_Head of Commercial Sales

The Role
We're looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Corporate and Private Events Manager on a permanent basis to join our busy income-generating events team.

Working within the Corporate Events team you will promote, sell, plan and deliver events across V&A multi-site venues for private and corporate clients. The team sits within the Development department and run over 160 events a year, bringing in unrestricted income of over £2 million a year. You will use your experience within a busy events environment to work with a variety of clients planning events from sales enquiry to on-the-night delivery, with a collaborative and can-do attitude engaging with both internal and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities
• To answer event enquiries, undertake site visits across V&A multi-site and oversee events to a high standard.
• To proactively sell and market V&A event opportunities, with the support of the rest of the Corporate Events Team.
• To deliver full and effective supervision of all contractors (e.g. caterers, florists, lighting and production companies), ensuring all procedures and guidelines are available and understood.
• To ensure that the Museum is treated with respect, that Health & Safety guidelines are adhered to, and that the Museum is returned to normal for the public after each event.
• To ensure that day-to-day documentation around events is thorough with consistent management of invoices, briefing and Security documents, Risk Assessments etc.
• To liaise with Museum colleagues to maintain the ’events diary’ multi-site and ensure accurate information on any gallery re-fits, closures, access, opening policies etc. that may impact on the successful delivery of events.
• To be well informed of the Museum’s Public Programme including knowledge of forthcoming exhibitions.
• To work in liaison with the Corporate Partnerships team to promote corporate event opportunities to current Corporate Members and Sponsors, and deliver events for active partnerships.

Who are we looking for
• Significant and demonstrable experience in a comparable events environment within a broad range of arts/heritage venues.
• Highly professional, confident and well-presented with a positive ’can do’ attitude.
• Excellent planning and time management skills: good at working under pressure, prioritising and managing multiple requirements.
• Excellent written, numerical and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to confidently juggle administrative work of varying types at periods of high demand.
• Ability to be a team player, both within the Corporate Events team and the wider Development Department and Museum as a whole.
• Confident people skills – ability to work with a broad range of people (from VIPs to private clients to caterers) often during time pressured events.
• Demonstrable ability to pivot quickly to the demands and requirements of high-level clients and VIPs with professional demeanour, whilst upholding the security and protection of the Museum’s fabric and collections.
• Availability to work outside normal office hours and across multiple V&A London sites.
• An understanding of fundraising including corporate membership schemes and sponsorship is desirable
• Interest in the work of the Victoria and Albert Museum
• Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety obligations
• Good contacts and a network in the events industry is desirable
• Good understanding of social media and how it can be used as a marketing tool is desirable
• Shares our Values of Sustainability, Equity, Creativity, Collaboration and Generosity

What’s in it for you?

• 29 days of holiday + public holidays each year
• 5.5% employee pension contribution, 10% employer pension contribution (post-probation) • Life assurance scheme (to value of 4 x annual salary)
• Family-friendly policies e.g. enhanced maternity + paid carers leave
• Free sanitary products for all employees across our sites
• Free entrance to many major museums and exhibitions
• Benefits platform offering discounts at major retailers

& many more

Full job description and list of benefits on our website

When do applications close?

21 September @ 23:59

Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well. If you're interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team.

ACCOUNT MANAGER

We’re seeking an Account Manager to join our global sales team. The Account Manager will report directly to the Head of Meeting & Event Sales.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain extensive knowledge of Convene Hospitality Group’s products and locations while building the brand locally and regionally.
• Possess a clear understanding of the portfolios business plan, locally, regionally and globally, ensuring that all personal targets are achieved to meet the overall sales objectives
• Conduct and coordinate thorough site inspections, virtual tours and demos, client appointments, account development meetings and assist with quarterly business reviews with your key accounts.
• Discover new local meeting and event decision makers, maintain and grow current and prospective clients, referral partners and new business contacts.
• Rapidly respond to all client enquiries and other communication and maintain up to date account detail for all relevant key accounts that you are responsible for.
• Generate, negotiate and close agreements to client specifications while adhering to internal pricing guidelines.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of competitive sets and relationships with counterparts.
• Attend relevant networking events and host regular familiarisation trips for your accounts in order to maintain, grow and prospect new business
• Cultivate relationships with allocated key accounts through consultative sales efforts to reach and exceed commercial goals.
• Owns and cultivates a number of accounts that are selected based on location, volume and spend.
• Responsible for soliciting and securing repeat business associated to their allocated account deck and pipeline.
• Optimise conversion and adapt process where required to achieve conversion goals for both new and existing business
• Lead on and process all enquiries in a timely manner, aligned with CHG sales strategy.
• Create, maintain and where required liaise with your Line Manager(s) to build Account Plans for your allocated accounts and to map out organisational structure in order to identify further growth opportunities.
• Support the wider regional sales efforts in increasing market share and optimising value for clients across the portfolios brands.
• Optimise client experience and maximise revenue opportunities through technology and other event upsells to create additional revenue channels.
• Identify potential accounts which may benefit from a Platform Partnership Agreements (MSAs) that support the organisation’s revenue strategy and growth of the Meetings and Workplace portfolio.
• Aggregate and record key account intel, metrics and feedback in CHG’s CRM to maximise insight.

What We Look For

• Minimum 2 years sales sales-related experience
• Experience with physical or virtual events, real estate, or flexible workspaces, a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to effectively build relationships with clients
• Ability to work well with other team members

We’re Here For You

At Convene Hospitality Group, we want you to feel supported in every part of your life. Here’s what you can expect:

• Health & Wellness: Private medical insurance, subsidised fitness and eye care, plus well-being and personal support programs. Because your well-being matters, inside and outside of work.
• Time Off & Balance: 25 days annual leave, bank holidays, and company sick pay.
• Financial Benefits: Bonus scheme, interest-free loans for rail travel or further education, and a Cycle to Work program. We invest in you so you can grow personally and professionally.
• Growth & Recognition: Career development opportunities and programs to celebrate your achievements.
• Community & Impact: Volunteer, donate, and make a real impact through your work.

At Convene Hospitality Group, we believe great teams are built by bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Our values of GRIT (Genuine, Relentless, Integrity, and Teamwork) shape how we show up for each other every day. We want everyone here to feel welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. If you’re excited to grow, learn, and make an impact, we’d love to have you on the team.

Convene Hospitality Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

About Legends Global

Legends Global is redefining excellence in sport, entertainment and live events. With unrivalled expertise and international reach, we provide end-to-end solutions – from venue development and event programming to revenue strategy and hospitality.

We take a 360-degree, data-driven approach across Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise and Attractions, working with leading clients to deliver outstanding experiences that resonate worldwide.

Our organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking environment where diversity drives innovation and collaboration. Guided by our values of Align, Scale, Connect, Team and Win... we create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Global Partnerships

Delivering for the world’s largest and most complex projects, Legends Global Partnerships experts deliver innovative solutions to create integrated and meaningful partnerships, connecting our partners with the world’s premier and emerging brands in a transformational way. Our comprehensive slate of consulting and sales execution services includes delivering naming and venue entitlement positions, jersey sponsorships, premier events partnerships, emerging entertainment platforms, universities, mixed-use real estate developments and more.

The newly created European Football department focuses on premium football opportunities in the market, leveraging the LGP expertise to develop and grow this new revenue unit for the company.

About the Role

The Director of Global Partnerships – European Football will lead the identification, development, and delivery of key corporate partnerships for brands looking to invest in football, initially focusing on Aston Villa as a core client. This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President of European Sport Partnerships.

What we can offer

You will work hard at Legends Global , 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 5% 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; Legends Global 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 Legends Global 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:

• Proactively drive new business opportunities, using a mix of existing relationships and outreach to secure meetings with prospective partners
• Present Aston Villa’s commercial offering to national and international brands, creating tailored, insight-led partnership solutions
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospects, identifying opportunities across brands, agencies, and the wider football landscape
• Develop and maintain relationships with senior decision-makers, understanding their marketing goals and how partnerships can deliver against them
• Work closely with internal teams, including Legends Global Partnerships and senior leadership, to align strategy and maximise commercial success
• Research and target new industries, brands, and market opportunities to grow the partnership portfolio
• Keep track of activity and pipeline progress using Salesforce, ensuring accurate reporting and follow-up
• Collaborate with strategy teams to leverage insights, trends, and data to strengthen proposals and targeting
• Lead commercial negotiations and support deals through to contract completion
• Provide regular updates to senior stakeholders on pipeline and performance
• Consistently achieve and exceed ambitious revenue targets in a fast-paced, high-performance environment

We are looking for someone with:

• Strong track record in sponsorship sales with an established network of senior brand and agency contacts
• Proven ability to identify opportunities and develop creative, integrated partnership solutions
• Excellent pitching, negotiation, and deal-closing skills
• Commercially driven, competitive, and results-focused
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-performance environments
• Skilled in articulating the value of partnerships as a marketing solution
• Creative and strategic in developing proposals that meet client needs
• Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Marketing, Business, or related field.
• Work experience within the sports & entertainment industry
• Willingness to travel

Recruitment Process Outlined:

• 1st Stage - Intro with Talent Team
• 2nd Stage- Meeting with Hiring Manager

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks. These may include verification of identity, proof of address, right to work, employment history, qualifications, and—where relevant to the role—a basic or enhanced DBS check. All checks will be carried out in line with data protection law and we will only request information that is necessary for the role.

Inclusive Workplace

At Legends 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.

Description

We are looking for people to join our fantastic team at Somerset House Trust. As the home of cultural innovators, the Trust connects creativity and the arts with the broader society. Somerset House pursues a ’Step Inside, Think Outside’ spirit and is born from the creative community we nurture - the experience and perspectives we host across background, age, race, and stage, and the intersections and crossovers we encourage.

The Head of Commercial Sales is responsible for leading the Venue Hire Sales Team and driving revenue growth through effective sales strategies and relationship-building. They will lead and inspire the sales team, optimise revenue generation and deliver an excellent service to clients. They will be proactive, commercially astute, and strategic in developing revenue opportunities, whilst balancing these with our charitable aims.

The role involves managing key client relationships, developing sales strategies and working closely with the Head of Commercial Operations to ensure a seamless customer journey for all clients.

The Head of Commercial Sales will work closely with the Commercial Director to implement new opportunities and with the Audience and Development team to ensure the marketing and promotion of Somerset House as one of London’s most impressive and versatile venues. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in sales within the events industry, strong leadership skills, and a process driven approach.

What we are looking for

LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

• Lead, mentor, and motivate the Commercial Sales team, providing direction, training, and support to achieve high performance across events, filming and activations.
• Conduct regular team meetings and 1-1 meetings to review performance, provide feedback, and set individual goals.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and goal-oriented team culture, encouraging continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Line management of the Commercial Sales team: Senior Sales Manager, 2x Event Sales Managers and Event Sales Coordinator.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Accountable for the commercial success of the sales team. Monitor sales performance, ensure a flexible and creative approach to securing new business, meet and exceed monthly sales targets and grow the venue hire business.
• Responsible for leading complex, high revenue event enquiries, and cross-departmental events, ensuring buy in from key stakeholders across the Trust when required.
• Develop a key account management framework and cultivation strategy, which retains and develops new relationships with direct clients, suppliers, agencies and key stakeholders.
• Develop new Venue Hire opportunities – identify and implement opportunities for growth across new and enhanced offers, new sectors and underutilised spaces.
• Work closely with the Head of Commercial Operations and wider team, to ensure a consistently strong focus on customer service, ensuring a seamless client journey, from initial enquiry through to post event debrief.
• Develop a close and effective working relationship with the Development team to optimise corporate members and brand partnership opportunities.
• Grow repeat business in line with departmental objectives.
• Woking closely with the Head of Commercial Operations, deliver the supplier tender process.
• Maintain and build relationships with accredited suppliers.
• Work closely and creatively with all departments across the Trust to maximise opportunities where possible.
• Act as an effective ambassador for Somerset House.

FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

• Work with the Commercial Director and Head of Commercial Operations to set annual sales and marketing budgets.
• Responsible for delivering the annual sales and marketing budget.
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate monthly reporting of actual versus forecast income across sales, commission and expenditure.
• Ensure the Sales team follow correct financial processes, tracking and invoicing all income, and minimising debtors.
• Work closely with the Head of Legal to develop new legal documentation and review and maintain hire agreements.
• Support the sales team with contract negotiations, identifying when legal support is required.
• Responsible for communicating and presenting sales updates to Directors and Trustees.

MARKETING

• Responsible for delivering a creative marketing and sales strategy. Develop new and existing marketing and sales tools – including brochures, social media, website, PR, awards and subscriptions – to maximise return on investment.
• Create an effective cultivation event strategy.
• Undertake regular competitor and market analysis, keeping up to date with industry trends.
• Liaise with Press and Marketing teams to ensure aligned commercial messaging.
• Attend networking events, exhibitions and other promotional events to actively promote the venue.
• Responsible for managing the external PR team account for Venue Hire.

INSIGHTS, ANALYSIS AND PROCESS

• Responsible for the overall management of sales and marketing spreadsheets and analytical tools.
• Accountable for creating effective processes to support the team in a fast-paced environment.
• Accountable for ensuring high enquiry conversion rates and thorough post event follow up with clients to secure repeat business.
• Ensure DIESE (or equivalent software) is used effectively to allow detailed and accurate reporting. Diary management to maximise sales and profit.
• Proactively contribute to Somerset House’s Sustainability and DEI goals, ensuring annual progress.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the post as may be required from time to time.

Skills, knowledge & expertise required for the role

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in event sales, with a proven track record of achieving sales targets and managing high-profile client accounts.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in mentoring and developing sales teams.
• Experienced in managing and negotiating complex venue hire contracts.
• Experienced in implementing processes to drive effective and efficient working.
• Demonstrable experience in the events and hospitality industry, including knowledge of current trends, competitor landscape, and market opportunities.
• Experienced in building excellent rapport with clients, managing expectations to the highest level, with a strong customer focus

Skills:

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to balance the cultural and artistic needs of an organisation.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a results-oriented, growth mindset.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building abilities, with a client-focused approach.
• Ability to work successfully across teams, building relationships at all levels
• Excellent communication and presentation skills - verbal, written and numerical, with superb attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
• Process driven
• Flexibility and adaptable to change - ability to juggle multiple projects with excellent prioritisation skills.
• Strong numeracy and IT skills. Proficiency in CRM software, event management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrate a personal commitment to sustainability and diversity and inclusion.

Benefits to working at Somerset House
Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed
- Mental health support and guidance from our in-house trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part-time)*
- Contribution towards eye tests and glasses
-Trust life insurance scheme
- We offer winter flu vaccination vouchers
- dependent on the needs of the role

Holiday

• Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Birthday leave - additional day leave
• Celebration day - to celebrate anything of your choice

Other Leave

• Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata & following 3 months service)
• Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata & following 3 months of service)
• Enhanced maternity pay

Benefits

• 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required*
• Option for salary sacrifice
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts, offers and free stuff

-The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites
-Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants
-Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants
-Discounts to local leisure centres

*following 3 months of employment

N/A