Business Development Manager (Conferences and Events)

 This role will be based on the University campus. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. 

Do you have the passion and drive to maximise business potential? Are you sales-focussed, with the ability to generate leads and build robust relationships with a variety of stakeholders?

The Conference and Events function plays a significant role in supporting the University’s strategic vision and world-class aspiration through its reputation for the successful delivery and professionalism of conferences, events and other services. The team’s income is set to grow significantly from £2million to as much as £4million following industry recovery from the pandemic and investment in facilities both on and off campus, including a new city centre venue set to launch in spring 2023. 

To realise this ambition, we seek to appoint a Business Development Manager who can proactively support the development, implementation and the delivery of an ambitious sales strategy to grow and maximise our business. The Business Development Manager will support academic colleagues in attracting national and international association conferences to the University, as well as venue finding & event management agencies, and independently researching local industry sectors to establish the University as a venue of choice within the Leeds city region.

We are looking for a motivated and experienced business development professional with a proven track record of generating new business in a commercial sales environment. With significant expertise in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), you will have a deep understanding of local industry sectors. You should be passionate about working within an events team, with a strong can-do attitude and a drive to achieve sales targets. As an excellent team player, you will be adept at building relationships and communicating effectively at all levels.

Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role may only be suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants if they are eligible for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Chelsea Rolfe-Hayes, email: C.R.Rolfe@leeds.ac.uk

Closing Date: Wednesday 30 April 2025

Interview Date: Friday 09 May 2025

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