Conference and Group Sales Assistant

Marketing Manchester are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for aConference and Group Sales Assistant to join our Business Tourism team. In this role, you will play a key part in promoting Manchester as a leading national and international conference destination, delivering a high-quality, client-focused service to organisers, delegates, and partners.

You will contribute to positioning Manchester on the global stage, supporting the successful delivery of conferences and events that drive economic impact and showcase the city’s strengths. This includes providing support through accommodation booking and venue location services, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for all clients and delegates.

Marketing Manchester promotes Greater Manchester (GM) nationally and internationally as a premier destination to visit, invest, meet, and study. We deliver targeted marketing campaigns, support major events, and work in partnership with businesses and stakeholders to raise the region’s profile. Through attracting visitors and high-profile conferences, we play a vital role in supporting the visitor economy and driving sustainable economic growth across the city-region.

• Support the delivery of Venue Location Services (VLS) and Accommodation Booking Services (ABS), ensuring a high-quality, client-focused approach.
• Prepare accommodation proposals and set up event booking websites to support conference delivery.
• Manage venue enquiries through the VLS system, supporting proposals and conversion of business.
• Take ownership of a small portfolio of clients, managing conference and accommodation requirements.
• Undertake research to support forecasting, including delegate numbers, room nights, and revenue.
• Support business development by identifying new leads through research, networking, and industry engagement.
• Maintain CRM, Gratis, and Passkey systems, ensuring accurate and secure data management.
• Liaise with hotels, venues, and partners to negotiate rates and agreements that meet client and organisational needs.
• Identify opportunities to maximise commission revenue across ABS and VLS services.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners to support successful event delivery.
• Undertake post-event evaluation and analysis to inform service improvements and future opportunities.
• Support general administrative and operational activities to ensure smooth service delivery.
• Contribute to wider team objectives, particularly during peak activity periods.

• Experience in a sales or customer service role, ideally within the conference, events, or hospitality sector.
• Experience managing client relationships and delivering against targets.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and booking platforms.
• Understanding of the conference and events sector, including working with venues and partners.
• Commercial awareness and ability to support revenue generation.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Professional, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent customer service and relationship management capability.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of clients and deliver a high-quality service.
• Good negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate data management.
• Confident using IT systems and basic numerical skills.
• Ability to adapt communication style for different audiences.
• Strong team working and collaboration skills.