Sales and Retention Director

Overview

Our client, an innovative and ethically-driven events and marketing communications agency, is searching for an exceptional Senior Business Development Director or Sales Director. This role is ideal for a seasoned Business Development professional ready to leverage their extensive experience to lead a dynamic team, drive substantial growth, and shape the future of a growing agency.

About the Company

With a focus on B2B events and marketing strategies, our client serves sectors such as technology, defence, luxury goods, venues and hospitality markets.

Their comprehensive services include event management, brand development, market research, website creation, and social media activation. Recognised for their integrity and commitment to excellence, the agency was named on the C&IT Top 50 Agency Challengers list and has seen significant growth and evolution, particularly after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Role

The Senior Business Development Director or Sales Director will be a key driver in advancing the agency’s growth strategy. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Business Development leader who has thrived in a larger agency environment but is now eager to embrace a more entrepreneurial challenge.

In this role, you will:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement business development strategies that align with the agency’s growth objectives and ethical standards. You will be responsible for leading the sales and business development functions, ensuring they meet revenue and growth forecasts.
• Market Expansion: Identify and pursue new market opportunities across the technology, defence, and luxury goods sectors. Use your industry knowledge and connections to enhance the agency’s competitive edge.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain long-term relationships with key decision-makers. Navigate complex client organisations and craft tailored proposals that meet their specific needs.
• Team Leadership: Manage and motivate a team of Sales, Business Development, and Customer Service specialists. Foster a collaborative environment and ensure your team is aligned with the company’s values and goals.
• Ethical Standards: Uphold the company’s commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. Make decisions that reflect the agency’s core values and contribute to socially responsible projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sales Management: Lead the strategic delivery of the company’s sales plan, ensuring alignment with revenue, expenditure, and growth targets. Set standards for sales and business development activities and serve as the company’s ambassador for these functions.
• Budget & Resource Management: Oversee the revenue, sales, and retention budget. Manage resources effectively to achieve departmental targets and contribute to financial planning.
• Team Development: Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing business development and sales team. Ensure that your team is motivated, informed, and aligned with the company’s culture and objectives.
• Operational Leadership: Act as the senior lead on all sales and business development initiatives. Provide critical oversight on projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.

About You

• Experience: Minimum of 10 - 20 years in the events and marketing, with proven strategic sales and leadership skills. Experience in a major B2B agency is essential.
• Strategic Thinker: Demonstrated ability to think creatively and strategically, driving growth and delivering results. Proven track record of managing multi-million-pound sales conversions.
• Relationship Builder: Expertise in building and nurturing long-term client relationships. Ability to navigate complex client organisations and manage key accounts.
• Ethical Leader: Commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. Ability to make decisions that align with the agency’s values and mission.
• Creative & Practical: Balanced approach to creativity and practicality. Capable of translating innovative ideas into actionable plans that deliver results.
• Impact-Driven: Passion for making a positive impact through community-focused initiatives and socially responsible projects.

Why This Role?

This position offers a rare opportunity for a seasoned Sales Director or Business Development Director to transition from a large corporate environment to a more agile and independent agency. If you are looking for a role where you can make a substantial impact, drive significant growth, and enjoy flexibility, this is the perfect opportunity.

Location & Flexibility

The company is based in Leicester, but this role offers flexibility for the right candidate to be based anywhere in the UK.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity for significant professional development and impact.
• Supportive and dynamic work environment that values integrity, creativity, and strategic thinking.