Head of Sales - Finovate

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Informa Festivals marks an exciting new chapter in B2B events, bringing some of the world's most influential creative, technology and business festivals together. We’re combining prestigious brands like Cannes Lions, Black Hat, Money20/20 and London Tech Week with cutting-edge marketing intelligence platforms and advisory services to deliver unmissable experiences and insights.

Our festival-led approach reimagines traditional B2B events, creating powerful, immersive experiences that drive innovation and industry advancement. Building on decades of expertise and powered by Informa's international reach, we're shaping the next generation of business festivals. We’re part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100 who are #3 in Glassdoor's Best Places to Work 2025 UK list.

Job Description

At Informa Festivals, you play a key role in the world’s leading facilitator of knowledge sharing and business connections. You will connect communities around our leading brands, delivering year-round high-quality digital and face-to-face content, networking opportunities, and professional development. With us, you help provide cutting-edge content and thought leadership while building platforms for collaboration, giving your customers real advantages in their industries.

As part of the world’s largest events producer, you will contribute to a portfolio of several thousand events annually, welcoming 150,000 delegates across 70+ countries. This role focuses on leading our Finovate portfolio, including flagship events such as FinovateFall (September) and FinovateSpring (May), alongside geo-specific events.

You will directly sell to an international client base (primarily US based) while collaborating with a dynamic team based out of our London office. If you have portfolio leadership skills, enjoy mentoring, and can work collaboratively across diverse teams, this role is for you. With 3 direct reports at the BDE/BDM level and the potential to develop other portfolios in the future, this is an opportunity for you to grow and lead.

Qualifications

What You Will Bring to the Role

General

• You have significant, demonstrable B2B sales experience, especially in conference and special events (SpEx) environments.
• You can plan, develop, and execute strategic sales plans with accuracy in forecasting.
• You excel in growing key accounts and acquiring new business, consultatively selling high-value sponsorship opportunities, and managing multiple complex briefs.
• You can conduct mapping and analysis on products, client bases, and competitor landscapes.
• You engage confidently at a senior level, building lasting relationships.
• You have a working knowledge of Salesforce.com or similar systems.
• You may have experience mentoring or managing, coaching and developing junior team members.

Personal Attributes & Behaviours

• You are a confident and articulate communicator, capable of fostering strong relationships both internally and externally.
• You possess excellent prioritisation skills, with foresight to anticipate obstacles and the tenacity to overcome them.
• You demonstrate gravitas and mental agility when presenting solutions.
• You are committed to continued learning and professional development.
• You take pride in maintaining the Informa Festivals brand.
• You exhibit credible leadership qualities and contribute to creating a culture of excellence.

Why Choose This Role?

This position offers you the chance to lead industry-defining events, collaborate with a diverse and talented team, and make a real impact by shaping meaningful conversations. You will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where innovation and creativity are celebrated. Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us, and let’s create exceptional experiences together.

Additional Information

Why work at Informa?

Employee experience is very important to us at Informa. On top of joining a supportive, diverse and ambitious team that welcomes all types of candidates. We are also flexible with different working patterns and prioritize promotions internally.

• Freedom & Flexibility: Colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive, with most of us balancing time in the office with working remotely.
• Great Community: A welcoming culture with both in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day, and active diversity and inclusion networks.
• Broader Impact: Take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding also available.
• Career Opportunity: The opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms, and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. We support and encourage internal job moves when it’s time for the next step.
• Time Out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year.
• Personal Benefits: A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company-funded private medical cover.
• ShareMatch Scheme: Allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares.
• Strong Wellbeing Support: Through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps, and more.
• Recognition for Great Work: With global awards and kudos programs.
• International Collaboration: As an international company, you have the chance to collaborate with teams around the world.

To find out more please click our Life@Informa page - Life@Informa

We know that sometimes the 'perfect candidate' doesn't exist, and that people can be put off applying for a job if they don't fit all the requirements. If you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could be just what we need! We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Informa is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under federal, state or local law.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Sales, Business Development, and General Business

Industries

Events Services

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