Commercial Relationship Manager

Responsible to:        Head of Conferences & Events

Salary:        £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

To maximise commercial revenue across the Liberal Democrats’ two annual federal conferences by managing incoming sales enquiries, developing client relationships and growing income from exhibitions, fringe events, sponsorship, branding and advertising.

They will manage the commercial sales process from initial enquiry through to booking and delivery, maximise opportunities for additional sales and repeat business, and identify new opportunities to grow revenue.

The successful candidate will be commercially driven, responsive, persuasive and highly organised. They will demonstrate initiative, creativity and a strong sense of ownership, with the ability to maximise revenue opportunities while delivering excellent client service. 

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Sales and Revenue Generation

• Manage incoming enquiries, converting opportunities into confirmed bookings and maximising revenue.
• Develop pricing structures and commercial packages for exhibition space, fringe events, sponsorship, branding and advertising including researching competitor rates.
• Identify opportunities to increase client spend through cross-selling and additional products.
• Follow up outstanding enquiries and undertake targeted business development to attract new clients and re-engage previous clients.
• Monitor sales performance and identify opportunities to improve revenue, conversion rates and client retention.
• Ensure all sponsorship is compliant within the Electoral Commission regulations

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with commercial and charitable clients, securing repeat bookings and year-on-year growth.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients throughout the year, providing a responsive and professional service.
• Understand client needs, negotiate agreements and recommend suitable commercial opportunities.
• Follow up after conferences to gather feedback, strengthen relationships and secure future business.

Marketing and Commercial Development

• Develop and deliver the marketing strategy for commercial opportunities.
• Produce commercial marketing materials, proposals, sponsorship packages and rate cards.
• Manage the commercial section of the conference website, ensuring information is accurate and up to date.
• Identify new products and income streams, keeping abreast of political developments, compliance, market trends and client needs.
• Provide input into the marketing strategy to the membership and other attendees.

Conference Planning and Delivery

• Work with venues and the shell scheme contractor to develop exhibition floorplans that maximise revenue and enhance the exhibitor experience.
• Manage bookings, invoicing and client documentation, ensuring information and deadlines are communicated clearly.
• Coordinate commercial arrangements with venues, contractors, suppliers and internal teams.
• Act as the main point of contact for commercial clients and contractors onsite, overseeing the smooth running of the exhibition hall, VIP lounge and sponsored activities including fringe events to ensure agreed commercial benefits are delivered.
• Work with the volunteer team and conference colleagues to support fringe events.
• Ensure commercial activities comply with applicable health and safety legislation and relevant venue and Party procedures.
• Attend venue site visits and client meetings as required.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with the Fundraising Department and PAU to share contacts, cross-sell and maximise income.
• Attend Conference & Communications Committee meetings, coordinate agendas, invitations and minutes and provide information when requested.
• Undertake other appropriate duties to support the Conference team and the wider Party.

Person Specification

We are looking for a highly organised, motivated and commercially minded individual with a proven ability to convert opportunities into sales, develop client relationships and deliver against commercial targets.

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator and negotiator, able to respond effectively to incoming enquiries, understand client needs and identify opportunities to maximise revenue. They will combine commercial judgement and creative thinking with a proactive, results-driven approach, taking ownership of the sales process while maintaining high standards of client service.

They will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners, and balancing commercial objectives with the practical requirements of conference planning and delivery.

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least five years’ relevant experience in commercial sales, account management, client relationship management or a similar role.
• Proven ability to convert enquiries into sales, generate revenue and secure repeat business.
• Strong commercial awareness, including pricing, negotiation and identifying opportunities to grow client spend.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, client service and targeted business development.
• Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate client records and commercial information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Sympathy with the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in conferences, exhibitions, sponsorship, advertising or live events.
• Experience developing commercial packages, pricing structures and marketing materials.
• Experience managing exhibition contractors, venues or event suppliers.

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.

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, diversity 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.