Business Development Manager, Custom Events MEA

The Economist Group is the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs. We deliver our information through a range of formats, from newspapers and magazines to conferences and electronic services. What ties us together is the objectivity of our opinion, the originality of our insight, and our advocacy of economic and political freedom around the world.

The Economist Impact Events is the leading provider of international forums for senior executives seeking new insights into strategic issues. These meetings include industry conferences, management events, and government roundtables held around the world. Each meeting organised by the events teams delivers objective and informed analysis. Meetings provide unusually high-level forums where senior executives can gain insights, exchange views and compare strategies.

Currently, we are recruiting a Business Development Manager to grow sponsorship revenue from a portfolio of custom events across our Middle East region.

How you will contribute:

• Manage the entire business development process (prospect, qualify, proposal, negotiate and close) and work effectively with other functions across The Economist Group
• Maintain personal responsibility in executing the sales process and maximise revenue for a defined portfolio
• Ability to confidently and persuasively convey the merits of The Economist Group capabilities to clients and prospects in all written and verbal communications while maintaining the high quality and professional image of The Economist
• Have a deep understanding of the high end consumer demographic and the most senior-level business decision-makers and their media and purchasing habits for the confirmed category
• Grow a new client base for the verticals/ territory assigned
• Foster effective teamwork with local and global sales
• Effectively manage all aspects of your given business (territory) – understanding your clients business, building & managing relationships, and understanding the competitive set
• Adhere to business directives required by management as well as maintaining an accurate and up-to-date sales database
• Act as the Global Sales Lead on identified event key accounts if and when required
• Support the sponsorship delivery process and work closely with operations, marketing, programming teams until the project / event is delivered

The ideal skills for this role are:

• Experience of a minimum of 5 years in a new business development role and with experience in event or consultative sales with a minimum GCC experience of 3 years
• Proven experience in a similar selling capacity; experience selling event sponsorship is a definite plus
• Experience presenting to and negotiating with senior decision makers of large multi-national corporations
• A demonstrated understanding of how (event) marketing can support corporate communications, strategy and advertising campaigns
• Ability to be a change agent and adapt positively to changes in strategy, methodology, and responsibilities.
• An ability and willingness to cold call and secure meetings with prospects and A strong consultative sales aptitude
• Learning agility and confidence to take responsibility for own development and support the development of others through the sharing of knowledge and expertise
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build and maintain productive business / professional relationships
• A keen interest and curiosity in international business and current affairs
• Strong account and project management skills with a real appetite for business development
• Strong communication and negotiation skills; confident and professional manner
• Highly motivated, with excellent organisational and time management skills
• A good team player with the ability to think strategically and tactically
• Fluency in English and any additional European language is a plus