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