Job Title:             Sales Manager
Reports to:          Sales Director  
Sector:                 Defence
Location:             London – Hybrid
Salary:                 £45 - 50k + Comms

Job Summary
  
The Sales Manager will lead and execute sales strategies for the successful launch of a high-profile defence event in Africa. This role involves building strategic relationships with government agencies, defence contractors, industry stakeholders, and exhibitors to ensure maximum participation and revenue generation. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in event sales, a strong understanding of the defence and security sector, and exceptional negotiation and networking skills.

Key Accountabilities
  
Sales Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy for the launch event in alignment with the Sales Director’s vision.

• Conduct market research to identify potential exhibitors, sponsors, and partners within the defence sector.

• Create and maintain a sales pipeline, tracking progress against targets.

Business Development:

• Identify and secure new business opportunities across Africa and relevant international markets.

• Engage with key decision-makers in defence ministries, armed forces, OEMs, and defence technology providers.

• Negotiate and close exhibition space sales, sponsorship packages, and partnership agreements.

Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry stakeholders, trade associations, and government bodies.

• Act as a point of contact for clients, ensuring satisfaction from contract signing through to event delivery.

Collaboration & Reporting:

• Work closely with the marketing, operations, and content teams to ensure sales commitments are delivered effectively.

• Provide regular sales reports, forecasts, and market intelligence to the Sales Director.

Event Execution Support:

• Attend and represent the company at key industry events, conferences, and networking forums.

• Support on-site sales and client servicing during the launch event.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

• Degree educated

• 5+ years’ proven experience in B2B sales, preferably within defence, aerospace, or security events/exhibitions.

• Strong network within the defence sector in Africa and the globe.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and deliver against tight deadlines.

• Willingness to travel extensively across Africa and globally as required.

• Fluency in English; knowledge of French, Arabic, or Portuguese is an advantage.

• Great CRM knowledge – preferably SalesForce