Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with colleagues across Commercial, Accommodation, Finance, Marketing, Academic Departments, the Students' Union, AV Services, Room Bookings, and external partners.
• Represent the business at client meetings, networking events, trade fairs, conference exhibitions, and industry forums.
• Foster a collaborative working relationship with Marketing Sheffield, investing time and energy into developing academic relationships to support the Conference Ambassador Programme.

Systems, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement

• Champion continuous improvement across sales processes, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
• Support the implementation and optimisation of CRM, booking, and business systems.
• Ensure compliance with Unicus and University policies, GDPR, financial regulations, and contractual requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting to support business intelligence and strategic planning.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives and responsible commercial practices.
• Continuously review the systems being used to support the sales function, and identify when further investment or development may be required.

Planning and Organisation

• Manage a varied portfolio of conferences, events, and commercial bookings across multiple venues with competing priorities.
• Coordinate complex and high-profile events, ensuring appropriate planning, communication, and risk management.
• Balance operational demands with strategic business development activity.
• Plan around venue availability, maintenance programmes, academic timetables, and operational constraints.
• Ensure key milestones, contractual deadlines, and financial processes are effectively managed.

Financial Responsibility

• Deliver agreed revenue and profitability targets.
• Monitor budgets, forecasts, and commercial performance.
• Maximise occupancy, yield, and revenue opportunities.
• Authorise pricing and discounts within delegated authority.
• Ensure contracts, deposits, and payment processes are in place to protect Unicus income.
• Monitor debt, invoicing, and financial performance in partnership with Finance colleagues.

People Management

• Directly manage the Conference, Hospitality & Events Sales Team.
• Lead recruitment, induction, training, and succession planning.
• Provide a resolution for staffing issues, absence, etc.
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Take appropriate action with the support of HR should any individuals be performing below expectation.
• Coach team members to develop commercial awareness and customer service excellence.
• Ensure resources are effectively deployed to meet business demand.

Decision Making

• The postholder exercises professional judgement in relation to:
  • Commercial pricing and discounting within delegated authority.
  • Allocation of sales resources and workload.
  • Resolution of complex customer issues.
  • Prioritisation of high-value and strategic business opportunities.
  • Continuous improvement of systems, processes, and customer experience.
  • Recommendations for future commercial investment and business development.

Other Duties

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.
• Act as an ambassador for the University's commercial services, promoting its values and reputation.
• Support the delivery of wider strategic commercial objectives across the University.

Person Specification

Criteria

Essential

Qualifications and Experience

• 3-5 years proven experience in a sales environment, particularly within the conference/hospitality field.
• Sales and negotiation skills to ensure maximum financial yield and to convert business.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to deal with both internal and external customers.
• Experience of planning/organising and delivering conferences and events up to 1000 delegates.
• Experience of managing and controlling budgets/resources and an understanding of financial management procedures.
• Relevant IT and technology skills.
• Experience of using an event booking system.
• Proven track record of delivering customer excellence/customer champion.
• Sound track record of recognising and implementing successful business development opportunities.
• Previously managed a team.

Awareness of Developments within the Events Industry and How These Change Customer Expectations

Management Skills

• Experience of working with and influencing senior management.
• Ability to provide clear direction and inspirational leadership.
• Ability to plan and set objectives to deliver results through others.
• Proven management skills to motivate staff to achieve their full potential.

Communication Skills

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills with proven ability to influence and persuade at all levels.

Team Working

• Ability to work as part of and lead a team providing conference and event-related facilities and services.

Project Management

• Experience of change management.

Personal Effectiveness

• Ability to work well under pressure to tight deadlines in order to meet agreed targets.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Commitment to diversity and promoting equal opportunities.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

• Please see separate employee conditions document.

Salary for This Grade

• Competitive salary based on experience.

Closing Date

• 31st August 2026