Sales Manager - LIONS Riyadh

Company Description

Tahaluf is the largest B2B live and on-demand events organiser in Saudi Arabia by space, attendance, colleagues, and revenue. It is a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF).

Tahaluf is bold, visionary, and determined to make an impact. Our team fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and a little fun, here teamwork rules and work feels as exciting as the events we create. Scaling at this pace also requires exceptional local partners, and Tahaluf is proud to work with a range of government and non-government organisations at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s B2B and B2C large-scale events scene.

Be part of something BIG with Tahaluf’s series of record-breaking events: LEAP and Cityscape - the largest events in the world in their respective fields of tech and real estate; Black Hat MEA - a Guinness World Record holder for the largest CTF competition during the event; and CPHI Middle East - the largest pharma debut event in history, to name just a few. Tahaluf is making a huge impact on the global events sector.

Join our ambitious and highly committed team, unafraid to push boundaries and disrupt the status quo. From day one, you’ll dive into large-scale projects under the guidance of a supportive leadership team that will encourage your personal development and open doors to new opportunities.

About LIONS Riyadh

LIONS Riyadh marks a bold new chapter for the world’s most prestigious platform for creative marketing. Launched by Tahaluf in partnership with LIONS and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media, it is a distinct Festival within the global LIONS community, home to the renowned Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Designed to amplify Middle Eastern creativity on the global stage, LIONS Riyadh will showcase the region’s talent, ideas and storytelling while connecting its creative industries with the world’s leading networks, brands and decision-makers. The inaugural three-day Festival takes place at KAFD, Riyadh, from 6–8 December 2027. It will bring together regional and global CMOs, creative leaders, agencies, brands and emerging talent around creative excellence, effectiveness, culture and the future of the industry.

Job Description

This role is responsible for overseeing the individual assigned territories and being a contributor to ensure the achievement and exceeding of sales revenue targets for the team in accordance with the sales plan.

The Sales Manager will be responsible for identifying, developing and converting commercial opportunities across brands, agencies, media companies, technology platforms and the wider creative economy.

This role will provide a high level of prospecting, relationship building and account management to existing and prospective exhibitors to sell solutions which meet with the client's needs.

The successful candidate will take a consultative sales approach, understanding each client's objectives and matching them with relevant opportunities across the Festival, including exhibition presence, brand experiences, sponsorship and bespoke commercial solutions.

The role requires strong commercial drive, curiosity and a good understanding of the creative, advertising, marketing and media sectors.

Key Focus

• Achievement of sales revenue targets, campaign management, floor plan management within timelines

• Achievement of KPI’s as set out by the Portfolio – phone time, face to face meetings, systems.

• Exhibitor satisfaction levels including regular follow ups via emails and calls, onsite rebooking’s and retention.

• Timely & accurate reporting of sales results, pipeline and activities.

• Development of new business across priority brands, agencies, media, technology and creative-industry clients.

• Growth of existing accounts through deeper relationships and relevant commercial opportunities.

• Strong understanding and communication of the LIONS proposition, audience and Festival experience.

• Contribution to a high-quality commercial mix that strengthens the overall Festival.

Key Responsibilities

• Sales and account management - identify, pitch and secure relevant brands, agencies, media companies, technology platforms, production businesses and creative organisations to participate in the Festival.

• Drive Sales performance in the relevant product assignments, ensuring individual achievement of set revenue targets in accordance with the sales plan.

• Understand each client’s objectives and support them to achieve these through the event campaign. Utilize resources to tailor sales approach to build new relationships and enhance existing relationships.

• Maintain regular contact with existing clients throughout the event cycle. On-site account management to achieve high exhibitor satisfaction levels and retention.

• Builds strong relationships with multiple client/customer stakeholders.

• Identify new prospects through use of industry media, social media, online resources, industry networking and company CRM.

• Develop new business and revenue streams, including sponsorship and other non-square-metre opportunities.

• Work with the wider Commercial, Marketing and Creative teams to develop solutions tailored to client objectives.

• Present and sell commercial opportunities through strong storytelling and value-led pitches rather than inventory alone.

• Develop a good understanding of the creative, advertising, media and marketing landscape in Saudi Arabia and internationally.

• Ensure accurate capture of all sales activities, opportunities and pipeline information in CRM.

• Completion of sales progress reporting (e.g. revenue vs target, activity reporting etc.).

• Monitor the debt reports and assist the finance team with revenue collection.

• Continually monitor and research the market using online resources, gaining customer feedback, attending competitor events where appropriate, and industry networking.

• Ensure up to date market intelligence is available for the Head of Sales and Marketing Manager to assist with different campaigns.

• Stay informed on industry trends, major agencies, brands, media platforms and emerging creative businesses that may be relevant to LIONS Riyadh.

• Support onsite account management and ensure clients receive the commercial experience promised during the sales process.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Sales Manager.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.

• Relevant commercial experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications.

Essential:

• Significant & successful experience in a sales roles.

• Commercial Awareness.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Strong communicator and confident presenter.

• Numerate with strong attention detail.

• Proven ability to prospect, build pipeline, negotiate and close new business.

• Ability to understand client needs and translate them into relevant commercial solutions.

• Good understanding of media, advertising, marketing or the creative industries.

• Confidence engaging with senior client stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Strong CRM discipline and ability to manage an active sales pipeline.

• Collaborative approach and ability to work closely with Marketing, Content, Creative and Operations teams.

Desirable:

• Experience in media sales, advertising, sponsorship, partnerships, creative-industry sales or major events.

• Existing relationships across brands, agencies, media or technology companies.

• Awareness of exhibition production.

• Saudi Arabia or GCC market experience.

• Experience selling bespoke or solutions-led commercial products.

• Strong interest in creativity, culture, media and emerging industry trends.

Additional Information

Core Benefits:

• Medical Insurance for individual and family
• Annual leave – 25 days
• Remote working on Sundays
• Working anywhere – 1 month every year
• School fees contribution, 40,000 SAR per child per year (up to a max of three children)
• Wellbeing Benefits
• Residency visa including yearly dependent fees
• Individual annual flight allowance for expats Local Relocation Package*:

• Paid flight to Riyadh – individual and family
• 30 days accommodation or suitable serviced apartment from arrival date or a one-off payment of SAR 5,000
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods/excess baggage costs*If eligible

International Relocation Package*:

• Paid flight to Riyadh – individual and family
• 60 days accommodation or a suitable serviced apartment from your arrival date, or a one-off payment of SAR 5,000
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods/excess baggage costs
• Paid flight home for individual and end-of-service gratuity payment when leaving the company (if applicable)*If eligible

We work hard to make sure life at Tahaluf is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. We don't just accept difference, we celebrate it. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and circumstances and base hiring decisions on relevant qualifications and merit. We are proud to provide a disability-friendly environment. If you require any support or adjustments to participate in our interview or selection processes, please let us know.