The Stage Media Company Ltd, based in London Bridge, is dedicated to providing up-to-date news and services for the UK’s theatre, performing arts and book publishing industry with two key titles: The Stage and The Bookseller. Both The Stage and The Bookseller are established leaders within their respective fields, offering industry news, authoritative reviews/interviews and insightful features.

Why this role is important:

The Stage, the publication for the theatre industry, has an opportunity for a talented, multi-skilled Account Executive who will be responsible for initiating and growing display advertising opportunities across multiple channels to potential clients and agencies. Reporting to the Sales Manager for The Stage, this role will primarily focus on acquiring new clients and re-engaging lapsed clients, ensuring revenue targets are met and exceeded by proactively selling advertising and promotional opportunities across The Stage’s display and supplier directory portfolio.

This role is a 12-month fixed term contract. 

What you will do:

• Identify and target new areas of opportunity to develop revenue streams for commercial benefit.
• Build strong relationships with prospective clients through consistent outreach and networking.
• Create compelling sales proposals tailored to meet client objectives.
• Manage the end-to-end sales cycle, including prospecting, pitching, negotiating, and closing deals.
• Maintain up to date sales records and pipeline management via CRM to prescribed standards including order confirmation and invoicing of bookings.

Client relationship management: 

• Manage accounts with a high degree of professionalism.
• Provide timely follow-up on all advertising inquiries and leads by telephone, email and face-to-face with customers.
• Represent the company at business meetings, occasions and events (during and occasionally outside normal office hours).

Product knowledge: 

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all our advertising products, competitor products and market conditions.
• Show initiative by developing and proposing new solutions or strategies to meet client needs and drive additional sales opportunities, based on client and industry feedback.
• Learn and adapt to new technologies and in turn present these technologies where appropriate to clients and agencies to generate revenue.

Collaboration and communication: 

• Work collaboratively with the Account Manager, as well as the wider sales team, to identify opportunities and insights in the market. And to share, cooperate and generate sales leads as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings when called and present reports on personal sales activity.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify opportunities and create integrated campaigns.

Key performance indicators: 

• Client portfolio growth: indicating successful initiative in self-generating new business leads.  Target of 70% of new client revenue, this may include re-engagement with clients who have not advertised in the past two years. 

• Client retention rate: indicating successful account management and client satisfaction. Target of 75% client retention rate, focused on previous 2 years. 

• Sales forecasting: accuracy of sales forecasting against upcoming financial quarters will be monitored. 

What we are looking for:

• Demonstrable experience in media sales, advertising, or related industries. 
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills. 
• Familiarity with media planning and advertising metrics. 
• Proficient in using CRM software and Microsoft Office suite.

This may be a good fit for you if you:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong ethics, integrity, empathy, and respect for team members. 
• The ability to reflect and consider ways to improve. 
• An interest in the theatre and performing arts is preferable.

Other information:

Normal working hours are 9am - 5pm, with occasional evening or weekend work to cover events. This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, requiring at least three days a week at The Stage’s office on Bermondsey Street, SE1, with opportunities for remote work on the other days. This role attracts a salary of £28,000p.a. plus commission.

Please note we start screening CVs and interviewing candidates from the start of a campaign. A successful candidate could progress to offer before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested.

Closing date - April 30, 2025

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that diversity brings.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are here to support you and ensure you have the best possible experience.