An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Sales and Events Manager to join the team based in Solihull. You will join us on a full time, permanent basis and in return you will receive a competitive salary of between £40,000 and £45,752 per annum depending on experience. Associated Independent Stores (AIS) is the leading home, fashion and leisure buying & services group in the UK and Ireland, for independent retail. We work together with independently owned retail businesses and a global network of brands to help drive profitability for our members. From our dedicated events venue, Cranmore Park, the team organise 20 expertly curated INDX trade shows each year, across furniture, homeware, fashion, flooring, toys and sport. In addition, our versatile spaces attract countless external clients looking for the perfect venue to host their own standout exhibitions, conferences, meetings and hospitality events. This is a fantastic event venue and exhibition sales role. With a mix of new business and key account management activities over your own portfolio of trade shows and venue events, you will have exceptional organisational skills, the ability to communicate effectively and be able to work collaboratively & efficiently to strict timescales to ensure that everything goes smoothly in the build up and execution of events. Key responsibilities of our Sales and Events Manager are two-fold across INDX Trade Shows and Venue Events. Working with the Head of Events, you will support marketing, sales, and events strategies, identify potential for growth, explore new market segments, achieve long term client service and deliver financial profitability: Trade Shows – Main Responsibility Manage and oversee specific trade shows with responsibility to advise event scope, and work with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the event is a success Project manage the entire event lifecycle to ensure the event is delivered according to the agreed brief Create and manage the critical path and operational plans to a robust P&L, collaborating with cross functional teams as required including, Product, Marketing, IT and Finance and Operations Maximise trade show income through optimal floorplan management and allocation of stand space in conjunction with the product teams Use a multitude of sales techniques to sell stand space, shell schemes, sponsorship and marketing packages with an entrepreneurial approach to seek out up-selling opportunities to ensure targets are met Control the day-to-day administration of the sales and operational delivery, including staff scheduling, inventory and control, contracts and invoicing, setup and break-down and monitoring budget expenditures Venue Events – Supporting Responsibility With the Head of Events shape and create the annual events calendar for Cranmore Park aligned with the sales strategy Proactively source external event bookings such as exhibitions, conferences, experiential events and meetings Network and build relationships to promote the event spaces for new business Manage the sales process including taking in-bound enquiries, creating proposal documents, raising contracts and invoices, and preparing event function sheets Work collaboratively with Facilities to ensure spaces are set up correctly and catering and additional requirements are all delivered according to agreed schedules Be the point of contact for our clients’ events’ needs, creating a world class and bespoke experience for all of our visitors What we’re looking for in our Sales and Events Manager: At least two years’ business event management experience preferably gained in venue sales or exhibition sales/organiser (retail categories a distinct advantage) environment Well trained in sales process and able to adapt different sales techniques to the varied customer base Operational excellence and exceptional customer service Excellent organisation and time management skills Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, internally and externally A self-motivated individual with strengths in problem solving and decision making An eye for detail and a creative outlook are essential A positive team player with the ability to work with numerous members of the wider team and a ‘can do’ attitude Calm and focussed especially during busy periods Flexible and able to work additional hours in the build-up, break down and duration of shows as required Experience of the Microsoft suite of packages including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint Experience of Momentus Event Management system and/or an Events Venue Management system desirable. If you feel you have the skills and experience needed to become the Sales and Events Manager at AIS then please click ‘apply’ today! We’d love to hear from you.