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Business Development Executive

About us:


How did Web Summit become, in the words of Forbes, “the best tech conference on the planet”? Meaningful connections. Our tech events are unmissable because we make it easier for the right people to meet and connect. Everyone at Web Summit works towards this goal.


And we’re just getting started. 


We’re always looking to build on the impact we have already made at Web Summit. In the coming years we’ll take Web Summit to new markets, promoting global connectivity, highlighting important issues and connecting global leaders – all while making a positive impact on the environment and communities we encounter.


To build a better company, we have to better ourselves. We do that by finding the most ambitious people to work with us. 


About the team


Our Partnerships team recruits and curates the experience of advertisers, exhibitors and partners like Google, Meta, HSBC, Box, KPMG, Audi, Coca Cola, and hundreds of others across all our conferences. The team works with leading companies to offer our attendees unique experiences, whether it’s an engaging activation on the conference floor, via our online platforms or intimate networking dinner.


Role


As Web Summit continues its global expansion, we are looking for a highly motivated Partnerships Business Development Executive to drive the growth of our partnership sales and expand our global customer base. In this role, you’ll be responsible for outreach, prospecting, and qualifying new partner opportunities across our worldwide events.


You’ll work closely with the sales team, focusing on building relationships with potential clients and generating a high volume of qualified leads. The key objective is to ensure a strong conversion rate at the top of the funnel. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record in sales and business development, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, competitive environment.


Who you are
  • At least 1 year of business development experience or the ability to demonstrate how you can be an amazing hunter. 
  • You enjoy a learning culture, you like sharing ideas and you love to talk! Yes, talk – you’ll be doing a lot of that!
  • You're a passionate person. Whether your passion is for analytics, processes, building relationships or acquiring new clients, we have a place for you.
  • You are an analytical thinker with an interest in account management and business development, but above all you are a people's person.
  • You’re inventive and always keen to try new things. In fact, you believe that nothing can ever be perfect, and that testing and experimentation is always important. Just like us!
  • You are driven, ambitious and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • You've recently graduated, maybe travelled the world, and realised that working with people is what you want.
  • You think technology will change the world and you can’t stop talking about it.


What you'll do
  • Identify and qualify new business opportunities to grow Web Summit’s global partnership base, driving lead generation and client acquisition.
  • Execute and manage outbound campaigns using platforms such as Amplemarket and LinkedIn to build a strong sales pipeline across all Web Summit events.
  • Present and demonstrate sponsorship opportunities, effectively communicating the value of Web Summit’s offerings to potential partners.
  • Collaborate with the Startups team to enhance the conversion rate of startups into active sponsors and partners.
  • Engage with competitors’ events to acquire high-quality business leads and establish valuable industry relationships.
  • Partner with the Marketing and Growth teams to develop sales collateral, marketing materials, and targeted outbound campaigns that support business development efforts.
  • Manage on-site speaker and GA tours during Web Summit events, ensuring smooth pre- and post-event communication plans.
  • Re-engage inactive inbound leads to qualify and move them into the opportunity pipeline.


Benefits and perks:


- Hybrid-working model open to all employees.

- Fully subsidised healthcare, dental, employee assistance programme (EAP) and more.

- Pension contribution up to 6%(Irish based only)

- A dedicated in-house L&D department, with access to workshops, online learning and resources to help you excel in your career development.

- Company laptop, generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements.

- Our very own Tramway Team, which drives community and morale-boosting events for employees to participate in.

- Annual company get-togethers, charity days, and monthly wellbeing talks.

- Wellness subsidy issued to all employees of €1000 per year



At Web Summit, we embrace diversity and inclusion. We want talent from all walks of life to help us on our journey to digitise the conference sector. Hiring decisions are made purely on experience, skills and the needs of the business.

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What You Should Know About Business Development Executive, Web Summit

At Web Summit, we’re on the lookout for a dynamic Business Development Executive to join our Partnerships team in Lisbon. If you're excited about building meaningful connections and driving growth, this role is perfect for you! Our commitment to creating the best tech events is not just about bringing people together; it’s about nurturing relationships with industry giants like Google, Meta, and HSBC. As a Business Development Executive, you’ll take center stage in expanding our global partnership sales, focusing on outreach, prospecting, and qualifying new partner opportunities. Your strong communication skills will shine as you engage with potential clients and generate a high volume of qualified leads. We're searching for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses at least a year of business development experience, and is not afraid to share ideas and buzz about technology. You’ll collaborate with our sales team and work closely with the Marketing and Growth teams to create enticing sales collateral and marketing materials. Plus, you’ll have the chance to manage exciting on-site speaker and GA tours during our renowned events. If you’re passionate about tech, keen on experimenting, and eager to make a mark in the industry, Web Summit could be your next adventure. Join us in our mission to redefine the conference sector while making a positive impact on the environment and our communities. Your role will not only involve nurturing relationships but also driving our ambitious goals forward. Let’s create unforgettable experiences together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Business Development Executive Role at Web Summit
What are the key responsibilities of a Business Development Executive at Web Summit?

As a Business Development Executive at Web Summit, your key responsibilities will include identifying and qualifying new business opportunities, executing outbound campaigns using tools like Amplemarket and LinkedIn, and building strong relationships with potential partners. You’ll collaborate with various teams, enhance the conversion rate of startups into sponsors, and manage communications during Web Summit events.

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What qualifications do I need to become a Business Development Executive at Web Summit?

To become a Business Development Executive at Web Summit, you should have at least one year of business development experience or demonstrate a strong ability to succeed in a sales role. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential, along with a passion for technology and a desire to work collaboratively in a lively environment.

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What is the work environment like for a Business Development Executive at Web Summit?

The work environment for a Business Development Executive at Web Summit is dynamic and fast-paced, offering a hybrid-working model. You’ll be part of an ambitious team that values creativity, collaboration, and experimentation while striving for excellence in driving global partnerships and sales.

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What can I expect in terms of career growth as a Business Development Executive at Web Summit?

As a Business Development Executive at Web Summit, you can expect an exciting trajectory for career growth. You'll receive support from a dedicated in-house Learning & Development department, access to various workshops and resources, and opportunities to develop essential skills that will help you excel and rise within the company.

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What benefits do Business Development Executives receive at Web Summit?

Business Development Executives at Web Summit enjoy a variety of benefits, including fully subsidized healthcare, dental coverage, a pension contribution scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements. There’s also a wellness subsidy of €1000 per year and opportunities to participate in community events, charity days, and monthly wellbeing talks.

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Common Interview Questions for Business Development Executive
What strategies would you use to identify and qualify new business opportunities?

To identify and qualify new business opportunities, I would leverage data-driven insights and align outreach efforts with market trends. Utilizing platforms such as LinkedIn for targeted campaigns, I would engage in networking activities, attend industry events, and conduct thorough research on potential partners' needs and goals.

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How do you manage your sales pipeline effectively as a Business Development Executive?

Managing a sales pipeline effectively involves regular evaluations, prioritizing leads based on their potential value, and using CRM tools to track interactions. Consistent follow-ups and adjusting strategies based on feedback will also enhance the conversion rate of leads into valuable partnerships.

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Can you give an example of a successful negotiation you've conducted?

Certainly! In my previous role, I successfully negotiated a partnership agreement with a tech firm by understanding their needs and crafting a tailored proposal that highlighted mutual benefits. By maintaining open communication and demonstrating flexibility, I was able to close the deal favorably for both parties.

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How do you handle rejection when pursuing new partnerships?

Rejection is a part of sales, and when I encounter it, I always seek feedback to understand the reasons behind it. I view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement, which informs my future approaches and helps refine my pitch for better outcomes.

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What role do you think creativity plays in business development?

Creativity is crucial in business development, as it allows me to approach challenges differently and develop innovative strategies for engagement. By thinking outside the box, I can craft unique offers that resonate with potential partners and stand out in a competitive landscape.

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Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team to achieve a common goal.

In a prior project, I collaborated closely with marketing and product teams to launch a new service. Regular meetings helped us align our strategies and streamline communication. Ultimately, our collective effort led to a successful launch that exceeded our initial targets, reinforcing the importance of teamwork.

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What tools or platforms do you prefer for managing outreach campaigns?

I prefer using CRM platforms like Salesforce for managing contacts, alongside outreach tools like Amplemarket for automated campaigns. These tools streamline my workflow, enhance tracking capabilities, and ensure I can efficiently follow up with prospects.

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How do you keep up with industry trends and competitors?

To keep up with industry trends and competitors, I read industry publications, attend relevant webinars, and participate in networking events. Staying active on platforms like LinkedIn allows me to engage with thought leaders and continuously learn from their insights and experiences.

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What motivates you as a Business Development Executive at Web Summit?

I'm motivated by the opportunity to build lasting connections and contribute to meaningful partnerships. The dynamic nature of the tech industry fuels my passion for innovation, and at Web Summit, I see the potential to influence positive change while collaborating with passionate individuals.

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Why do you want to work for Web Summit specifically?

I’m eager to work for Web Summit because of its reputation for hosting impactful tech events and fostering significant relationships within the industry. The company's commitment to meaningful connections aligns with my professional goals, and I admire its drive towards innovation and growth.

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Our approach has always been different, and that difference has propelled our growth. We're the first first software company that creates conferences. While conference companies typically hire experienced event planners, we hire computational phys...

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DATE POSTED
March 19, 2025

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