The Role
On behalf of our client, we are seeking a Business Development Manager to lead new-business acquisition and support the growth of its international aviation training partner network. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will own the B2B sales pipeline from prospect identification through to partnership agreement and onboarding.
You will review, rewrite and implement the sales strategy, regularly assessing progress and refining the approach to support continued growth.
Approximately 90% of the role will focus on new business development and B2B sales strategy, with 10% contributing to the wider B2C growth strategy, working closely with marketing, student recruitment and customer support teams.
Responsibilities will include
- Identify, research and prioritise prospective training organisations across existing and new international markets.
- Develop and maintain a structured programme of proactive business development, including outreach, networking, referrals and industry events.
- Build relationships with senior decision-makers
- Deliver compelling product demonstrations and commercial presentations, both online and face to face.
- Create tailored commercial proposals, negotiate terms and progress opportunities to signed partnership agreements.
- Maintain an accurate, qualified sales pipeline and own the end-to-end sales cycle.
- Review, develop and implement B2B sales strategies, monitor agreed KPIs and produce regular forecasts and performance reports.
- Develop new training partnerships, working towards a first-year revenue target in excess of £150,000 from new acquisition associated with the role.
- Nurture longer-term prospects alongside opportunities with shorter sales cycles.
- Work closely with colleagues to ensure new partners receive a smooth and effective onboarding experience.
- Contribute commercial insight to the company’s B2C growth strategy and collaborate with marketing and customer support.
- Undertake occasional UK and international partner visits
- Share market intelligence and customer feedback to inform product development and service improvements.
The Person
The ideal candidate is a commercially confident, results-driven business development professional with strong relationship-building and negotiation skills. You will be comfortable working independently, managing a sales pipeline and influencing senior stakeholders in a professional B2B environment.
You will combine a focus on commercial results with a patient, relationship-led approach, recognising that partnership values and sales cycles can vary considerably. A collaborative attitude and the ability to work well within the existing team will be essential.
- Proven track record of generating, developing and closing new B2B business.
- Full sales-cycle experience from prospecting to contract negotiation and closing.
- Demonstrable success in meeting sales, revenue or new-customer acquisition targets.
- Experience developing and implementing sales strategies alongside hands-on new business activity.
- Strong pipeline management and CRM discipline, with forecasting and KPI reporting capabilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior decision-makers.
- Strong organisational skills and the persistence to nurture opportunities over an extended period.
- A team-focused approach, working effectively with colleagues across sales, marketing and customer support.
- Willingness to undertake occasional UK and international travel.
The Hours
Full-time, permanent. Standard 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
The Salary
£40,000–£50,000 basic salary, depending on experience, plus a performance-related bonus linked to agreed KPIs.
The Location
Clevedon, North Bristol, near Bristol. Hybrid working, with three days per week in the office, generally Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, although this may occasionally vary.
Occasional UK and international travel will be required for some partner meetings and industry events.
The Benefits
- Hybrid working
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free on-site parking
- Company events
- Profit sharing