Business Development Manager

Visual Architects; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative company in Manchester is seeking a proactive Business Development Manager. This role involves driving new business, particularly in events and experiential sectors. Ideal candidates will have a proven sales background and the ability to hunt for leads and close deals. Responsibilities include lead acquisition, relationship building, and industry representation. If you possess the passion for event design and possess the required skills, we want to hear from you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Commission structure

Qualifications

• Proven sales track record in events, festivals, and experiential industries.
• Ability to expand a sales pipeline from scratch.
• Excellent communication and pitching skills to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Actively acquire leads using platforms such as LinkedIn and Google.
• Cultivate relationships with prospects and identify client needs.
• Attend industry events to secure new business opportunities.

Skills

Sales track record in events industry

Proactive hunting for leads

Exceptional communication skills

Self-discipline in managing outreach

CRM proficiency (HubSpot preferred)

Job description

Business Development Manager (Manchester)

Visual Architects is an award-winning creative company specialising in immersive scenography and event design. Following our continued growth, we are looking for a high-energy, proactive Business Development Manager to join our team at our Manchester HQ.

We are looking for a “hunter” who is deeply embedded in the events, festivals, brand activations, and experiential industries and knows how to turn a creative vision into a commercial reality.

The Role

The primary focus of this position is to actively bring in new business to Visual Architects. You will be responsible for the full lead-generation lifecycle—from initial prospecting and “cold” outreach to qualifying high-value opportunities. This role is built for a strategic thinker who is persistent, self-disciplined, and thrives on closing deals.

• Reporting to: Head of BDM
• Location: Manchester (Based at our HQ)
• Remuneration: Competitive salary + Commission structure based on new business generated.

Experience & Requirements

• Industry Background: You must have a proven sales track record specifically within the events, festivals, brand activations, and experiential industries.
• New Business Focus: A demonstrated ability to proactively hunt for leads and expand a sales pipeline from scratch.
• Communication Mastery: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to confidently pitch to high-level stakeholders and brand managers.
• Self-Driven: Highly disciplined in managing your own diary and various outreach channels (CRM, telephone, and social media).
• CRM Proficiency: Experience monitoring and managing enquiries via HubSpot is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Active Lead Acquisition: Proactively seek and identify potential leads using LinkedIn, Google, and social media to fuel the sales pipeline.
• Relationship Cultivation: Nurture prospects through the early stages of the sales funnel, identifying client needs before handing over detailed briefs to the delivery teams.
• Strategic Growth: Utilize market insight to source suitable clients for our specific company themes and stay ahead of emerging industry trends.
• Industry Representation: Attend key industry events, trade shows, and conferences to network and secure new business opportunities.
• Account Recovery: Re-engage with “lost” clients and update our database of past clients with our latest themes and creative offerings.
• Reporting: Collaborate closely with the Event Delivery Director to qualify leads and ensure seamless distribution to the sales and delivery teams.

How to Apply

If you have the industry connections, the sales drive, and the passion for world-class event design, we want to hear from you.

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