About LEGENDS & ASM GLOBAL
Two powerhouse companies have joined forces to redefine excellence in sports, entertainment, and live events. Together, we combine unmatched expertise with a global reach, offering end-to-end solutions – from venue development and event booking to revenue strategy and hospitality.
Legends brings a 360-degree, data-driven approach across Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise, and Attractions, working with top-tier clients to deliver exceptional experiences.
ASM Global, the world leader in venue management and live event production, oversees 350+ iconic venues stadiums, arenas, conventions centres and theatres.
Our organisation is committed to building an inclusive, innovative environment where differences drive solutions that benefit our team members, guests, and partners. Guided by our values of respect, integrity, and accountability, we create a workplace where everyone can succeed. Are you ready to be part of the team that is transforming live entertainment? Join us to make legends happen!
The Venue
The AO Arena has welcomed over 30 million guests and thousands of World-renowned artists since opening its doors in 1997. It has played a vital role in shaping Manchester’s music scene and has supported artists from back rooms to the main stage. With its £ 50 million redevelopment, the new look AO Arena will attract more artists and more fans for many years to come.
Made in Manchester, Made for Manchester.
About the Role
As Business Development Manager – Conferencing & Events, you will lead the strategic growth of our C&E division. This is a high-impact, commercially driven role focused on identifying, acquiring, and nurturing new business across the UK, positioning AO Arena as the go-to destination for corporate events, conferences, exhibitions, and bespoke experiences.
Reporting into the commercial leadership team, your primary objective will be to build and deliver a long-term revenue strategy—driving new business pipeline development, leveraging your network, and implementing sales processes that convert prospects into long-term clients. You’ll be at the forefront of expanding the Arena’s commercial footprint in the B2B events space.
What we can offer
Hosting events is what we do best, and we want our People to experience that too- enjoy access to discounted tickets to unleash your superfan for all your favourites.
You will work hard at ASM, but you will be rewarded with lots of time to relax and rest with 25 days annual leave
We understand that you have a life outside of work and want to ensure that your loved ones will always be taken care of whilst you’re contributing to our success with our Life Assurance policy.
A healthy contribution of % Pension so that your golden years are spent ticking off the items on your bucket list.
Got a dental bill? Need to book a counselling session? Or even help with Physio costs? With the support of Healthshield; ASM will support with these unexpected costs. For you and any children.
We understand that from time to time you might need a bit of support to get you back to feeling your best, so we have teamed up with AXA Health to provide our people with an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support mental health in the workplace.
We are visionaries: both physically and metaphorically! When you join ASM you will be entitled to eye care vouchers and a contribution towards any glasses you require.
Pedal your way to a greener, healthier commute—join our Cycle to Work scheme and turn every ride into a win for you and the planet
Great people know great people! Refer a friend through our Employee Referral Scheme and get rewarded for helping us build an amazing team
Key Responsibilities:
1. Design, implement, and execute a comprehensive business development strategy for the C&E division.
2. Source, qualify, and convert new leads within the MICE and corporate events sector through proactive outreach, networking, and referrals.
3. Build, manage, and grow a pipeline of commercial opportunities, supported by CRM systems and data insights.
4. Deliver tailored proposals, presentations, and pricing strategies that reflect the unique value of hosting events at the AO Arena.
5. Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, operations, partnerships, and hospitality teams to ensure seamless client delivery and post-sale satisfaction.
6. Monitor and report on competitor activity and market trends to maintain a competitive edge.
7. Achieve and exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets.
We are looking for someone with:
8. Proven experience in B2B business development or consultative sales within events, hospitality, venues, or corporate entertainment.
9. Strong strategic acumen and a track record of building commercial plans that deliver measurable results.
10. A natural relationship builder with an established network in the North West and broader UK events market.
11. Skilled in pipeline management, CRM systems, and sales analytics.
12. Entrepreneurial, ambitious, and driven by targets and client success.
13. Comfortable representing a premium venue to C-suite and senior-level decision-makers.
Recruitment Process Outlined:
* 1st Stage - Meeting with Venue Team
* 2nd Stage - Presentation Brief Task with Venue Team and GM.
Inclusive Workplace
At ASM Global, we are committed to leading the entertainment industry towards a greener, faster, and more innovative digital future. There’s never been a better time to join our team. We aim to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. Join us and make a significant impact from day one.
We are committed to active inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities. This commitment begins with our recruitment and selection process. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements.
If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know in your application. We are dedicated to providing a fair and transparent assessment process and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.
If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure it is considered. We will continue to review applications on a rolling basis and may close the advert before the closing date.