Business Development Manager

Department: Venue Sales & Commercial Development Department

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum dependent on experience

Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground

Closing Date: Sunday 22 November 2026

The Department

The Venue Sales and Commercial Development Department are responsible for the sales of all our matchday hospitality and premium matchday experiences at Villa Park. We have recently expanded our range with over 15 areas and around 5,000 hospitality covers and we are continuing to grow - offering world-class, premium experiences in the Premier League in an unrivalled atmosphere, helping our guests create the kind of matchday memories that last a lifetime. We have a new opportunity for a Business Development Manager to join the team.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Manager to join our team. You will play a key role in growing the Club’s hospitality business by identifying new opportunities, building relationships and converting prospects into customers. You will take ownership of outbound business development and lead generation, building a strong sales pipeline and promoting our portfolio of Matchday hospitality and GA+ products, premium experiences, VillaWorks networking initiatives and commercial events.

You will proactively connect with businesses across Birmingham and the surrounding areas through targeted outreach, networking, referrals, social selling and events. From researching prospective organisations and identifying key decision-makers through to delivering tailored pitches, negotiating and closing opportunities, you will manage the full new-business sales journey.

You will also take the lead on developing VillaWorks, helping establish it as a valuable networking platform that connects the Club with the wider business community and creates a consistent source of new commercial opportunities.

For further information about the Role, please see the Role Profile.

The Person

You will have proven business development or sales experience in target – driven environment, with a strong record of generating lead and winning new business. You will also be resilient and self-motivated, with the energy to maintain a high level of outbound activity while managing multiple opportunities and priorities. Strong communication and networking skills are essential, as you will regularly represent the Club and develop relationships across Birmingham's business community.

An organised and process-driven approach will also be important, particularly when managing your sales pipeline, maintaining accurate CRM records and using activity and conversion data to inform your approach.

You must be able to work flexible hours as the Club requires, this will include matchday working across evenings and weekends as and when required and you will need to have a driving license with access to a vehicle and / or the ability to travel between our Club sites; Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.

Why join us?

There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us! See our Staff Benefits booklet to find out more.

As part of your application, you will be asked to:

1)Upload your CV

2)Answer the following question: Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (400 words maximum)

Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early

The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Equality Statement

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all.

We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.

Safeguarding Statement

Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club. For more information, please see Aston Villa Football Club | The official club website | AVFC - Safeguarding