Sales Manager – Start-up Ecosystem

Sales Manager – Start-up Ecosystem (Europe)

Location: Office-based with regular travel across Europe.

Candidate Based: Central Europe (Germany preferred).

Type: Full-Time, Permanent.

A prominent global purpose-built exhibitions and events organisation is offering an exceptional opportunity to a self-starting Sales Manager.

This role is ideal for someone excited by the prospect of rolling their sleeves up, is deeply rooted within the scale-up ecosystem and comes with a strong proven sales acumen that can be applied within the context of building quality partnerships with start-ups, venture capital firms, innovation hubs and incubators with the end goal of integrating them into our client’s exhibition and innovation platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and engage start-ups, VCs, and accelerators to participate as paying clients in exhibitions and innovation showcases.
• Translate start-up ecosystem knowledge into compelling sales strategies tailored to exhibitions.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of start-up clients and partners from Germany and Europe.
• Collaborate with internal teams to design start-up zones, pitch stages, and innovation features within exhibitions.
• Represent the company at European start-up events and forums to build brand presence and generate leads.
• Develop CRM strategies and manage key accounts from the start-up sector.
• Achieve revenue targets and contribute to the growth of the start-up vertical within the exhibition’s portfolio.

About You:

• Experience: 3-5 years in start-up sales, venture capital, accelerator programs, or B2B sales to start-ups.
• Background: Proven success in the European start-up scene, particularly within Germany or adjacent geographical markets.
• Education: Degree in Business, Innovation, or a related field.
• Skills: Excellent sales, communication, and negotiation skills. Strong network in the European start-up ecosystem.
• Languages: Fluency in English is essential; additional language skills necessary (strong preference: German).

What’s Offered:

• A dynamic, innovation-focused working environment.
• The opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping how cutting-edge start-ups connect with global markets.
• International travel and exposure to world-leading exhibitions and tech events.
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

Interview Process:

• First Stage: Introductory call with Salt Consultant (Naomi Taylor) to explore mutual fit.
• Second Stage: Video conference call with Hiring Managers: Head of HR, Director of Events, Sponsorships and Partnerships and Event Managing Director.
• Third/Final Stage: Video conference call with higher management.

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements