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:
1. Identify and engage start-ups, VCs, and accelerators to participate as paying clients in exhibitions and innovation showcases.
2. Translate start-up ecosystem knowledge into compelling sales strategies tailored to exhibitions.
3. Build and maintain a strong pipeline of start-up clients and partners from Germany and Europe.
4. Collaborate with internal teams to design start-up zones, pitch stages, and innovation features within exhibitions.
5. Represent the company at European start-up events and forums to build brand presence and generate leads.
6. Develop CRM strategies and manage key accounts from the start-up sector.
7. Achieve revenue targets and contribute to the growth of the start-up vertical within the exhibition’s portfolio.
About You:
8. Experience: 3-5 years in start-up sales, venture capital, accelerator programs, or B2B sales to start-ups.
9. Background: Proven success in the European start-up scene, particularly within Germany or adjacent geographical markets.
10. Education: Degree in Business, Innovation, or a related field.
11. Skills: Excellent sales, communication, and negotiation skills. Strong network in the European start-up ecosystem.
12. Languages: Fluency in English is essential; additional language skills necessary (strong preference: German).
What’s Offered:
13. A dynamic, innovation-focused working environment.
14. The opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping how cutting-edge start-ups connect with global markets.
15. International travel and exposure to world-leading exhibitions and tech events.
16. Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
Interview Process:
17. First Stage: Introductory call with Salt Consultant (Naomi Taylor) to explore mutual fit.
18. Second Stage: Video conference call with Hiring Managers: Head of HR, Director of Events, Sponsorships and Partnerships and Event Managing Director.
19. Third/Final Stage: Video conference call with higher management.
*Rates depend on experience and client requirements