Business Development Manager- Partnerships & Accounts, Private Luxury Events

Private Luxury Events · London, United Kingdom (Hybrid) · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-23

Salary: GBP 45,000–75,000

Workplace: hybrid

Department: Marketing

Description

Business Development Manager - Strategic Partnerships & Account Growth

Borough, South London (SE1 1EP) – Hybrid

Private Luxury Events: Expect the Extraordinary

Private Luxury Events delivers world‑class experiences to the luxury travel community through its event brands Amour, Private Luxury, TFest and Ultra. Our ethos has always been to put the human experience first. This mantra has powered some of the most respected events in the industry, inspiring thousands of luxury travel professionals around the world and at the heart of everything we do lies a passion for connecting people.

Part of Worldwide Events Group

Private Luxury Events sits within Worldwide Events Group, founded in 2004 and now a recognised leader in global MICE and luxury travel. Across our events, we bring people together and facilitate meaningful relationships, a philosophy we call H2H, human‑to‑human connection.

Innovation drives our evolution. We’re embracing AI to elevate personalisation, streamline event design, and create smarter, more intuitive experiences for our global communities.

Our Sister Brand: M&I

M&I brings together high‑calibre meeting planners and exhibitors from the hospitality industry through a series of standout events across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Our portfolio includes M&I Expo, M&I Flagship, M&I Healthcare, and M&I Luxe.

The Role

We're looking for a commercially driven Business Development Manager to manage, develop and grow a portfolio of strategic partnerships across the luxury travel, hospitality and events sectors.

Private Luxury Events works with exceptional hotels, hotel groups, destinations, tourism boards and hospitality brands, bringing them together with influential buyers through a portfolio of world-class events. Our partnerships are central to this, and we're looking for someone who can build strong, long-term client relationships while identifying opportunities to increase revenue and deepen commercial engagement.

This role has a strong focus on account management, strategic partnerships and commercial growth. You'll inherit a portfolio of established client relationships, taking ownership of those partnerships and working closely with key decision-makers to understand their objectives, develop tailored propositions and maximise their value across our events.

You'll be responsible for nurturing and expanding existing accounts, negotiating commercial agreements and identifying opportunities to grow partnerships across multiple events and markets. Alongside this, you'll bring proven business development experience and a proactive commercial mindset, identifying new opportunities within your portfolio and contributing to the acquisition of additional business where appropriate.

We're looking for someone who combines the relationship-building skills of a strong account manager with the commercial drive of an experienced business developer. You'll be comfortable managing senior stakeholders, developing high-value partnerships and taking ownership of ambitious revenue targets.

Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships & Account Management

Take ownership of an allocated portfolio of established, high-value partnerships across the luxury travel, hospitality and events sectors.
Build and maintain strong relationships with senior decision-makers across international hotel groups, luxury hospitality brands, destinations and tourism boards.
Develop a deep understanding of each partner's commercial objectives, identifying opportunities to strengthen relationships and deliver greater value through our event portfolio.
Proactively manage account activity, maintaining regular communication and ensuring partners remain engaged with our events and wider proposition.
Develop account plans that identify opportunities for retention, expansion, increased participation and long-term partnership growth.

Commercial Growth & Revenue Generation

Drive revenue growth across existing accounts through upselling, cross-selling, renewals and the development of broader commercial partnerships.
Identify opportunities to expand individual event relationships into larger, multi-event or multi-brand agreements.
Lead commercial discussions and negotiate partnership contracts, packages and high-value deals that deliver sustainable revenue growth.
Take a consultative approach to selling, developing tailored proposals that align partner objectives with the opportunities available across our portfolio.
Work towards ambitious revenue targets, taking ownership of account performance and identifying opportunities to maximise the commercial value of each partnership.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities where appropriate, using your industry knowledge and relationship-building skills to develop additional revenue streams.

Business Development & Commercial Strategy

Apply strong business development skills to identify growth opportunities across existing accounts and relevant luxury hospitality markets.
Build relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers, expanding networks and developing new commercial opportunities.
Monitor competitor activity, market trends and partner needs to identify opportunities to strengthen our proposition.
Maintain accurate Salesforce records, account plans, revenue forecasts and commercial reporting.
Collaborate with internal teams to develop compelling partnership propositions and ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for clients.

Ownership, Collaboration & Growth

Take ownership of account performance, commercial objectives and the ongoing development of strategic partnerships.
Work independently, demonstrating initiative, commercial judgement and a proactive approach to solving problems.
Adapt to evolving business priorities, event propositions and market opportunities.
Contribute ideas to improve account development, partnership strategy and revenue performance across the business.

Requirements

You'll thrive in this role if you bring:

Proven experience in business development, strategic account management, partnership sales or a commercially focused client-facing role.
A strong track record of managing and growing existing accounts, developing long-term client relationships and increasing revenue from established partnerships.
Demonstrable business development experience, with the ability to identify commercial opportunities, negotiate deals and deliver against revenue targets.
Experience managing senior stakeholders and building relationships with key decision-makers.
Confidence negotiating commercial agreements, developing proposals and securing high-value partnerships.
Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to identify upselling, cross-selling and account expansion opportunities.
Experience managing multiple accounts, prioritising opportunities and maintaining accurate forecasts and CRM records.
A proactive, relationship-led approach combined with the drive, resilience and accountability to deliver ambitious commercial results.
Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Experience within luxury travel, hospitality, events, exhibitions, sponsorship or partnership sales.
Experience working with international hotel groups, luxury hotel brands, tourism boards or destination marketing organisations.
Experience managing strategic partnerships, negotiating larger contracts or developing multi-event commercial agreements.
A track record of growing high-value accounts and managing significant annual revenue targets.
Experience using Salesforce, Airtable or similar CRM and reporting tools.
A bachelor's degree in business, marketing or a related field, or additional language skills.

Benefits

We offer a thoughtful package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work–life balance.

£75k OTE (£45k Basic + £30k Commission).
28 days holiday plus UK bank holidays, with additional days awarded for length of service.
A centrally located London office with a summer terrace within walking distance of the world-famous Borough Market.
Regular employee social events supported by our Happiness & Culture team.
Monthly contribution towards Bupa private health insurance (post probation).
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential wellbeing support.
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave to support growing families.
4 pm Friday finish!

Our Commitment to Diversity

Our approach to diversity is simple: it’s about embracing everyone. We are committed to welcoming all individuals, regardless of gender identity, orientation, expression, age, race, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, or perspective. Our diversity fuels innovation, brings diverse thoughts, and connects us more closely to our clients and the communities we serve.

How to Apply

We review every application with care and attention. If you're excited to contribute to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To ensure your experience and perspective are considered, we encourage you to apply early.

About the company

Private Luxury Events runs curated events for luxury travel professionals, combining one-to-one meetings with shared experiences for high-end networking. It operates brands Private Luxury Forums, Amour Forums, TFest, and Ultra, hosting events since 2006 that pair structured networking with immersive content. Attendees use dedicated websites to arrange meetings and experiences, building business connections across the luxury travel sector. The goal is to help luxury travel professionals deepen relationships and grow their businesses through tailored, experiential networking.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

London, United Kingdom

Founded

2014

Get referred to Private Luxury Events

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

TAT partnered with PLE for Ultra Thailand 2027, validating brand credibility.
PLE launched Private Luxury Dubai in March 2026, expanding into a richer market.
Management says PLE has run 200 events and one million meetings, proving operating scale.

What critics are saying

PLE depends on elite buyer quality; one weak roster breaks pricing power by 2027.
Trade-show imitators and destination hosts can copy its format, compressing margins in 2027.
If Ultra or TFest loses exclusivity, supplier demand evaporates and the network weakens.

What makes Private Luxury Events unique

PLE sells invitation-only, buyer-led meetings for ultra-luxury travel brands.
Its 2027 portfolio spans Edinburgh, Mykonos, Amsterdam, and Bangkok.
Wyred matchmaking extends deal flow beyond event days.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
Mental Health Support
Company Social Events

Company News

Travel Trade Today Ltd.

Aug 27th, 2026

Thailand hosts the Ultra 2027 festival in Bangkok.

Thailand hosts the Ultra 2027 festival in Bangkok. THE NEWS: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with London-based Private Luxury Events to host Ultra Thailand 2027, an invitation-only luxury travel showcase, from 20 to 24 June 2027 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River, marking Ultra's first event in Southeast Asia. The programme will bring together Thai tourism businesses and international travel buyers who specialize in high-net-worth travellers. TAT will use the event to display Thailand's tourism offerings across wellness, gastronomy, private travel, arts, culture and locally based experiences. Organisers expect the showcase to generate business opportunities for Thai tourism operators and reinforce the country's focus on high-value tourism. The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, situated on the Chao Phraya River, will serve as the venue for the five-day event. WHY IT MATTERS: Ultra Thailand 2027 provides a high-profile platform for Thailand to attract wealthy travelers and to connect local operators with global buyers, supporting the nation's strategic shift toward high-value tourism and potentially delivering significant revenue and partnership opportunities. When and where will Ultra Thailand 2027 be held? Ultra Thailand 2027 is scheduled for 20 - 24 June 2027 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, located on the Chao Phraya River, providing a luxury venue for the invitation-only event. Which organisations are collaborating to deliver Ultra Thailand 2027? The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with Private Luxury Events, a London-based firm, to organise and host the Ultra Thailand 2027 luxury travel showcase. What is the strategic aim of Ultra Thailand 2027 for Thailand's tourism sector? TAT plans to use the event to showcase the country's wellness, gastronomy, private travel, arts, culture and local experiences, creating business opportunities for Thai operators and advancing Thailand's focus on attracting high-value, high-net-worth visitors.

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Aug 26th, 2026

TAT partners Private Luxury Events to host Ultra Thailand 2027 in Bangkok.

TAT partners Private Luxury Events to host Ultra Thailand 2027 in Bangkok. * Ultra's Southeast Asian debut from 20-24 June 2027 strengthens Thailand as a high-value, experience-led luxury destination Bangkok, 26 August 2026 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with London-based Private Luxury Events to host Ultra Thailand 2027 from 20-24 June 2027 at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. Marking Ultra's Southeast Asian debut, the invitation-only gathering will connect Thailand's tourism industry with an influential international network serving the world's ultra-high-net-worth travellers. Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, "Ultra Thailand 2027 places Thailand into one of the world's most influential ultra-luxury travel networks. TAT will use this platform to present a distinctive expression of Thai luxury built on personalised service, cultural depth and genuine human connection, spanning world-class wellness and gastronomy, private journeys, arts, living heritage and locally rooted experiences. The event will also create valuable business opportunities for Thai tourism partners while reinforcing Thailand's position as a high-value and sustainable tourism destination." Through Ultra Thailand 2027, TAT will connect Thai tourism businesses with a specialised global network, expanding opportunities in the high-value travel market and strengthening awareness of Thailand's luxury offering. Ultra is widely recognised as one of ultra-luxury travel's most exclusive gatherings. Its invitation-only community includes top-tier buyers such as family offices, executive and personal assistants, and celebrity agents, all representing ultra-high-net-worth individuals and designing journeys for the world's most discerning travellers. Members are selected for the calibre and depth of their client portfolios, then introduced to exceptional properties and products at the highest end of luxury travel. Ultra has sold out every year since its inaugural edition, with community members including AMAN, Orient Express, Windows to Japan, The Datai, Domaine Louise and Tangile Malamala Collection. Ultra Thailand 2027 comes as Bangkok gains prominence within the global wealth landscape. The city's ultra-high-net-worth population is projected to grow by more than 50% by 2030, while Knight Frank forecasts Thailand's wider ultra-high-net-worth population to increase by 26% between 2026 and 2031, placing the country among Asia's emerging wealth markets. Bangkok is also attracting continued investment from leading international hospitality brands, including Aman Nai Lert Bangkok and The Langham's forthcoming restoration of the historic Custom House on the Chao Phraya River. This development support TAT's focus on quality-led, high-value tourism and its "Healing is the New Luxury" communication direction, highlighting wellbeing, personalisation and meaningful travel. Thailand's luxury proposition is further distinguished by nam jai, the Thai spirit of generosity, warmth and welcome. Combined with the country's wellness, gastronomy, arts, culture and private travel experiences, this gives Ultra's international community access to a broader expression of luxury rooted in Thai identity and human connection. Christy Kuplic, Managing Director of Private Luxury Events, said, "Bangkok is entering an exciting period of growth at the very top end of luxury travel. The expansion of private wealth, continued investment from leading global hospitality brands and Thailand's focus on high-value tourism make this an incredibly timely moment for Ultra to come to the destination. Ultra has always been about bringing our community into the places shaping conversations in luxury travel. Bangkok has real momentum, and we are excited to experience that first-hand with our community and the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 2027." Private Luxury Events is a global luxury travel events company bringing together leading buyers, suppliers and hospitality brands through relationship-led networking experiences. Over more than a decade, the company has facilitated more than one million one-to-one meetings across more than 200 events in over 90 countries, building an international community around quality relationships and long-term commercial success.

The Tourism International

Aug 17th, 2025

Private Luxury Events unveils 2026 Event Calendar launching the brand-bew Private Luxury Dubai

This September, PLE will announce its sixth and final event in the 2026 calendar at their Summer Soiree, taking place on 4 September at Miiro Templeton Gardens, London.

Private Luxury Events

Business Development Manager - Partnerships & Accounts - Private Luxury Events

About the job