Event Sales Manager
We’re on a mission to create the best live music experience in the UK.
Co-op Live will offer a warm Manchester welcome to over 23,000 fans and amazing artists. With innovative smart ‘bowl’ design, cutting edge visual and acoustic technology, plus 32 amazing bars and restaurants and 12 premium lounges and clubs – we’re creating a unique space for the people of Manchester and beyond. World class, planet friendly and all in the heart of our local vibrant community.
Role Purpose
As we gear up to opening the venue in December 2023, we’re looking for an Event Sales Manager to join the Programming team, to create our Sales Strategy and actively promote and secure corporate, conferencing, award shows and banqueting events in our vibrant, yet unique spaces at Co-op Live.
The ideal candidate will be results driven in events and conferencing, naturally motivated to identify new opportunities within Manchester, the surrounding area and further afield, to include London and Europe.
So, if you are a positive disrupter who has the unique talent of networking, making meaningful connections, nurturing client relationships and securing quality events, we would love to hear from you!
Role Responsibilities
- Develop a non-event day strategy for Co-op Live, identifying events, key client, revenue opportunities
- Be the main contact and manage all corporate event enquiries / prospects in the booking system
- Proactively ensure that the diary is maintained with accurate event statuses to manage bookings and activities
- Establish and develop excellent relationships with event organisers, corporate event agencies and brands to maximise events on non-arena bowl event days
- Proactively identify, raise awareness and target potential clients for holding events at Co-op Live
- Utilise key drivers and be able to report on market information in the Corporate Event space
- Drive insightful professional venue tours at Co-op Live HQ and Co-op Live (site) to enable event organisers to fully be immersed in the venue hiring capabilities
- Account manage the end-to-end process; from the booking enquiry, confirmation of event and issue of tenancy contract, successful handover to the corporate event manager
- Provide regular sales report on a weekly basis on status of new enquiries, bookings timeframes, pipeline / forecast and confirmed events
- Work collaboratively with internal teams including the Marketing team to drive awareness of event spaces and sales campaigns to the corporate industry
- Attend corporate events to represent Co-op Live and develop strong networks and new client relationships
- Be an effective communicator who influences through a range of media: face-to-face, e-mail, virtual, phone and social media platforms
- Communicate and deliver the key messages in the areas of venue excellence, sustainability, community and charity contributions and the values of Co-op Live
Knowledge Skills and Experience
- Previous experience of securing corporate events, banqueting, awards (essential), within large, live entertainment venues (desirable)
- Experience in securing events in a large venue and understanding of venue event configurations, venue operations and catering capabilities
- Experience pitching and presenting to decision makers
- Previous experience of managing client relationships
- Experience negotiating contracts
- Effectively able to develop and maintain internal and external relationships
- Ability to work under pressure with excellent attention to detail to maintain a high standard of service
- Commercially astute and able to passionately communicate our mission of becoming Europe’s best and most sustainable live entertainment arena
- Be knowledgeable of all events throughout Greater Manchester and identify events for Co-op Live
- High level of professionalism, integrity and ability to maintain sensitive information
- Team player with a positive outlook; resourceful, motivated, and excellent customer service
- Self-motivated with creative-thinking skills and a team-first attitude
Key contacts and relationships
- Working with the Marketing and Digital team, Partnerships and Premium Service team, Operational team including venue team in Co-op Live
- OVG and Hospitality team
- Collaborating with corporate event organisers and agencies
- Partners and Sponsors
- City Football Group
Our Inclusion Commitments
Our venue is for the fans, the artists, everyone! Attracting a diverse workforce which reflects our local community is what will make our venue the best music venue in the UK!
Our venue is for the fans, the artists, everyone! Attracting a diverse workforce which reflects our local community is what will make our venue the best music venue in the UK!
We understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence.
We are committed to creating a great place to work amplifying voices from all different backgrounds. There is something for everyone at Coop Live, come and get involved.
If you do require any additional support or reasonable adjustments to support your application, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure you have everything you need.
We will consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the required skills necessary to fulfil the role.
