Europe, Africa & Middle East | Independent Contractor | Full-Time Engagement | Preferably Europe-Based
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is looking for an experienced and commercially driven Business Developer to accelerate the growth of our activities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
This is a senior, hands-on commercial role for someone who knows how to open doors, build relationships and turn opportunities into long-term partnerships and revenue.
About IFMAThe International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals. With more than 25,000 members in over 100 countries, IFMA advances the facility management profession through education, research, professional development and global networking.
IFMA EMEA serves professionals, organizations and industry stakeholders across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The region plays an important role in IFMA’s global growth strategy, with a strong focus on events, partnerships and community development.
Our flagship EMEA activities include:
- World Workplace Europe – IFMA’s premier conference and expo in Europe
- IFMA Global Africa – bringing together the growing African FM community
- IFMA Global Middle East – serving the rapidly developing FM sector in the Middle East
- IFMA Tech Insights – focused on technology and innovation in facility management
As Business Developer, you will be responsible for developing commercial opportunities across IFMA’s EMEA event and partnership portfolio.
Your primary focus will be exhibition sales, sponsorships and strategic corporate partnerships. You will also play a key role in developing and launching the IFMA EMEA Corporate Sustaining Partner (CSP) programme.
We are looking for an experienced business development professional who can work with a high degree of autonomy, build a strong prospect pipeline and develop trusted relationships with senior decision-makers.
This is not an entry-level position. You should bring commercial experience, an established professional network and the confidence to operate independently from day one.
Your Key ResponsibilitiesEvent Sales & Sponsorship- Drive exhibition booth and floor-space sales for IFMA EMEA flagship events.
- Identify, approach, negotiate and close event sponsorship and partnership agreements.
- Re-engage previous exhibitors and sponsors and grow repeat business year-on-year.
- Build and manage a strong prospect pipeline using IFMA’s CRM.
- Represent IFMA at relevant industry events, trade shows and networking opportunities.
- Develop tailored commercial propositions for different partner and sponsor profiles.
- Identify organizations that could become long-term strategic partners of IFMA EMEA.
- Build relationships with senior stakeholders across the FM, real estate, workplace, PropTech, building technology, sustainability and related sectors.
- Develop partnerships that strengthen IFMA’s visibility, relevance and financial sustainability across EMEA.
- Manage and nurture existing relationships to support retention, renewal and growth.
Working with IFMA leadership, you will help develop and launch the EMEA Corporate Sustaining Partner programme, including:
- Defining partnership levels, benefits and value propositions.
- Developing appropriate pricing structures in alignment with IFMA global guidelines.
- Identifying and approaching potential corporate partners.
- Signing the first cohort of EMEA Corporate Sustaining Partners.
- Managing partner relationships and supporting future renewals and growth.
- Maintain accurate CRM records for prospects, opportunities and closed deals.
- Provide regular pipeline updates, forecasts and commercial reporting.
- Track performance against agreed revenue and partnership targets.
- Provide post-event commercial reporting and recommendations.
- Share market intelligence and prospect feedback to support the development of new IFMA EMEA initiatives.
- Collaborate closely with the IFMA EMEA team and IFMA Global HQ.
You are an experienced commercial professional who combines a strong network with the ability to create new opportunities.
Ideally, you bring:
- 5–7+ years of relevant experience in business development, sponsorship sales, partnership management or a comparable commercial role.
- A demonstrated track record of selling event sponsorships, exhibition space or B2B partnership packages.
- An established network within facility management, corporate real estate, workplace, PropTech, building technology, sustainability or related sectors.
- Strong consultative selling, negotiation and closing skills.
- Commercial judgement and the ability to develop compelling value propositions.
- Confidence engaging and building relationships with senior corporate decision-makers.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong self-organization and the ability to work independently without close day-to-day supervision.
- Experience managing multiple commercial opportunities across different markets and geographies.
- Experience with CRM systems such as Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, Salesforce or similar.
Previous experience working as an independent contractor or in a self-employed capacity is an advantage.
LanguagesFluent written and spoken English is required.
Additional languages such as Arabic, French, German, Dutch or Spanish are a strong advantage given the international scope of the role.
Location & TravelThe role is preferably Europe-based and primarily remote.
Regular international travel is required across Europe and, where applicable, Africa and the Middle East. You will be expected to attend IFMA EMEA’s flagship events and travel for selected client meetings, prospecting and relationship development.
Estimated travel is approximately 30–40 days per year.
Contract & CompensationThis is a full-time B2B independent contractor engagement, offered through an annually renewable agreement subject to performance review.
The compensation model combines:
- A monthly fixed retainer, to be agreed upon contract signature.
- Performance-based commission on exhibition sales, sponsorship revenue and Corporate Sustaining Partner revenues.
- Reimbursement of pre-approved business travel and accommodation expenses in accordance with IFMA EMEA policy.
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own tax, social security and insurance obligations.
How Success Will Be MeasuredPerformance will be assessed against agreed quarterly and annual KPIs, including:
- Exhibition and booth sales revenue.
- Number and value of sponsorship agreements.
- New corporate partners and CSP members secured.
- Pipeline development and conversion.
- Retention and renewal of exhibitors, sponsors and partners.
- Successful development and launch of the CSP programme.
- Quality and consistency of CRM and commercial reporting.
Detailed targets will be agreed at the start of the engagement.
Why Work With IFMA?This is an opportunity to take on a highly autonomous, international role at the heart of IFMA EMEA’s growth.
You will work across three continents, represent a globally recognized professional association and engage with organizations and senior leaders shaping the future of facility management.
Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to build relationships and commercial programmes that can have a lasting impact on IFMA’s development across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
How to ApplyInterested?
Please send:
- Your current CV/resume.
- A short cover letter or introductory note explaining your relevant experience and motivation.
- Your current availability.
- Your expected monthly retainer.
Applications will be treated in strict confidence.
Start date: As soon as possible / by mutual agreement.