Overview
We are a dynamic and ethically-driven full-service events and marketing communications agency, searching for an exceptional Sales & Retention Director.
This role is ideal for a seasoned Business Development Director or Sales Director ready to leverage their extensive experience to lead a dynamic team, drive substantial growth, and shape the future of a growing agency.
About Associate Events
Specialising in B2B events, marketing and communications strategies, we focus on sectors such as technology, defence, luxury goods, venues and hospitality markets. Our comprehensive services encompass event management, brand development, market research, website creation, digital marketing and social media activation. We have experienced significant growth and evolution since inception, and have transformed from a pure events company into a full-service agency. This growth is highlighted by our recognition on the C&IT Top 50 Agency Challengers list 2024 - a testament to our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we thrived by leveraging our diversified skill set, now handling some 300 events per year alongside a substantial portfolio of marketing communications work. We pride ourselves on a strong ethical foundation, demonstrated by our involvement with a number of charities such as ‘The Clink’ which supports the reduction of reoffending rates by training prisoners in hospitality skills. This community-focused approach and commitment to integrity has resulted in an impressive 96% client retention rate.
The Role
The Sales & Retention Director will be a key driver in advancing AE’s growth strategy. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Business Development Director or Sales Director 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 AE’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 AE’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 AE’s values and goals.
Ethical Standards: Uphold AE’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 AE’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 AE’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 15-20 years in the events and marketing with proven strategic sales and business development 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 AE’s values and mission.
Creative & Practical: Balanced approach to creativity and practicality. Capable of translating innovative ideas into actionable plans.
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
AE 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.
Apply Now
For more information or to apply, please send your CV to Dan Maxwell: Dan.Maxwell@troikarecruitment.co.uk
T 0207 839 0130
M 07375 831 706
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