Business development executive
Most businesses have a group of account executives whose job it is to look after clients, although they might also be involved with the sales process too, as they have excellent knowledge of the way the company operates. That secondary role can be a full time position, however – the business development executive. This role is more strategic, as it’s taking the company’s overall business aims in the medium and long-term, and working to realise them, with a particular interest in winning new clients.
Typically, the business development executive will brief the accounts team on the clients they win, and then have little more to do with looking after them, unless they have a hybrid role (which is quite common in smaller companies). Most of the time, they will be looking out for new opportunities, contacting leads and following them up, which makes them have more in common with sales staff, except on a more strategic footing.
The skills required
Business development executive jobs go to people who can demonstrate a talent for identifying leads that will benefit the company long into the future, or which take the company in new directions. They will often be employed when a company has changed its core business model or has embarked on a new range of products and services.
With a strong emphasis on identifying leads and persuasion, business development executives are often drawn from the ranks of sales, and often no experience as a BDE is required as long as they have a proven long-term, strategic mindset.
Business development executive Jobs in Cumbria
Situated in the north-west of England and sharing a border with Scotland, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumberland and County Durham, Cumbria is one of England's largest ceremonial counties and it includes settlements like Carlisle, Penrith and Kendal.
Throughout the region's history it has mainly been a rural location known for its stunning mountains and lovely towns and villages. It contains the Lake District National Park and those seeking Business development executive vacancies in Cumbria will certainly enjoy having this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right on their doorstep.
People have been living in Cumbria for thousands of years. The Castlerigg stone circle was built by Neolithic people around 3200 BC, while later inhabitants included the Romans, Angles and Vikings.
By the 19th century, mining had become an important part of the local economy, producing iron ore and coal, while a number of slate quarries established during that time are still in operation today.
These days, there are many large companies based in Cumbria, while plenty more have large facilities in the area. Many of these employers are based in manufacturing - in industries ranging from petrochemicals to food manufacture, steel production, paper making and packaging.
Just some examples include Sealy Beds, Corus, The Stobart Group, Kimberly-Clark, Carr's, McVitie's, Nestle, Heinz, Lakeland and GlaxoSmithKline.
Popular locations
Business development executives use Cast UK
At Cast UK, we have a steady stream of business development executive jobs coming up, so if you’re a BDE or want to take the leap from sales to this more strategic role, we’d urge you to follow the link below and register with us.
If your company needs to find some talent to put its business development plans into action, you’ve found your perfect recruitment partner. At Cast UK we know exactly what companies are looking for in operational-level positions such as this, and we can create a shortlist of interview-ready candidates in double-quick time. Call us on 0333 121 3345 to speak to a consultant.