Event Sales Director

About the role

Convene Rathbone is set to be a premier 54,000-square-foot venue located at One Rathbone Square in London, with its grand opening anticipated in Spring 2027. In this role, you will spearhead the sales strategy for the venue, focusing on securing prominent social and corporate events such as galas, brand showcases, and evening receptions. As a member of the opening team, your mission will be to establish the venue's reputation in the market and drive revenue growth from the ground up.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Actively seek and secure new business opportunities within both corporate and social sectors through proactive networking and outreach efforts.
• Oversee the entire sales process, from the initial inquiry to the finalization of contracts, ensuring a experience for clients.
• Build and nurture a network of industry partners, including event agencies and production companies, to enhance collaboration and business opportunities.
• Negotiate high-stakes agreements that align client expectations with internal revenue goals, ensuring a win-win scenario.
• Conduct regular assessments of the competitive landscape in London to refine sales strategies and pricing models.
• Take full responsibility for tracking and reporting on monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue performance, ensuring targets are met or exceeded.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop promotional materials and campaigns that effectively highlight the venue's offerings.
• Provide exceptional customer service throughout the sales process, maintaining strong relationships with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.
• Participate in industry events and networking functions to promote the venue and establish connections with potential clients.
• Train and mentor junior sales staff, sharing best practices and insights to enhance team performance.
• Analyze market trends and client feedback to continuously improve service offerings and sales strategies.
• Work closely with the operations team to ensure that client expectations are met during events, facilitating a smooth execution of services.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in high-volume sales for corporate and social events within the London market is essential.
• An established network of industry contacts, including third-party planners and production companies, is crucial for success in this role.
• Proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and driving business growth in a competitive environment.
• Strong understanding of contract management and event operations, ensuring compliance and satisfaction for all parties involved.
• Excellent business acumen with the capability to qualify and close complex deals effectively.
• A commitment to the company's core values of integrity, teamwork, and persistence, fostering a positive work environment.

Nice to have

• Experience in managing sales for large-scale venues or events, particularly in the hospitality sector.
• Familiarity with digital marketing strategies and tools to enhance outreach efforts.
• Previous experience in a startup environment, particularly in the hospitality or events industry.
• Multilingual abilities that can enhance communication with a diverse client base.
• A background in event planning or operations, providing a well-rounded perspective on client needs.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in Google Workspace for documentation and collaboration.
• Experience with HubSpot or similar CRM software to manage client relationships and sales pipelines.
• Knowledge of food and beverage composition to assist clients in event planning.
• Strong skills in strategic account planning to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools to track performance metrics and inform decision-making.

Practical notes

The role comes with a competitive benefits package, including a bonus scheme, 25 days of annual leave in addition to public holidays, private medical insurance, and access to an employee assistance program. Financial incentives include an interest-free rail season ticket loan, a cycle-to-work scheme, and support for further education and professional development. The company is committed to ongoing training and offers opportunities for community volunteer work, fostering a culture of growth and social responsibility.