Programmes & Events Executive - Commercial Partnerships

Reports to: Head of Programmes 

Location: Manchester (Hybrid, typically 3 days a week in the office, rising to 5 during delivery periods)

Salary: £33,000 - £35,000 depending on experience
Hours: Full time (5 days per week)
Contract: Permanent

About the role

This is a high-impact commercial role for a confident and target-driven professional who can combine exceptional programme and event delivery with a sharp focus on revenue generation. As part of Manchester Digital’s team of Programme and Event Executives, your specific remit will focus on securing and growing commercial sponsorship and partnerships to support the sustainability and impact of our work.

You must bring a strong track record of business development and income generation through sponsorship, partnership or commercial sales. 

You will be accountable for developing a robust pipeline, proactively identifying and pitching opportunities to external partners, and closing deals that contribute to Manchester Digital’s commercial targets.

Alongside this, you will support the delivery of key events and initiatives  such as Tech Leader Talks, MD Fintech Live, and MD Ecom Live - with responsibility for logistics, stakeholder engagement and on-the-ground execution.

This role will suit someone who thrives in externally-facing work, can confidently navigate senior stakeholder relationships, and wants to drive both commercial outcomes and community impact. We are looking to compliment the skillset of our programme and events delivery team with a strong business development lens.

Key responsibilities

Commercial income generation & sponsorship

• Take ownership of building and maintaining a pipeline of potential sponsors and partners
• Proactively identify, pitch and close sponsorship and funding opportunities to meet revenue targets
• Lead commercial outreach activity including researching prospects, making contact, and managing follow-ups
• Develop tailored pitch materials and proposals, and contribute to wider commercial strategy
• Represent Manchester Digital externally to build relationships, attend events and secure commercial interest
  

Programme and event delivery

• Plan and deliver high-quality events and programmes across schools, colleges, universities and the tech sector
• Lead on logistics – venues, scheduling, tech checks, materials, guest management and day-of support
• Support participants before and during delivery, upholding inclusion and safeguarding standards
• Capture outputs (photos, data, feedback) to support evaluation and comms
  

Stakeholder and community engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with sponsors, speakers, mentors, and tech employers
• Engage with schools, colleges and universities to support delivery and partnership building
• Contribute to content creation – including programme updates and impact features
  

Operational and team support

• Maintain accurate records (CRM, trackers, schedules) to support programme planning and delivery
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, risk management, and data handling policies
• Support other Manchester Digital programmes where needed, particularly during peak periods
  

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Proven experience in securing sponsorship, commercial partnerships or business development with income targets
• Confident communicator who can pitch, present and engage at a senior level
• Strong organisational and project coordination skills, with experience delivering events or programmes
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines and prioritise in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent professional written and verbal communication
• Confident with CRM tools, spreadsheets and digital comms platforms
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive, accountable attitude
  
  

Desirable

• Understanding of the Greater Manchester tech ecosystem or interest in learning more
• Experience engaging with young people or coordinating outreach in schools, colleges or universities
• Familiarity with design or comms tools such as Canva or social media platforms
• Awareness of safeguarding best practice (training provided)
  

Additional information

This is a hybrid role based in Manchester, with a typical in-office pattern of 3 days per week (usually Monday, Tuesday and Thursday). During key delivery periods this may increase to 5 days per week. 

An enhanced DBS check is required and will be arranged during the recruitment process.

Right to Work

Please note that Manchester Digital does not offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the legal right to work and reside in the UK on a permanent basis.

Apply

If you’re excited by this opportunity, we want to hear from you.

Please email:

• A tailored cover letter aligned to this job description (applications without a cover letter will not be considered)
• A copy of your CV tailored for this role to the hiring manager - Emma Grant, Head of Programmes emma@manchesterdigital.com 

We will close recruitment as soon as enough suitable applicants have been identified to shortlist.

Recruitment process

1. Shortlisting
2. Initial short telephone or remote interview
3. Full interview with pre-interview task

Interviews will take place as soon as possible.