Head Of Business Development - Magazines

The company seeks a Managing Director for our UK-based operations. The successful candidate will grow the business by developing and implementing our strategic vision and goals, overseeing our daily operations and performance, developing new partnerships, ensuring high-quality service and satisfaction for both our speakers and clients, and operating a sound business.

Qualified candidates should have a knowledge of the speaking and/or entertainment industry, show a successful sales record, demonstrate a network in the business community and have previous managerial experience.

The Managing Director will maintain a successful book of business while creating favorable conditions for the team to have sales success. This includes developing relationships to recruit new speakers, identifying opportunities for business growth, and driving conversations to expand the reach of the UK business. This position reports directly to the President and CEO of the firm.

As a Managing Director, you will:

• Oversee operations, strategy, and growth, and ensuring high-quality service and satisfaction for both speakers and clients.
• Develop and execute the company's business plan and budget in alignment with our mission and values.
• Meet sales targets as set by US headquarters, analyze sales data and perform strategic planning.
• Oversee the speaker selection and booking process, ensuring that the best speakers are provided for each event and occasion.
• Maintain and expand the company's speaker network and client base, building strong relationships with speakers, clients, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Negotiate contracts and fees with speakers and clients.
• Manage questions and resolve issues from speakers and clients promptly and professionally.
• Represent the company in the industry and media, promoting the company's brand image and reputation.
• Liaise with the US headquarters of the company on a daily basis.
• Meet with potential speakers and attend events in and outside the UK.
• Regularly visit US headquarters in Washington, DC, USA
• Stay updated on the speaker industry and market trends, identifying new opportunities and challenges.
• Lead, manage, and motivate the UK team of staff members, providing feedback, recognition, coaching, and development opportunities.
• Responsible for UK recruitment, maintaining and building a strong dynamic team.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Commission
• 25 days paid leave in addition to UK public holidays

Office location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree or higher in business, marketing, communication, or a related field, proven experience in a senior management position in a speaker bureau or a similar organization, excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, strong knowledge of the speaker industry and market trends, and proficiency in relevant IT software and tools.

About the Company: Established in Washington, DC, in December of 1990, the company is one of North America’s top lecture agencies and event firms. The company has an exclusive roster of more than 200 prominent speakers from business, politics, the media, and popular culture. In addition, the company brokers other prominent U.S. and international speakers and entertainment acts. In the U.S. market, The company offers event design, event production, and video communications services.

The company talent roster includes but is not limited to: former CEOs and presidents of such companies as Procter & Gamble, Starbucks, and Verizon; former prime ministers; former members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives; former Presidential Cabinet members; former military leaders; best-selling authors; world-class athletes; and thought leaders from the media and top think tanks.

Primary customers are major multinational companies and leading trade and professional associations.  While most of the company’s business comes from North America, LAI generates business from organizations in Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.