Commercial Director

Key Responsibilities

• Own and drive the commercial performance of a large-scale international business event, with full accountability for delegate and sponsorship revenue delivery and growth.

• Lead revenue generation across multiple commercial products, managing a substantial annual revenue target in the eight-figure range.

• Secure new business while protecting and expanding value from strategic accounts through long-term relationship development.

• Design and deliver tailored commercial proposals that maximise client investment and partnership value.

• Set, monitor, and achieve annual and quarterly revenue targets through disciplined pipeline and opportunity management.

• Define and execute a clear commercial strategy for delegate and sponsorship sales, aligned with wider organisational objectives.

• Identify new markets, partnership models, and monetisation opportunities to support sustained growth.

• Provide market insight and client feedback to inform product positioning, pricing, and future development.

• Ensure a compelling and differentiated commercial proposition that maintains a premium market position.

• Build detailed market plans and territory strategies, including account mapping and prioritisation across regions.

• Oversee the creation of high-quality commercial sales materials that reflect a premium brand and can be deployed consistently across teams.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing commercial team, setting clear expectations and driving accountability.

• Create a collaborative, performance-driven culture focused on continuous improvement and talent retention.

• Deliver accurate forecasting, pipeline reporting, and commercial performance updates to senior leadership.

• Monitor return on investment across major initiatives and partnerships, ensuring governance and compliance standards are met.

• Maintain strong awareness of global industry trends, translating insights into competitive and commercial advantage.

• Work closely with marketing, content, operations, and leadership teams to ensure aligned delivery and an integrated client experience.

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, economics, or a related discipline; postgraduate qualification preferred.

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in senior commercial, sales, or business development leadership roles within large-scale B2B events, media, or exhibition environments.

• Proven success delivering and scaling multi-million revenue portfolios across sponsorship, delegate sales, and partnerships.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and retain high-performing commercial teams across multiple markets.

• Strong background in developing and executing commercial strategies that deliver sustainable, long-term growth.

• Experience managing complex, high-value negotiations with senior decision-makers.

• Exceptional commercial acumen, with the ability to identify, structure, and monetise new opportunities.

• Strategic thinker capable of balancing long-term vision with short-term execution.

• Highly effective negotiator and influencer with strong stakeholder management skills.

• Advanced analytical and financial capability, including forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis.

• Confident communicator with strong presentation and relationship-building skills at executive level.

• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with evolving market dynamics.

• Collaborative leadership style with a strong cross-functional mindset and results-driven approach.

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements