Account Executive (JR102612)

At Clarion, our people are at the absolute heart of what we do. We’re proud that our core values of PASSION, CARE, IMAGINATION, and TRUST define the way we carry out our work across all of our exhibitions and conferences.

If you share our values and want to be a part of a successful, dynamic, and creative global business then we want to hear from you.

The Opportunity:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Account Executive to work within the Retail Team across our fantastic live events, the Harrogate Home & Gift Show and Top Drawer

The successful candidate will join an ambitious high-performance sales portfolio and become a key player in our continued growth. They will have a background in sales, preferably in the design, interiors or retail sector, and possess a strong proven track record of exceeding targets, managing and developing prospects to drive sales. They will possess excellent people skills and an ability to perform in a high-pressured sales environment.

The role will allow for the development of new revenue streams, both internally and through discussions with clients, as well as delivering existing products according to set budgets. The ideal candidate will have solid media or exhibition sales experience, with international sales desirable, and a proven track record in making high volume outbound sales calls with success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Achieve specified sales targets and performance objectives within the sales team.
• Conduct consultative selling (both telephone and face-to-face) to existing, lapsed, and potential new clients to build relationships and maximize revenue.
• Maintain a strong sales pipeline through effective lead generation, call management, and relationship building.
• Drive new business development in challenging markets and identify new growth areas for sales.
• Research and explore untapped sectors for potential new revenue opportunities.
• Manage incoming leads and ensure effective communication with colleagues to improve acquisition and conversion rates.
• Collaborate closely with the show team to maximize sales opportunities and promotions.
• Build and maintain relationships with new accounts to generate revenue from untapped sectors.
• Attend and contribute to weekly sales meetings, aligning goals with the team’s strategy.
• Continuously develop market and product knowledge by attending competitor events and industry trade shows for business development.

Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours:

• Previous experience in a similar sales role within the exhibitions/events industry.
• Proficiency with Salesforce or an equivalent CRM system for managing pipelines and lead generation.
• Knowledge of the retail sector would be advantageous.
• Strong communication skills with an ability to build credibility and trust among clients.
• Proven ability to handle objections effectively and close deals.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take responsibility for sales targets and initiatives.
• Astute negotiation skills with a focus on achieving positive outcomes.
• Ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively within a team.
• A tenacious, driven individual who thrives in a challenging environment.
• Willingness to travel domestic and internationally a few times a year.

About Clarion Events

Clarion Events is one of the world’s leading event organisers, producing and delivering innovative and market-leading events since 1947. (https://clarionevents.com/welcome)

Clarion Events embrace diversity and equal opportunities in all that we do. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Clarion is private equity backed and owned by Blackstone. Blackstone is one of the world’s leading global investment funds, investing capital for the long term to build successful, resilient businesses. (https://www.blackstone.com/) 

Our purpose is to deliver exceptional customer outcomes and experiences, by making every connection count.

Our vision is we want every one of our products to be a market leader in customer satisfaction and delight.

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• End of year wellbeing shutdown (closed for the last week of the year)
• Celebration day off (e.g. birthday, Diwali, Eid, etc)
• Summer Hours in August (3pm finish on Fridays)
• Helping Our World (HOW) Days – one paid day per quarter to carry out charity work
• Pension Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Health Cash Plan
• Wellbeing Library (MYNDUP)
• Mentoring Programme
• Subsidised Café
• Season Ticket Loan
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Free on-site gym and shower facilities
• Free eyesight tests
• Free flu vaccination – offered on site once a year for all employees