Commercial Manager

Responsible to: Head of Conferences & Events

Salary:  £38,000 to £43,800 per annum

Tenure: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Location:  Hybrid -LDHQ, Central London & WFH - plus travel for the Federal Conferences in the UK 

Purpose of job

Responsibility for sales across all revenue streams – sponsorship, exhibition, fringe events and advertising for the two Federal Conferences.  Additionally responsible for the overall marketing strategy across the commercial opportunities as well as the membership.

Key Responsibilities

• Sourcing, negotiating and contracting all fringe space for the Party’s two annual federal conferences to maximise fringe revenue potential at each venue. Setting up price structures for each space
• Working with the conference venue and shell scheme contractor to draw up floorplans which will maximise exhibition revenue potential at each venue
• Responsible for securing exhibition bookings for the Party’s two annual federal conferences, through both commercial and charity organisations
• Identifying sponsorship and branding opportunities available at each conference then packaging, pricing, marketing and selling accordingly
• Responsible for all advertising opportunities available through the Party’s conference publications
• Maintaining existing client base to secure repeat business year on year, and identifying, targeting and developing new business via email, over the phone and through face to face meetings
• Lead contact for all exhibitors and sponsors throughout the year. Responsible for all invoicing, and ensuring clients have all information they need on time
• Keeping abreast of political and market changes and tailoring services and products to existing and potential exhibitors and sponsors accordingly
• Produce all commercial marketing materials. Responsible for collating all required documentation and information from clients in the lead up to conference (health and safety forms, client registration, etc.)
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation in the exhibition hall and at all sponsored events
• Onsite at conference: the main point of contact for all clients and contractors during set up, running and breakdown of conference. Ensure the smooth running of the exhibition hall, VIP lounge and sponsored activities. Work with the volunteer team to ensure fringe events run smoothly and all commercial clients get the most out of conference. Maximise on-site opportunities to secure repeat business and new leads
• Attending venue site visits as needed and client meetings onsite at the venues as required
• Working closely with the Fundraising Department to share contacts, cross-sell and maximise revenues in both departments
• Responsible for the commercial section of the conference website. Ensure the website is up to date and marketing the commercial benefits of conference effectively
• Attending all Conference & Communications Committee meetings - ensuring calendar invites, agendas and minutes are distributed in a timely manner and aiding with information requests when required
• From time to time, any other duties to support the efforts of the Conference team and the Party as appropriate

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are looking for a highly organised, highly-motivated and confident individual with a track record of delivering to organisational targets. They will have creative flair and the ability to think outside the box. This position would suit a tenacious negotiator with the drive to exceed expectations.

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role
• Proven track record of event income generation through multiple streams
• Strong negotiation skills
• Outstanding stakeholder management – managing relationships across all levels
• Excellent written communication skills – compiling marketing copy, proofreading etc.
• Excellent customer service ethos
• Sympathy with the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats

How to apply

All applicants must have the unrestricted, legal right to live and work in the UK. Please note that we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

To submit an application, please email recruitment@libdems.org.uk, attaching:

1. A copy of your CV, including complete work history
2. A Covering Letter: no more than one page of A4 in length, indicating clearly how your experience and skills meet the criteria stated in the job and person specification
3. A completed diversity monitoring form
4. Please ensure we have the means to contact you by phone and email

We will be reviewing applications as they come in on a rolling basis. We will not notify applicants if their application has been unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage.

Please note: We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

Please let us have details of your current salary and two referees including one from your current employer – if you would prefer us not to contact them until a later stage of the selection process, please let us know.

We will not notify applicants if their application has been unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage.

The Party believes it is essential to foster equity, equality, diversion and inclusion within our workforce. We want our employees to thrive in an environment where everyone is welcome and supported to achieve their potential. It is important to celebrate what makes us unique and that you feel valued, appreciated and free to be who you are.