Senior Development Manager
Start date: Early 2026
Salary: Based on experience
Location: Central London
About the Role
We are looking for a commercially minded senior manager who is ready to take on a pivotal role
within I.D.E.A. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident mid-career professional who is ready
to step into a leadership position and shape the organisation’s commercial development.
With the support of the Director and an external consultant, you will connect sponsorship,
partnerships and wider strategic opportunities across our programmes and related projects. You’ll
help build and strengthen a growing sales and partnerships function, while ensuring commercial
activity is fully integrated with content, communications and programming.
This role would suit someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, and who is
excited by the opportunity to make a visible impact within a small, ambitious team.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement a cohesive commercial strategy aligned with I.D.E.A.'s mission and
long-term growth objectives.
• Lead and expand the partnerships and sales function, setting clear KPIs and performance
goals.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of sponsorship, brand and institutional partners.
• Develop compelling proposals, pitch decks and commercial materials.
• Work closely with internal teams to integrate commercial partnerships into programming,
communications and delivery.
• Track and report on performance metrics, budgets and revenue forecasts.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring strong long-term relationships with partners.
• Identify and develop new commercial opportunities in both the UK and internationally.
• Represent I.D.E.A. and its projects at industry events and stakeholder meetings.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience
• A proven track record in commercial development, business development or partnerships
within a creative, cultural or design-led organisation.
• Strong network or demonstrable ability to build relationships across brands, agencies and
cultural partners.
• Experience using CRM systems (ideally Salesforce) to manage pipelines and reporting.
• Excellent copywriting and presentation skills, including experience developing pitches and
proposals.
• Strong financial literacy - comfortable managing budgets, revenue and forecasts.
• Data-driven approach with the ability to analyse performance and inform strategy.
• Strong negotiation and client management skills with experience developing long-term
partnerships.
• Understanding of brand storytelling and how to build authentic, mutually beneficial
collaborations.
Desirable
• Experience supporting or leading elements of a commercial or partnerships team.
• Knowledge of the design, culture or creative industries (UK and/or international).
• Experience working across both B2B and B2C environments.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to
jobs@londondesignfestival.com by Friday 12th December 2025.