Business Development Manager

Job description

Business Development Manager – Construction Events

East London/West Essex – Onsite

c£50k DOE + Uncapped Commission

About the Company

Ark is recruiting on behalf of one of the UK's leading events businesses, renowned for delivering award-winning exhibitions and live experiences across a range of high-growth sectors.

With an established portfolio of market-leading events and a reputation for innovation, collaboration and commercial success, the business continues to invest heavily in growth and is now looking for a BDM to help drive the next phase of development across its construction-focused portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven sales professional to take ownership of revenue growth within a highly successful and respected event, working with some of the biggest brands, suppliers and decision-makers across the built environment sector.

The Role

As Business Development Manager, you'll be responsible for driving stand sales, sponsorship revenue and strategic partnerships across a flagship construction exhibition.

You'll take ownership of both new business acquisition and account development, identifying opportunities to grow revenue while building long-term relationships with exhibitors, sponsors and industry partners.

Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you'll play a key role in shaping commercial strategy, developing innovative partnership opportunities and ensuring clients achieve maximum value from their investment.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive stand, sponsorship and partnership revenue, consistently achieving and exceeding targets
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of exhibitors, sponsors and commercial partners
• Identify and secure new business opportunities across the construction and built environment sectors
• Grow and retain existing client relationships, maximising account value year-on-year
• Create and deliver tailored commercial proposals aligned to client objectives
• Negotiate and close high-value commercial agreements with senior stakeholders
• Collaborate with marketing, content and operations teams to deliver exceptional client experiences
• Analyse market trends and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities
• Represent the brand at industry events, networking functions and client meetings
• Contribute to the ongoing commercial strategy and future growth of the portfolio

About You

We're keen to speak with ambitious, commercially minded professionals who enjoy building relationships, identifying opportunities and driving revenue growth.

You'll likely bring:

• Proven success in exhibition sales, sponsorship sales or a similar B2B commercial role
• OR strong sales experience within the construction, building products, interiors, architecture or wider built environment sectors
• A track record of winning new business and growing existing accounts
• Strong negotiation, presentation and stakeholder management skills
• Experience selling to senior decision-makers
• A consultative, relationship-led sales approach
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify new opportunities for growth
• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with plenty of drive and ambition

Previous experience within exhibitions is highly desirable, however candidates with strong commercial experience and networks within the construction sector are equally encouraged to apply.

What's On Offer

• c£50k basic salary DOE
• Uncapped commission structure
• Generous bonus opportunities and performance incentives
• 25 days annual leave plus birthday off
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Workplace pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Supportive, collaborative and high-performing culture
• Opportunity to make a significant impact within a flagship event portfolio
• Long-term progression opportunities within a highly successful events business

If you're an experienced exhibition sales professional or a commercially successful construction-sector salesperson looking for a new challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with Robyn or Ellie for more information!

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

19-06-2026

Profession type

Sales

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English