Business Development Manager - National Restaurant Show

Location: Chicago, IL, United States; hybrid workplace.

Salary: $60,000–$65,000 annually plus commission.

Company

hirify.global is part of Informa, a global business operating trusted brands, events, digital platforms, and professional development programs across more than 30 countries.

What you will do

• Drive exhibit booth and sponsorship sales for the National Restaurant Association Show.
• Identify, prioritize, and prospect potential exhibitors and sponsors in the foodservice industry through cold calling, online research, networking, and industry events.
• Sell booth space and sponsorship opportunities, communicate the value of brand exposure and lead generation, and customize packages for clients.
• Build and maintain client relationships, identify upsell opportunities, support clients, and address concerns.
• Negotiate terms and collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth event execution.
• Manage sales pipelines and CRM records, monitor industry trends and competitors, and enhance the event value proposition.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of sales experience with demonstrated success in revenue growth, client relationships, and meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Clear and persuasive verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and CRM software such as Salesforce.
• Proven experience managing client relationships.
• Ability to build and nurture healthy internal and external relationships.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a self-starter.
• Ability to research and prospect independently using online research and face-to-face networking.
• Ability to develop and sell creative, abstract ideas to senior executives.
• Ability to learn quickly, think on the fly, and self-teach as required.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Solid understanding of core marketing principles and a proactive, goal-oriented approach with willingness to learn and improve.

Nice to have

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related discipline.
• Previous tradeshow sales experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Welcoming, supportive, and collaborative culture with in-person and online social events and colleague groups.
• Up to four paid volunteer days per year with charity match funding.
• Training, mentoring, LinkedIn Learning access, and support for internal career moves.
• 15 days of PTO, rising to 20 days after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays and birthday leave.
• Opportunity to work from almost anywhere for up to four weeks per year.
• 401(k) match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave, ESPP, wellbeing support, recognition programs, and international collaboration.