📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Partnerships Manager, US | Cannes Lions | New York
🔹 Company: Informa Group Plc.
🔹 Location: New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Sales & Business Development
🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in-office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving new business and strategic partnerships within the Cannes Lions Festival ecosystem
- Meeting and exceeding quarterly and annual revenue targets
- Managing client relationships from initial engagement to delivering partnership experiences
- Collaborating with internal teams to ensure seamless delivery of partnerships and client needs
- Traveling for event operations, including trips to London HQ and Cannes Lions Festival in France
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of self-motivation, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Drive business growth by meeting or exceeding quarterly and annual revenue targets
✅ Identify, research, and qualify new business prospects across key markets and industry sectors
✅ Develop and execute strategic outbound lead generation campaigns
✅ Manage and grow a dynamic pipeline of prospective clients
✅ Utilize CRM tools (Salesforce) to document activities, track engagement, and refine the sales process
✅ Conduct discovery calls, qualify prospects, and arrange meetings with senior prospects
✅ Maintain a robust in-market presence, actively networking within the industry to generate new business opportunities
✅ Lead contract negotiations and close deals that align with company revenue goals
✅ Work closely with internal LIONS teams to ensure seamless delivery of partnerships and client needs
✅ Support supplier relationships, manage invoicing, provide sales reporting, and monitor delivery costs
✅ Provide on-site operational support during the Festival period, including direct client and supplier liaison
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 3-5 years of experience in a sales or sales-focused customer-facing role, with a proven ability to meet or exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets
Required Skills:
- Proven success in outbound sales, prospecting, and new business development
- Strong interest and/or experience in advertising, technology, and creative industries
- Excellent literacy and numerical skills to analyze data, forecast revenue, and track progress towards targets
- Strong verbal communication skills to engage and build relationships with clients, communicate value propositions, and close deals
- Proficient in computer software, including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and internal CRM systems
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in additional languages, with Spanish being particularly valuable for building partnerships in the Americas market
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the events industry or a background in strategic partnerships may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: 65,000 - 75,000 USD per year, plus commission
Benefits:
- Annual leave: 15 days per year, plus 12 public holidays
- 401(K): Company matches 50% of the first 6% of eligible employee contributions, 100% vested at 3 years
- Medical care: Choice of 3 medical plans, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA), plus prescription drug coverage
- Dental: Choice of 2 plans
- Employee Assistance Program: Access to a 24-hour, free, and confidential advice line for mental health, financial, and well-being support
- Vision: Discounts on frames and contact lenses, with savings both in-network and out-of-network
- Flexible spending accounts: Use pre-tax dollars up to 3,050 per year for unreimbursed medical, dental, and vision expenses, plus up to 5,000 for dependent care
- Bonus: Access to commission, bonus, or profit-share schemes, depending on the role
- Flexible working: Most roles require 1-2 days a week in the office, with flexible work arrangements actively encouraged
- Company-paid life insurance & AD&D: Life assurance and AD&D coverage up to 1x annual salary, with voluntary life insurance, AD&D, critical illness, and accident insurance available for purchase
- Other paid leave: Additional time off for bereavement, jury service, and military leave
- Parental leave: Birthing parents with 6+ months of service receive 12 weeks of paid leave; non-birthing parents with 6+ months of service are eligible for 12 weeks of leave (6 weeks paid at 100% salary, 6 weeks unpaid)
- Disability coverage: Short-term and long-term disability coverage available
- Recommend a friend: Introduce a friend or family member to Ascential and earn a cash reward
- Commuter benefit: Use pre-tax dollars up to 315 per month for public transportation and vanpooling, or 315 per month for qualified parking expenses
- Volunteer day: An extra day of annual leave each year to dedicate to a cause you're passionate about
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles, experience levels, and locations. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Informa Group Plc. operates in the information services industry, focusing on academic publishing, marketing services, data & intelligence, digital events, exhibitions, specialist content, research, consultancy, digital services, lead generation, B2B markets, and academic markets.
Company Size: Informa Group Plc. has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Informa Group Plc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with offices in various countries across the globe.
Company Description:
- Informa Festivals brings together prestigious brands like Cannes Lions, Black Hat, Money20/20, and London Tech Week to create powerful, immersive experiences that drive innovation and industry advancement.
- The company's festival-led approach reimagines traditional B2B events, combining cutting-edge marketing intelligence platforms and advisory services to deliver unmissable experiences and insights.
- Informa Group Plc. is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the UK's FTSE 100 group of public companies.
Company Specialties:
- Academic Publishing
- Marketing Services
- Data & Intelligence
- Digital events
- Exhibitions
- Specialist content
- Research
- Consultancy
- Digital services
- Lead generation
- B2B markets
- Academic markets
Company Website: https://www.informa.com/
ASSUMPTION: Informa Group Plc. operates in a dynamic and competitive industry, requiring employees to stay informed about market trends and adapt to changes in the business environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a mid-level position within the sales and business development function, offering opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
Reporting Structure: The Partnerships Manager reports directly to the Head of Commercial for the US region and works closely with internal LIONS teams to ensure seamless delivery of partnerships and client needs.
Work Arrangement: This role operates on a hybrid work arrangement, requiring 2 days in the office per week, with the remaining days worked remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- Proven success in this role may lead to advancement into senior sales or management positions within the company.
- The diverse portfolio of brands and events within Informa Group Plc. provides opportunities for career progression across various business units.
- Collaborating with internal teams and external clients offers opportunities to develop skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a strong focus on personal development and a willingness to take on new challenges as they arise.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Informa Group Plc.'s New York office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate productivity and creativity.
Office Location(s): 605 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10158, USA
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a major global hub for advertising, technology, and creative industries, providing ample opportunities for networking and business development.
- The city's vibrant cultural scene and diverse neighborhoods offer a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
- New York's robust public transportation system makes it easy to commute to and from the office, with numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options within walking distance.
Work Schedule: This role operates on a standard business hours schedule, with some flexibility for remote work. Occasional travel may be required for event operations and client meetings.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between the structure and collaboration of an office environment and the flexibility and independence of remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final round interviews with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales and business development skills
- Industry knowledge and market trends
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments.
- Research the company, its brands, and the Cannes Lions Festival to demonstrate your understanding of the business and industry.
- Practice your presentation skills and be ready to discuss your approach to strategic partnerships and new business development.
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.
ATS Keywords: Sales, Business Development, Partnerships, Strategic Planning, Client Engagement, Revenue Growth, Advertising, Technology, Creative Industries, Market Intelligence, CRM, Salesforce, Lead Generation, New Business Development, Client Relationship Management
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role may include assessments of your sales skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit with the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Salesforce (CRM)
- Google Suite (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator
- Zoom (for virtual meetings and presentations)
- Asana or Trello (for project management)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used daily for communication, collaboration, and project management.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-centric: Putting customers at the heart of everything we do
- Innovative: Embracing change and driving progress
- Collaborative: Working together to achieve more
- Integrity: Acting with honesty and accountability
- Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in all we do
Work Style:
- Results-driven: Focusing on outcomes and delivering value
- Adaptable: Embracing change and responding to new challenges
- Entrepreneurial: Taking ownership and initiative
- Inclusive: Valuing diversity and fostering an environment of belonging
- Continuously learning: Seeking out new knowledge and opportunities for growth
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Informa Group Plc.'s company values?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment or business strategy. How did you approach this change, and what was the outcome?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, results-driven environment?
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a strong cultural fit with the company's values and work style, as well as a willingness to adapt and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a high volume of prospects and maintaining a consistent pipeline of qualified leads
- Navigating a competitive market and standing out to potential clients
- Balancing the demands of sales targets with the need for strategic and long-term partnerships
- Adapting to changes in the market and industry trends
- Managing client expectations and ensuring client satisfaction in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a focus on continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on strategic partnerships and new business development within the Cannes Lions Festival ecosystem, rather than a broader sales or account management role.
- In the advertising, technology, and creative industries, this role requires a deep understanding of the landscape and the ability to leverage industry trends to grow the LIONS brand in the Americas market.
- Career paths for this role may include advancement into senior sales or management positions within the company, or transition into strategic roles within the Cannes Lions Festival or other Informa Group Plc. brands.
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a strong focus on personal development and a willingness to take on new challenges as they arise.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic outbound lead generation campaign to target key market sectors and generate new business opportunities
- Managing the full service of a client relationship, from initial engagement and contract signing to delivering on-site and digital partnership experiences
- Negotiating and closing a strategic partnership with a high-profile client, aligning with company revenue goals and delivering long-term value
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges faced in this role, requiring strong sales skills, industry knowledge, and adaptability.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's approach to strategic partnerships and new business development within the Cannes Lions Festival ecosystem?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its employees in this role?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company measure and track the success of its partnerships and new business development efforts?
- What opportunities are there for career growth and advancement within the company for someone in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company's culture, priorities, and growth opportunities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments.
- Research the company, its brands, and the Cannes Lions Festival to demonstrate your understanding of the business and industry.
- Practice your presentation skills and be ready to discuss your approach to strategic partnerships and new business development.
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
