Commercial Events Manager

Sales Manager - International Defence Event
London | Competitive Salary + Commission + Excellent Benefits

I am recruiting on behalf of my client for an experienced Sales Manager to join the team launching a high-profile defence and security event in Africa.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving exhibitor and sponsorship sales for a flagship launch event, working with government agencies, defence contractors, and industry stakeholders across Africa and global markets.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to meet revenue targets

• Identify, approach, and secure exhibitors, sponsors, and partners across defence, aerospace, and security sectors

• Build and maintain relationships with government bodies, trade associations, and international delegations

• Negotiate and close exhibition space sales, sponsorships, and partnership agreements

• Maintain an active sales pipeline and provide regular reporting to the Sales Director

• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and content teams to ensure commitments are delivered

• Represent the event at industry forums, conferences, and networking opportunities

• Support on-site sales and client relationship management during the event

• Degree educated with 5+ years'' proven B2B sales experience, ideally in defence, aerospace, security or large-scale international events/exhibitions

• Strong network across the defence and security sectors in Africa and internationally

• Track record of exceeding sales targets and driving business development

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills

• Confident engaging with senior-level stakeholders and decision-makers

• Proactive, with the ability to thrive under pressure and meet deadlines

• Fluent in English (French, Arabic, or Portuguese an advantage)

• Strong CRM knowledge (Salesforce preferred)

• Willingness to travel extensively across Africa and internationally

• Competitive base salary + commission

• Excellent benefits

• International travel opportunities

This role is ideal for a commercially driven sales professional who is excited by the challenge of shaping and growing a new international defence event.

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