Business Development Manager

My client, based in Newton Aycliffe, is recruiting for a Business Development Manager to join their team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of high-hazard or regulated sites, focusing on promoting safety culture and behaviour to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Business Development Manager will collaborate with existing customers and stakeholders to expand contracts and grow the pipeline of employers accessing consultancy and training solutions. This role involves supporting the Head of Business Operations through networking, employer engagement, and securing business to drive sales of products and services.

Additionally, the successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders to ensure the product offerings remain relevant to their members. The role also includes identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, working alongside the Business Unit team, and ensuring the delivery of commitments with a strong emphasis on quality.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and execute a business development strategy to meet consultancy and course sales targets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers and stakeholders to identify market needs and new business opportunities, with a focus on Process Safety Management and consultancy.
• Collaborate with Business Development Executives and marketing teams to drive customer communication, create campaigns, and attend industry events.
• Meet with customers and stakeholders to assess needs, provide advice, develop support plans, and ensure timely follow-up to close sales.
• Create and manage sales proposals, track progress, and close deals.
• Monitor client needs and ensure service delivery aligns with quality commitments.
• Utilise sales tracking systems to analyse progress and inform strategies.
• Identify opportunities to upsell additional products and services.
• Support the Head of Operations in embedding and implementing sales growth strategies.
• Ensure marketing materials are relevant to industry standards and sectors.
• Deliver financial targets for customer portfolios and provide regular project updates.
• Follow quality processes, ensure compliance with data protection, and maintain accurate CRM usage.
• Provide leadership and training to Business Development Specialists, ensuring target achievement.
• Address unmet targets with actionable plans to mitigate impacts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to identify opportunities and maximise offerings.

Key Performance Indicators

• Completion of sales opportunities within agreed specifications, timelines, and budgets.
• Timely and accurate sales performance and financial reporting.
• Achievement of employer meeting and income targets.
• Consistent and accurate CRM and data system usage.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

• Proven employer engagement and sales experience.
• Familiarity with high-hazard industries, COMAH requirements, and Process Safety.
• Knowledge of workforce competency development and assessment.
• Experience managing a small business development team.
• Strong project and people management skills, particularly in high-hazard environments.
• Proven track record of meeting/exceeding targets and delivering results under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel and attend out-of-hours events.