Business Development Manager - Events

About us

InnerWork Circle is a transformational coaching and education organization dedicated to helping individuals lead and live with greater clarity, alignment and depth. Operating at the intersection of human performance, developmental psychology, executive coaching, systems thinking and leadership development, the company specializes in deeply transformative methodologies such as Process Work, conflict transformation and embodied awareness practices. Founded by Hun Ming Kwang, an ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC), InnerWork Circle is an ICF Accredited Level 2 Coach Education Provider, aligning its programs with global coaching standards. The organization serves founders, entrepreneurs, executives, leaders and teams who value inner growth, integrity and conscious living over surface-level change, offering accredited coach education, coaching, leadership programs, intensives and retreats. InnerWork Circle creates spaces where personal mastery and sustainable transformation are cultivated from within.

About the role

We are seeking a commercially driven and highly organised Business Development Manager - Events to join our team on a full-time basis. This role is responsible for driving business growth by identifying new opportunities, developing strategic client relationships and converting event opportunities into successful commercial engagements.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of both event business development and event operations. Beyond generating leads and securing new business, you will understand what it takes to scope, price, plan and deliver an event successfully - including timelines, budgets, suppliers, venues, staffing, production requirements and client expectations. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure opportunities sold to clients are commercially viable and operationally deliverable.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced events environment, can confidently engage with clients and stakeholders, and understands the connection between sales, event operations, client experience and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies to grow the events business and achieve revenue and profitability targets

• Identify, qualify and pursue new business opportunities across corporate, private, community and other relevant event segments

• Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients, partners, venues, suppliers and industry stakeholders

• Manage the end-to-end business development process, from lead generation and initial consultation through to proposal, negotiation, contracting and handover to delivery

• Develop compelling event proposals, pitches, packages and commercial presentations tailored to client objectives and budgets

• Conduct client consultations to understand event objectives, audience, scope, budget, timelines and operational requirements

• Develop accurate event budgets and commercial proposals, ensuring appropriate costing, margins and contingency are incorporated

• Work closely with event operations teams to assess the feasibility, resources, timelines and delivery requirements of proposed events

• Ensure that events sold to clients are commercially viable and can be delivered within agreed scope, budget and operational constraints

• Maintain a strong understanding of event operations including venue requirements, production, AV, catering, staffing, suppliers, logistics, bump-in/bump-out, timelines and on-site delivery

• Coordinate the transition of confirmed events from business development into the operations and delivery team, ensuring all client requirements and commercial commitments are clearly documented

• Support the event team throughout the delivery lifecycle where required, particularly for complex or high-value events

• Identify opportunities to increase revenue through additional services, event enhancements, sponsorships, partnerships and repeat business

• Monitor sales pipeline, conversion rates, revenue forecasts and business development performance, providing regular reporting and insights

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within CRM and other business development systems

• Attend industry events, networking opportunities and client meetings to build the organisation's market presence and generate new opportunities

• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities within the events sector

• Work collaboratively with marketing, event operations, finance and leadership teams to develop integrated commercial and event strategies

• Contribute to continuous improvement of event products, packages, pricing models, processes and client experience

• Build long-term client relationships that encourage repeat business, referrals and ongoing partnerships

What we're looking for

• 4-7 years of experience in business development, sales, account management or commercial roles within the events, hospitality, venue, experiential or related industries

• Demonstrated track record of generating new business, converting opportunities and achieving commercial targets

• Strong understanding of the end-to-end event lifecycle, from initial enquiry and scoping through to planning, delivery and post-event evaluation

• Practical knowledge of event operations, including venues, suppliers, production, AV, catering, staffing, logistics, event schedules and on-site delivery

• Experience developing event proposals, budgets, quotations and commercial agreements

• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to understand event costing, margins, profitability and commercial risk

• Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage with senior decision-makers

• Strong negotiation, presentation and influencing skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling proposals and articulate value to clients

• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple opportunities and events simultaneously

• Ability to translate client objectives into practical event concepts, scopes and deliverables

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify operational or commercial risks before they impact delivery

• Proficiency in CRM, sales pipeline and reporting tools

• Commercially minded, proactive and comfortable working in a target-driven environment

• Collaborative team player who can work effectively across business development, operations, marketing, finance and leadership

• Flexible and solutions-focused, with the ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced events environment

• Willingness to be hands-on and involved in event delivery when required

Desirable

• Existing network of corporate clients, event planners, agencies, venues or industry partners

• Experience managing large-scale corporate, conferences, exhibitions, launches, activations or premium private events

• Experience with event management platforms, CRM systems and sales forecasting tools

• Experience managing client accounts from initial acquisition through to repeat business

• Relevant qualification in events, hospitality, business, marketing or a related discipline

• Established relationships with event venues, production companies, caterers, AV providers and other event suppliers

What we offer

InnerWork Circle is committed to creating an environment where our employees can do their best work and grow professionally. We offer a competitive package that includes:

• Flexible working arrangements that respect work-life balance and personal commitments

• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities to enhance your skills and career progression

• Collaborative and supportive team culture that values creativity, innovation and diverse perspectives

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience

• The opportunity to work on impactful projects that directly influence organisational culture and community engagement

• Access to our industry network and exposure to thought leadership in workplace culture and employee engagement

• Career development pathways with clear opportunities for progression within our growing organisation