We are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager to join our team and make an impact on new business strategy. The postholder will lead new business communication and achieve increased rates of acquisition, growth, and retention – for new Big Group clients that are currently not on the agency roster. The role is in the Retail team working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, to execute against agreed new business development priorities. Contributing successful new business strategic approaches utilising retail industry and customer insight to drive ownership of key lead generation activities for the Retail team.

1. New Business - owning, managing and co-ordinating new business opportunities.

• Building and managing a portfolio of clients and generating a pipeline of opportunities by locating, developing, negotiating and securing business with them
• Take ownership of the completion of RFPs, RFIs and pitches
• Together with the Senior Leadership Team, this includes outbound lead generation with the aim to convert into new business for the agency
• Identify and act on opportunities to develop existing relationship and revenue streams
• Establish a strategy for opening opportunities with new or lapsed clients
• Manage day to day activities for new business strategy and lead generation

2. Strategy and Research

• Use in-depth knowledge of industry trends and data driven insights to consult and support prospective clients
• Developing ideas and pinpointing customer needs by analysing and interpreting a variety of retail industry and customer insights
• Sustain visibility by keeping contacts informed of their thought leadership, connecting them to seminars and events
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to agree and set strategy

3. Reporting and analytics

• Management of reporting and analytics on business development as per above responsibilities
• Maintaining accurate records on CRM (Salesforce)

4. Client Relationships

• Deliver outstanding customer service that the agency is built on
• Identify and develop strategic relationships with potential new clients
• Knowing the key decision makers in each organisation and building rapport with them by making periodic visits, exploring specific needs and anticipating new opportunities
• Maintaining a positive attitude that inspires co-workers and clients to grow the business

5. Collaboration and communication

• You will ensure converted work is clearly communicated to the senior leadership team, who will assign the relevant personnel to the job - with you providing AM support when required
• Helping out with Marketing activities

KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

• Sales and business development experience in an agency environment
• Understanding of brands, customer behaviour, channels, research & data
• Experience in forecasting and sales targets
• Understanding and experience of procurement tendering and RFP processes
• Ability to work with and manage strategic partners
• Able to bring knowledge of industry trends, businesses and sales and marketing practices into
  our business development work streams
• Commercial negotiation skills
• Integrated agency experience

WORK SKILLS

Essential:

• The candidate will have the ability to focus and prioritise multiple opportunities while maintaining and managing an active pipeline
• Excellent relationship building, communication and presentation skills at all levels – both internally and externally
• Shrewd common sense and commercial awareness
• Keen eye for detail
• Excellent understanding of the English language
• MS Office Suite
• Able to produce board level presentations
• com
• Linkedin in Sales Navigator
• Proposal and pitch writing
• Client handling and management skills
• Sound numerical budget understanding and appreciation

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• 5 years+ in a Retail Marketing Agency/Brand/Retailer
• Relationship builder
• Strategic Mindset

Desirable

• Financial management
• Proven networking skills
• Creative thinker

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

• Ideally graduate (BA/BSC) + evidence of continuous professional development

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.