Abacus Playgrounds is the UK's leading installer of safety surfacing for play areas and sports facilities. Founded in 1994 and based in Dartford, Derby & Scotland, we've spent over 30 years helping local authorities, schools, nurseries, playground equipment manufacturers and building contractors across the country create safe, high-quality outdoor spaces for children and communities to enjoy.
Our work covers the full range of surfacing solutions, including wet pour rubber flooring, Mulchbond® bonded rubber mulch, artificial grass, resin bound gravel, SUDS-bond® permeable paving, multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and daily mile tracks. Every project starts with a full site survey, so customers get a solution that's tailored to their site rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.
What sets us apart is how we deliver: our installation teams are directly employed, fully qualified and DBS-checked, not subcontracted, which means consistent quality and accountability on every job, nationwide. We also take our environmental responsibilities seriously, using recycled rubber from end-of-life tyres in many of our surfacing systems.
Trust, quality and care sit at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with our customers at every stage of a project, aiming to make the process easy and to deliver on time, every time. The approach that's helped us build long-standing relationships with schools, nurseries and local authorities across the UK.
As demand for our services continues to grow, we're investing in our sales team to match, which is why we're looking for a Business Development Manager to help us reach even more schools, playgrounds, local authorities & construction industry across the UK.
Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to spearhead growth initiatives and expand our market presence. In this pivotal role, you will identify new business opportunities, foster strong client relationships, and develop strategic partnerships that drive revenue and brand recognition. Your energetic approach and proactive mindset will be essential in navigating competitive landscapes and unlocking new avenues for success. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future trajectory of our organization while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.
Duties
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities through market research, networking, and outreach efforts
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders to foster trust and loyalty
- Develop tailored proposals and presentations that align with client needs and organisational goals
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop strategic plans for market expansion and product positioning
- Manage quotation returns and complete site surveys where experience of measuring sites will be crucial.
- Supporting Regional Sales Manager with pipeline management.
- Utilise CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software such as Salesforce to track leads, manage contacts, and monitor sales pipelines
- Conduct competitive analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and identify areas for growth
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to enhance visibility and generate leads
Qualifications
- Proven experience in business development, sales, or a related role with a track record of achieving targets
- Strong proficiency in CRM software, particularly Salesforce or similar platforms
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills with the ability to influence decision-makers
- Ability to analyse market data and develop strategic plans based on insights gained
- Self-motivated with a proactive attitude and a passion for driving growth
- Knowledge of CRM software tools such as Salesforce is highly desirable
Join us to be part of an energetic team committed to innovation, growth, and success. Your expertise will help shape our future while offering you opportunities for professional development in a vibrant environment.
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
