Business Development Manager

Role & responsibilities

1. Business Development & Revenue Generation

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across exhibitions, trade shows, MICE, events and corporate sectors.
• Generate leads and acquire new clients for Exhibition Showcase's media and event offerings.
• Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve monthly, quarterly and annual revenue targets.
• Build a strong pipeline of prospective clients, maintain follow-ups and convert leads into business.
• Explore new revenue streams and opportunities to expand the company's market presence.

2. Advertising & Media Sales

• Sell advertising opportunities across Exhibition Showcase Magazine and its digital platforms.
• Promote print advertisements, digital campaigns, branded content, sponsored articles, interviews and other media solutions.
• Develop customised media proposals based on client requirements and marketing objectives.
• Pitch advertising packages to exhibition organisers, exhibitors, venues, service providers, associations and corporate brands.
• Manage the sales cycle from prospecting and pitching to negotiation, closure and client servicing.

3. Event Sponsorships & Partnerships

• Identify potential sponsors and partners for Exhibition Showcase's awards, summits, conferences and industry events.
• Pitch sponsorship packages, branding opportunities, partnership benefits and promotional deliverables.
• Build relationships with event organisers, corporate decision-makers, industry associations and service providers.
• Negotiate commercial terms and close sponsorship and partnership agreements.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure agreed client deliverables are fulfilled.

4. Client Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Understand client objectives and recommend suitable advertising, sponsorship and media solutions.
• Maintain regular communication, conduct follow-ups and identify repeat-business opportunities.
• Ensure professional handling of client enquiries, proposals, negotiations and commercial commitments.
• Build long-term relationships that support client retention and revenue growth.

5. Market Research & Lead Generation

• Research upcoming exhibitions, trade shows, conferences and industry events to identify potential clients.
• Maintain and update databases of organisers, exhibitors, associations, brands and corporate decision-makers.
• Track industry trends, competitor activities and emerging business opportunities.
• Use telephone calls, emails, LinkedIn and professional networking to generate qualified leads.
• Maintain accurate sales pipelines, client records and business development reports.

6. Sales Coordination & Reporting

• Prepare sales presentations, quotations, proposals and commercial offers.
• Coordinate with editorial, design, marketing and event teams to develop client-specific solutions.
• Track sales performance, revenue targets, conversion rates and pending opportunities.
• Provide regular updates on business development activities and pipeline progress to management.
• Ensure timely follow-ups, billing coordination and payment tracking in collaboration with the relevant teams.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, Mass Communication or a related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in business development, B2B sales, media sales, advertising or sponsorship sales.
• Experience in exhibitions, MICE, event management, publishing or trade media will be preferred.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation and closing skills.
• Proven ability to generate leads, manage a sales pipeline and achieve revenue targets.
• Excellent client relationship management and networking abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and CRM or sales tracking tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple prospects and meet deadlines.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• A confident, target-driven sales professional with a strong B2B business development mindset.
• Candidates with existing contacts among exhibition organisers, event agencies, exhibitors, corporate brands, associations and marketing heads will be preferred.
• Experience selling magazine advertising, digital media packages, sponsorships or event partnerships will be an advantage.
• Someone who can independently handle client meetings, prepare proposals, negotiate commercial terms and close deals.
• A proactive individual with strong follow-up discipline, relationship-building skills and a focus on revenue generation.