Trainee Business Development Manager
Location: Sheffield, UK (studio-based with travel)
Who would thrive in this role
- Enjoys talking to people and building relationships
- Curious about how businesses grow and how deals are made
- Organised, proactive, and willing to learn quickly
- Comfortable being out of their comfort zone while developing commercial confidence
About Us
93FT is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary creative agency based in Sheffield. Our studio brings together Brand, Interior and Digital teams to create meaningful experiences with lasting impact for our clients.
As an Employee Ownership Trust, everyone at 93FT plays a part in shaping the future of the business. We value collaboration, curiosity, and long-term relationships with our clients and partners.
We’re now looking to bring in a Trainee Business Development Manager to support and develop within our growing commercial team.
The Role
This is an entry-level, development-focused role designed for someone who wants to build a career in business development within a creative agency environment.
You will work closely with the Business Development team to learn how we identify, approach, and convert new opportunities. Over time, you’ll take on increasing ownership of outreach, client conversations, and pipeline activity.
You’ll be supported with hands-on training, mentoring, and exposure to live opportunities, helping you develop both commercial awareness and confidence in client-facing situations.
This role is ideal for someone early in their career who is motivated by growth, people, and the commercial side of creative work.
Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Development Support & Learning
- Support the team in identifying and researching potential new business opportunities
- Assist in building and maintaining the sales pipeline
- Learn how to qualify leads and understand client needs
- Support the preparation of proposals, credentials, and supporting documentation
- Gradually begin leading initial outreach and early-stage conversations
Relationship & Networking Development
- Support client and partner relationship activity
- Attend meetings, events, and networking opportunities alongside senior team members
- Learn how to represent the business professionally in external settings
- Begin developing your own network over time
Strategic Exposure
- Gain exposure to business development strategy and sector focus
- Learn how commercial opportunities are evaluated and prioritised
- Support competitor and market research activity
- Contribute ideas and observations as you develop commercial understanding
Marketing & Brand Support
- Support outbound marketing and LinkedIn activity
- Help maintain visibility of the business through digital channels
- Learn how thought leadership and positioning are developed
Ways of Working
- 37.5 hours per week, flexible between 8am–6pm
- Studio-based in Sheffield with hybrid flexibility (2–3 days in studio minimum)
- Occasional UK travel for events and meetings (some out-of-hours required for events)
What We’re Looking ForEssential
- Strong interest in business, sales, people, or commercial roles
- Confident communicator who enjoys speaking with others
- Willingness to learn and take feedback quickly
- Organised and reliable with good follow-through
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving, creative environment
Desirable
- Degree or equivalent experience in business, marketing, communications or similar
- Any experience in customer-facing roles (retail, hospitality, sales, recruitment, etc.)
- Interest in creative industries (design, branding, digital, architecture, etc.)
- Exposure to networking, events, or outreach activity
What We Offer
- £28,000–£32,000 per annum base salary (entry-level aligned)
- Clear progression pathway into BDM role with salary growth
- Performance-based commission opportunity as development milestones are met
- EOT employee profit share scheme (tax-free bonus based on company performance)
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Office closed over Christmas (3 days taken from allowance)
- Christmas Eve off (if it falls on a weekday)
- Company sick pay
- Company pension (3% employee / 2% employer)
- All business expenses covered for work-related travel
- Structured mentoring and development plan
- Collaborative, creative studio environment
- Regular social events
Contract Details
- Permanent role
- 6-month probation period
- 1-week notice during probation
- 1-month notice after probation
Interview Stages
Step 1 – CV review and screening callStep 2 – Interview with Business Development and People & CultureStep 3 – Final meeting with Managing Director and wider team
How to Apply
Send your CV to [email protected] include any examples of customer-facing experience, sales exposure, or situations where you’ve built relationships or influenced outcomes.
Pay: £28,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Sheffield S3 8FE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
