, invest, meet, and study. Our work is an essential component to successfully raise the national and international profile of the city-region and to attract meetings and conventions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a high-performing client services team to deliver support across all conference business (associations, public sector, and corporate) aligned with strategic objectives and KPIs.
• Account manage a portfolio of major conferences, maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring excellent service delivery throughout the process.
• Oversee the venue location and accommodation booking services, ensuring systems such as Passkey and Venue Directory are optimised for client and revenue management.
• Develop and implement service delivery and account management plans to ensure the successful hosting of key events.
• Provide leadership in the preparation of financial reports, monthly forecasts, and post-event evaluations to support continuous improvement and revenue growth.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and industry stakeholders to raise Manchester’s profile and enhance service offerings.
• Coordinate CRM updates and partner communications to ensure accurate reporting and improved partner engagement.
• Ensure all activity incorporates sustainable destination practices and supports Manchester’s commitment to responsible tourism.

About you:

• A confident and motivational leader, capable of managing and inspiring a team to deliver excellent service.
• Highly organised and adaptable, with the ability to work to tight deadlines under pressure.
• Strong presentational skills, with the ability to develop long term relationships with various clients, partners and service providers.
• Able to manage a portfolio of conference business, valuing the importance of effective client management

Skills Required:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a sales or customer service environment, ideally within the conference or events sector.
• Proven experience of managing teams, accounts, and successful business development strategies.
• Comfortable working with CRM and reporting systems to track progress and generate insights.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, including forecasting and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to deliver shared goals.

To understand more about Marketing Manchester, please visit:marketingmanchester.com