Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Salary: £32,546 to £38,249 per annum
Post Type: Full-time
Contract Type: Ongoing
Closing Date: Wednesday 30 April 2025
Interview Date: Friday 09 May 2025
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: Available
This role is based on the University campus, and flexible working arrangements are open for discussion.
Overview of the Role
Are you a driven, sales-focused individual with a knack for generating leads and fostering strong business relationships? The University of Leeds is seeking a Business Development Manager to support its Conference and Events function, playing a pivotal role in the university’s strategic vision and ambition to become a world leader in hosting prestigious events and conferences.
In this exciting role, you will help double the team’s income from £2 million to £4 million, capitalizing on industry recovery and recent investments in both on-campus and city center venues. Your work will be essential in driving the growth and success of the University’s event services, establishing Leeds as the venue of choice within the local industry.
This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced business development professionals with a background in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and a passion for event management. If you are ready to take on a challenge that combines strategic thinking, sales excellence, and collaboration across diverse teams, this role is for you!
Key Responsibilities
1. Develop and Implement Sales Strategy
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Lead the development and execution of a proactive sales strategy to expand the University’s conference and events business.
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Work closely with academic colleagues to attract national and international association conferences.
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Research and identify new business opportunities within the local industry sectors, ensuring the University becomes a venue of choice in the Leeds city region.
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Manage the end-to-end sales process, from lead generation to closing deals, consistently achieving ambitious targets.
2. Foster Stakeholder Relationships
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Build strong, long-lasting relationships with venue finding and event management agencies.
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Engage with local industry leaders, identifying and cultivating relationships that contribute to the growth of the business.
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Collaborate with internal teams to ensure exceptional customer service and delivery of services that exceed expectations.
3. Revenue Growth and Business Expansion
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Actively contribute to the growth of the team’s income, aiming for a significant increase from £2 million to £4 million in revenue.
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Oversee the development of new business proposals, ensuring they align with the University’s strategic goals and client expectations.
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Work collaboratively with the marketing team to ensure brand visibility and attract new opportunities.
4. Event Management and Coordination
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Assist in the coordination of high-profile conferences and events, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
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Provide support to the event management team, including providing key insights for venue selection, logistical planning, and event delivery.
5. Achieving Sales Targets
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Maintain a strong focus on achieving sales goals, working with internal stakeholders to ensure targets are met and exceeded.
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Utilize your expertise in MICE sector trends and best practices to continuously improve business development strategies and outcomes.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications
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A degree in business, marketing, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
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Proven track record of generating new business in a commercial sales environment, particularly in event management or conference services.
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Strong understanding of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and the event management industry.
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Experience working with large-scale conferences and events, ideally within a university or public sector setting.
Experience and Skills
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Experience in business development with a focus on lead generation, relationship building, and revenue growth.
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Strong knowledge of the local industry sectors, including the academic and conference/event sectors in Leeds and beyond.
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Ability to develop and execute sales strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives.
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Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with senior stakeholders, clients, and internal teams.
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A strong can-do attitude with the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
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Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable Qualifications
Desirable Experience
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Previous experience in a Business Development Manager role, ideally within the conference and events sector.
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Familiarity with event management systems and CRM software.
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A background in university-based event services, or similar organizational settings, is highly advantageous.
Personal Attributes
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A motivated self-starter with a passion for business development and a proactive approach to sales.
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Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and maintain long-term business relationships.
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Highly organized with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
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A team player who thrives in a collaborative environment but also has the autonomy to work independently when required.
What We Offer in Return
The University of Leeds is committed to fostering a supportive work environment where employees are empowered to achieve their best. In addition to a competitive salary, the following benefits are offered:
Generous Leave and Benefits
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26 days of annual leave, plus 16 Bank Holidays and customary University closures (such as Christmas), totaling 42 days off per year.
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Comprehensive pension scheme options with life assurance.
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Access to health and well-being benefits, including discounted gym memberships at The Edge (a state-of-the-art campus facility) featuring a pool, sauna, climbing wall, and sports halls.
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On-site childcare services to support employees with young children.
Professional Development
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Access to a wide range of professional development courses through the University’s Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
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Opportunities for personal development in areas such as languages, creative writing, and well-being therapies.
Additional Benefits
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Exclusive staff discounts on shopping, travel schemes, and much more.
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Flexible working options to support a healthy work-life balance.
Application Information
To apply for the Business Development Manager position, please submit your CV and cover letter by Wednesday, 30 April 2025. Interviews will be held on Friday, 9 May 2025.
Apply Here
If you have any questions or need further details about the role, please feel free to contact Chelsea Rolfe-Hayes at C.R.Rolfe@leeds.ac.uk.
Final Thoughts
The Business Development Manager role at the University of Leeds offers an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals in the business development and events management sectors. If you are looking to contribute to the success of a world-renowned institution while taking your career to the next level, this is the perfect role for you.
Take the next step in your career and join a dynamic team at a prestigious university, where your contributions will directly impact the growth and success of the conference and events business. Apply today!