ARK Recruitment
Business Development Manager

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Business Development Manager – Exhibitions
East London - Hybrid
Up to £43k DOE + Uncapped Commission
About the Company
Ark is recruiting for a leading exhibitions organisation that’s behind some of the country’s most recognised and award-winning exhibitions and live experiences. Known for its creativity, collaboration, and innovation, this company produces iconic events that attract thousands of visitors and industry-leading partners every year.
They’re now seeking a Business Development Manager to lead revenue growth across their Lifesciences portfolio. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded, strategic salesperson to shape partnerships, drive growth, and deliver an exceptional event experience.
The business are open to onboarding someone with no previous events experience but 2-3 years sales experience is essential.
The Role
As a Business Development Manager, you will own the full sales cycle from identifying leads to closing deals. You’ll work with mid-sized accounts and collaborate with teams across the business to create value-led propositions. This is a target-driven role with clear progression opportunities.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and convert new business opportunities
- Manage full sales cycles for sponsorship or commercial deals
- Build and maintain relationships with mid-level stakeholders
- Prepare tailored proposals and contracts
- Maintain up-to-date records in Salesforce and other tools
- Provide accurate sales forecasts
- Participate in planning and feedback with internal teams
About You
- 2-3 years experience in sales (this doesn't have to be events!)
- Sales experience selling in the pharmaceuticals, life sciences or medical equipment sector is advantageous.
- A degree would be required, and a bonus would be within Lifesciences.
- A track record of achieving or exceeding significant revenue targets.
- Strong skills in business development, relationship management, and negotiation.
- The ability to craft tailored, persuasive proposals for senior-level clients.
- Commercial awareness and creative problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A collaborative, positive attitude with strong leadership instincts.


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What’s on Offer
- Up to £43k base salary DOE + commission.
- 4.5 days working week (Early finish on Friday's)
- Hybrid working structure - 1 day WFH
- International travel opportunities
- 25 days annual leave
- A supportive, social, and high-performing team culture with progression opportunities
Sound like your next move? Then apply now or get in touch with Christiana (Chris) for more information.
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