About the Venue:
Co-op Live is redefining the industry, attracting world-class artists and renowned events while setting new standards in show programming, sound, fan experience, premium hospitality, and food and beverage. We don’t just host events; we create unforgettable live experiences for up to 23,500 fans every night, having proudly hosted the BRIT Awards, MOBO Awards, and the forthcoming NBA in-season game among a globally celebrated programme.
Powered by a leading team of professionals passionate about music and live entertainment, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences before, during, and after every event - meeting and exceeding best-in-class standard for fans, artists, and partners, our local community and planet.
Collaboration is at the heart of all we do, with strong partnerships, including with our naming rights partner Co-op, helping us bring our shared vision to life. As the flagship UK venue for owners and operators Oak View Group (OVG), Co-op Live represents an exciting new era for live entertainment in Europe and beyond, standing proudly within a globally recognised portfolio of world-class venues.
Role Purpose:
At Co-op Live, we’re redefining what an arena can be - a world-class destination for live music, culture, and extraordinary events. We’re looking for a Senior Sales Manager - Special Events to drive revenue, build standout client relationships, and help position us as the venue of choice for premium corporate and private events.
Responsibilities:
This is more than a sales role, it’s your chance to shape the future of events in Manchester and beyond.
You’ll be at the forefront of selling a dynamic portfolio of spaces across the arena, from exclusive lounges to full-scale venue hires, creating bespoke, experience-led events that clients won’t find anywhere else.
As a Senior Sales Manager at Co-op Live, you will be responsible for:
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Winning new business – identifying and securing high-value corporate, agency, and private event opportunities
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Driving revenue – meeting and exceeding ambitious sales targets across a unique, premium venue
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Building powerful relationships – becoming a trusted partner to clients, brands, and agencies
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Creating unforgettable experiences – delivering tailored proposals that bring client visions to life
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Leading innovation – helping shape event packages, pricing strategies, and market positioning
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Owning the sales journey – from initial enquiry through to contract and post-event follow-up
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Keeping ahead of the curve – staying plugged into industry trends and opportunities
What Co-op Live will give to you!
Alongside the benefit of working with an team of talented people, we want to help you get the best out of your work and have a work life balance.
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Provide you with development opportunities and regular one to ones
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Set you up to succeed in your role
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Your wellbeing is at the forefront of our minds, we understand the importance of balancing work and personal commitments
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This is a onsite role, it’s really important we work together to mobilise the biggest music and live entertainment arena in the UK
Salary: Up to £45,000 - £50,000 dependent on experience + Benefits
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25 days holiday plus bank holidays
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Employer pension scheme
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Private Health Care scheme – Vitality
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Life Assurance
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Eyecare vouchers
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Employee Assistance Programme to support you and your family
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Company sick pay scheme
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Enhanced family friendly benefits
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Office fruit & snacks
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Team social events
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
What we’re looking for
You'll be a commercially driven sales professional who thrives in a fast-paced, client-focused environment with -
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Proven success in venue or events sales (ideally large-scale or premium environments)
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A strong track record of exceeding revenue targets
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Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
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Confidence working with senior stakeholders and high-profile clients
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A proactive, target-driven mindset with attention to detail
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A passion for live events, experiences, and innovation
Bonus points if you know the Manchester events scene or have worked with arenas/stadiums.
Our Inclusion Commitments
Our venue is for the fans, the artists, everyone! Attracting a diverse workforce which reflects our local community is what will make our venue the best music venue in the UK!
We understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. We are committed to creating a great place to work amplifying voices from all different backgrounds. There is something for everyone at Co-op Live, come and get involved.
If you do require any additional support or reasonable adjustments to support your application, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure you have everything you need. We will consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the required skills necessary to fulfil the role.
Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work:
We recognise the importance of safeguarding, dependent on role you may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check, details of which will be shared with you at interview.
If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.
