Senior Business Development Manager, The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC)

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business.

We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets.

ROLE SUMMARY:

This senior commercial role is responsible for end-to-end sponsorship sales and strategic business development for The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC), Asia’s flagship luxury lifestyle festival based in Hong Kong. Reporting to the Deputy Event Director, the incumbent will leverage proven large-scale event sponsorship experience to secure high-value brand and corporate partnerships, drive core revenue growth, and build influential industry networks across luxury marine, automotive, jewellery, art, aviation and hospitality sectors. The role requires a target-driven sales professional with solid track records in premium event sponsorship acquisition and client relationship management.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute end-to-end sponsorship sales strategies for TFOC luxury lifestyle festival, achieve annual sponsorship revenue targets and KPIs.

• Source, pitch and negotiate commercial sponsorships, brand partnerships and premium corporate collaborations across all nine TFOC connoisseurship sectors.

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with luxury brands, high-net-worth clientele, corporate enterprises and industry stakeholders in Asia’s luxury market.

• Design customized sponsorship packages and brand activation solutions tailored to the unique "City-as-Your-Showroom" event model.

• Collaborate with internal marketing, operation and project teams to deliver seamless sponsorship implementation and on-site activation execution.

• Monitor market trends, competitor activities and luxury industry dynamics to optimize sales strategies and partnership offerings.

• Prepare sales proposals, commercial reports and client presentation materials for senior management and partner reviews.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales or related disciplines; MBA is preferred.

• Minimum 12-15 years of proven sponsorship sales and business development experience in large-scale events, premium exhibitions or international sports/luxury events; solid track record of closing high-value sponsorship deals.

• In-depth understanding of Hong Kong and Asia luxury lifestyle market, with mature network of luxury brands, corporate clients and industry resources.

• Demonstrated ability to develop customized commercial solutions, conduct high-level client pitching and negotiation independently.

• Excellent business acumen, sales-driven mindset and target-oriented working attitude.

• Fluent in written and spoken English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

• Strong presentation, communication and cross-team collaboration skills, able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Existing client resources in luxury automotive, yachting, private aviation, high-end jewellery, art and fine dining industries.

• Prior working experience with premium international exhibitions, lifestyle festivals or top-tier sports events.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com.

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. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information. See how Informa handles your personal data when you apply for a job here.