Business Development Manager

The Company

We’re delighted to be working with an established and highly regarded business within the research industry, who are looking for a Business Development Manager to join their growing team in Bristol.

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a business with an excellent reputation, working with an impressive range of clients across different sectors.

With ambitious growth plans, they’re looking for someone to take ownership of their business development strategy, build relationships with new and existing clients, and play a key role in the next stage of their growth.

This is very much a consultative, relationship-led position rather than a traditional hard-sales role, so would suit someone who enjoys understanding client challenges and developing long-term partnerships.

The Role

Working closely with the CEO and wider senior leadership team, you’ll be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, building a strong pipeline and helping to shape the commercial direction of the business.

You’ll have plenty of autonomy to make the role your own, with responsibilities including:

• Developing and delivering a business development strategy to support continued growth.
• Identifying new business opportunities and building relationships with prospective clients across a range of sectors.
• Managing incoming enquiries and developing opportunities through to conversion.
• Building and nurturing relationships with an existing network of researchers and industry partners.
• Taking a consultative approach to understanding client requirements and presenting tailored solutions.
• Preparing proposals, delivering pitches and meeting with senior client stakeholders.
• Attending industry events and networking to develop new relationships and raise awareness of the business.
• Working closely with the marketing team to support campaigns, lead generation and new business activity.
• Playing an active role within the senior leadership team, contributing to wider commercial strategy and growth plans.

Skills and Experience

We’re looking for someone with previous business development experience who is commercially minded, personable and enjoys building genuine relationships with clients.

Ideally, you’ll have experience within the research, UX, insights, digital agency or recruitment sectors, although we’d be equally interested in hearing from candidates with transferable experience in other consultative B2B service environments.

You’ll also bring:

• A proven track record of developing new business opportunities and managing a sales pipeline.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and a consultative approach to business development.
• Confidence communicating with senior stakeholders and presenting solutions to clients.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify opportunities for growth.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with a collaborative and personable nature.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who can build trust with clients, understand their requirements and develop long-term relationships. This isn’t a role focused on high-volume cold calling or aggressive sales tactics.

Benefits

• Salary up to £50,000 + bonus.
• Hybrid working, with three days per week in the Bristol office.
• Opportunity to join an established and growing business.
• Close collaboration with the CEO and senior leadership team.
• Plenty of autonomy to shape the business development strategy.
• Genuine opportunity to make an impact and contribute to the company’s future growth.
• Dog friendly office, early finish Friday incentive

Sound Good?

If you’re an experienced Business Development Manager looking for a relationship-led role with plenty of autonomy and the opportunity to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or reach out to Ewan directly.