Job DescriptionBusiness Development ManagerJob Summary
We are seeking a commercially focused, proactive and results-driven Business Development Manager to join our growing organisation. The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying and developing new business opportunities, building strong and sustainable relationships with clients and business partners, and contributing directly to the organisation's commercial growth.
The role will involve researching markets, generating and managing business leads, developing client relationships, preparing commercial proposals, negotiating contractual terms and supporting the conversion of opportunities into sustainable business. The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams to ensure that business development activities are aligned with the company's strategic objectives, operational capabilities and customer requirements.
This is a position of responsibility requiring strong commercial awareness, excellent communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage multiple opportunities effectively. The Business Development Manager will be expected to contribute to the company's long-term growth by developing new markets, strengthening existing relationships and identifying opportunities to increase revenue and market share.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct market research and commercial analysis to identify new markets, prospective clients, emerging opportunities and areas for business growth.
- Develop and implement effective business development strategies in line with the company's commercial objectives and growth plans.
- Identify, qualify and pursue new business opportunities through market research, professional networking, referrals, direct outreach, industry events and other appropriate channels.
- Build, develop and maintain professional relationships with prospective clients, existing customers, business partners, suppliers and relevant industry stakeholders.
- Arrange and conduct client meetings, presentations, discussions and business development activities to understand client requirements and promote the company's products and services.
- Prepare professional proposals, quotations, presentations, tenders and other commercial documentation tailored to prospective clients' requirements.
- Work collaboratively with sales, marketing, operations, finance and other relevant teams to ensure that proposed business opportunities are commercially viable and can be delivered effectively.
- Use CRM systems, including Salesforce or comparable platforms, to maintain accurate records of leads, prospects, opportunities, communications, meetings, follow-ups and sales activity.
- Manage the business development pipeline from initial lead generation and qualification through to proposal, negotiation, contract agreement and handover to the relevant operational team.
- Negotiate commercial terms with prospective clients within the authority delegated by the company, seeking outcomes that provide sustainable value to both the client and the organisation.
- Monitor the progress of prospective contracts and maintain regular communication with clients throughout the sales and onboarding process.
- Analyse customer feedback, market conditions, competitor activity and industry developments to identify potential risks and opportunities.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of business development activities and prepare regular reports, forecasts and performance updates for management.
- Work towards agreed business development, revenue, sales and client acquisition targets and contribute to the continuous improvement of the company's commercial strategy.
- Identify opportunities to develop existing client relationships, including potential additional services, repeat business and longer-term commercial partnerships.
- Maintain professional standards when dealing with clients and ensure that all business development activities are conducted honestly, responsibly and in accordance with company policies and applicable UK requirements.
Person SpecificationEssential Skills and Experience
- Demonstrable experience in business development, sales, account management, commercial development or a closely related role.
- A proven ability to identify new business opportunities and convert qualified prospects into commercial relationships.
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the business development and sales cycle.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and senior stakeholders.
- Strong negotiation, influencing and relationship-management skills.
- Experience of using CRM systems to manage leads, opportunities, customer information and business development activities.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to assess market information and identify commercially viable opportunities.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain an effective business development pipeline.
- A proactive, self-motivated and results-oriented approach to work.
- Ability to work independently, exercise appropriate judgement and take responsibility for assigned business development activities.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team and establish productive relationships across different areas of the organisation.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Marketing, Sales or a related discipline is desirable but not essential where the candidate can demonstrate appropriate professional experience and competence.
- Previous experience using Salesforce or another recognised CRM platform.
- Experience preparing commercial proposals, tenders, presentations or client-facing business documentation.
- Experience working towards measurable sales, revenue, business acquisition or customer growth targets.
Performance Expectations
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Generate and develop a consistent pipeline of qualified business opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients and prospective customers.
- Contribute to the achievement of agreed commercial and revenue targets.
- Maintain accurate CRM records and provide reliable business development reporting.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct in all client and commercial interactions.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the company's wider commercial strategy.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The company is committed to providing an inclusive working environment and to making recruitment and employment decisions based on relevant skills, qualifications, experience, competence and business requirements.
We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates and will not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Recruitment decisions will be made fairly and consistently based on the requirements of the role.
Data Protection and Confidentiality
The successful candidate will be expected to handle client, prospective customer and company information responsibly and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
Where personal data is processed as part of business development activities, the employee must comply with applicable company policies and relevant UK data protection requirements, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, as applicable. Recruitment and employment-related personal information should also be handled in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.
Health and Safety
The employee will be required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work, and to comply with the company's health and safety policies and procedures and applicable UK health and safety requirements.
Right to Work in the United Kingdom
Employment will be subject to the successful candidate demonstrating that they have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom and, where applicable, permission to undertake the particular work offered.
The company will conduct the appropriate right-to-work checks before employment commences and will undertake any required follow-up checks where an individual's permission to work is time-limited, in accordance with current Home Office requirements.
Working Relationships
The Business Development Manager will work closely with:
- Senior Management and Directors
- Sales and Marketing teams
- Operations and service delivery teams
- Finance and administration teams
- Existing and prospective clients
- External business partners and industry stakeholders
Professional Standards
The successful candidate will be expected to represent the company professionally at all times, maintain high standards of integrity and confidentiality, comply with company policies and procedures, and conduct business development activities in a responsible and commercially appropriate manner.
Our Opportunity
This is an opportunity for an ambitious and commercially minded professional to take an active role in the continued development of the organisation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence business growth, establish valuable commercial relationships, develop new markets and contribute to the company's long-term success.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, commercially aware and confident in building relationships, identifying opportunities and delivering measurable business results.
Pay: Up to £56,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
