Sales Manager

Lead the commercial performance of a portfolio of international B2B events, driving sponsorship, exhibition, partnership and event-related revenue. Combine hands-on business development and strategic account management with sales team leadership to achieve individual and team revenue targets. Secure high-value sponsors and partners, develop new markets and support event launches across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and other international territories. Work with senior management and cross-functional teams to develop compelling commercial propositions, sponsorship packages and market-specific sales strategies.

Responsibilities

Lead, motivate and develop the sales team to achieve individual and collective revenue targets; Set clear objectives, priorities and activity expectations; Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews and pipeline discussions; Coach team members on prospecting, qualification, proposals, negotiation and closing; Proactively identify, qualify and convert new sponsors, exhibitors and partners; Build a consistent pipeline across local, regional and international markets; Personally drive new business opportunities from initial engagement through to signed agreement; Develop and execute sales strategies for assigned events; Sell sponsorships, exhibition space, branding opportunities and bespoke commercial packages; Identify revenue gaps and implement corrective action to maintain performance against budget; Lead the sale of high-value sponsorship and partnership opportunities, including headline sponsorships, session sponsorships and multi-event agreements; Negotiate terms and close complex agreements; Personally manage selected key accounts and high-value client relationships; Develop account plans and increase client investment through rebooking, upselling and cross-selling; Deliver agreed individual and team revenue targets and individual profitability objectives; Work with senior management on pricing, sponsorship structures and commercially viable propositions; Maintain accurate CRM records and ensure consistent team usage; Review pipeline value, opportunity stages, conversion rates, sales cycles and expected closing dates; Provide management with reliable revenue forecasts and clear visibility of risks, gaps and corrective actions; Monitor industry trends, competitor events, sponsorship demand and client investment priorities; Present evidence-based recommendations to senior management; Support the commercial launch of new events through prospect identification, market engagement and package sales; Secure first-edition revenues and build sustainable growth through client retention and account development; Work closely with event management, marketing, content, operations, production and finance to align commercial strategy with event delivery; Represent the organisation at international events, conferences, industry meetings and client engagements; Build relationships with senior executives, industry leaders and strategic partners

Requirements

Minimum 3–4 years' experience in B2B event sales, preferably within exhibitions, conferences, sponsorships or commercially driven international events; Fluency in Arabic and English is essential, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages; Proven achievement of significant individual and team revenue targets, supported by clear examples of new business wins and commercial results; Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop sales professionals, establish expectations and manage performance; Experience selling high-value sponsorships, exhibition packages, partnerships, branding opportunities and tailored event solutions; Strong proactive prospecting and consultative selling skills, with the ability to understand client objectives and convert opportunities into revenue; Experience developing business across international markets and building relationships with senior decision-makers, C-suite executives and industry stakeholders; Strong strategic account management skills, including retention, upselling and long-term partnership development; Excellent proposal development, presentation, negotiation and closing skills, including experience securing complex commercial agreements; Sound commercial judgement, with the ability to assess opportunity value, identify revenue gaps and contribute to pricing decisions; Strong sales planning, pipeline management and forecasting capabilities, including understanding pipeline value, conversion rates and the activity required to achieve targets; Experience using Salesforce or a comparable CRM for sales activity, opportunity management, forecasting and reporting; Strong organisation and time management, with the ability to manage multiple events, markets, accounts and commercial priorities; Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to travel internationally

Nice to have

Experience supporting new event launches or market entry; Experience in energy, infrastructure, technology or related B2B sectors