Head of Conference & Event Sales

Description:

Head of Conference & Event Sales

Location: Blackpool

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

The Winter Gardens Blackpool is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Conference & Event Sales with strong customer skills and a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets to join our team. This role involves a high volume of inbound enquiries, as well as driving new business. You will need to be an experienced individual with a proactive approach to sales and a passion for building client relationships.

The primary focus of the role is to drive incremental revenue in line with budget and future strategy. With a focus on delivering new lucrative business opportunities that drive revenue and rate, and to build effective relationships with existing accounts to drive volume.

This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to join join our prestigious venue. Known as one of the UK's and Europe's largest and most historic entertainment and conference centres, we offer a role filled with opportunity and growth.

Role Overview:

Revenue Management and Growth:

· Lead and expand our conference and events business, targeting new opportunities and cultivating lasting relationships with key clients.

· Drive the sales team to exceed revenue targets through proactive outreach and exceptional client service.

· Analyse market trends and adjust strategies to capitalise on shifts in the industry.

· Work closely with finance to set and manage budgets that maximise profitability while maintaining competitive pricing.

Team Leadership and Development:

· Direct a team of event coordinators and sales staff, focusing on exceeding sales targets and delivering top-tier client service.

· Lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team of sales, event coordination, and support staff.

· Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.

· Provide mentoring and career development opportunities to staff, helping them meet their professional goals.

Client Relationship Management:

· Establish and nurture strong relationships with new and existing clients, understanding their needs and delivering bespoke solutions.

· Ensure a high standard of client satisfaction through the entire event lifecycle, from initial contact to post-event follow-up.

· Serve as the senior point of contact for major clients, providing high-level oversight and intervention when necessary.

Strategic Business Development:

· Engage in the development and execution of business strategies that align with our ambitious goals for growth and excellence.

· Formulate and execute innovative sales strategies that align with the venue’s long-term vision.

· Identify new market opportunities to expand our presence and increase market share.

· Collaborate with marketing to develop promotional campaigns and materials that attract and engage key demographics.

Operational Excellence:

· Oversee the daily operations of the sales department, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all processes.

· Implement systems and processes that enhance workflow and reduce costs.

· Ensure compliance with all industry regulations and maintain high standards of corporate governance.

Key Responsibilities:

· Develop lucrative business opportunities, driving revenue and engagement.

· Manage and motivate a sales team to achieve and exceed targets.

· Cultivate relationships with existing accounts to secure and expand business.

· Lead the sales process from inquiry to execution, ensuring a superior client experience.

· Maintain oversight of the conference and events sales budget.

Person Specification:

· Extensive experience in conference and events sales, preferably within the events or hospitality industry.

· Proven ability to lead sales teams and drive business growth.

· Strong ability to identify and deliver new sales opportunities.

· Strong organisational and leadership skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively.

· Experienced and skilled in managing and motivating teams .

· Experience in Sales Operations and Customer Service.

· Excellent communication, reasoning, negotiation and influencing skills, both oral and written.

· Sales and Business Development skills.

· Ability to analyse and solve complex problems creatively and pragmatically and the ability to use initiative.

· Demonstrate self-confidence, energy, and enthusiasm.

· Willing to adapt and change styles as and when necessary.

· Ability to adapt to a frequently changing market environment. Be initiative-taking and able to “think outside of the box”.

· Self-motivated.

Full information about the role requirements is included in the Head of Conference & Event Sales Information Pack.

Impact:

The success in this role will be measured by the ability to meet and exceed set financial targets, the growth in client acquisition and retention, and the visible enhancement of The Winter Gardens Blackpool’s reputation as a premier venue for conferences and events. This is a chance to leave a significant mark on the landscape of event hosting in the UK and Europe, driving the venue to new heights of success.

Role Type: Permanent

Salary : Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

Opportunities for career advancement and professional development in a supportive environment.

To Apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role to:

* Note: Due to the high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must have the right to work indefinitely in the UK.

*** STRICTLY NO AGENCIES ***

To all recruitment agencies: The Company does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Recruitment agencies should not send resumes to our HR team or to any of our employees. We are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies