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 Devon
Located in the south-west of England, with coastlines on the Bristol Channel, English Channel and the Celtic Sea, Devon shares a border with Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
It is one of the largest counties in England and with settlements including Exeter, Dartmouth, Plymouth and Torbay, there are a number of Business development executive positions to be found in Devon.
Devon has been occupied by humans for many thousands of years. Indeed, human remains from as many as 40,000 years ago have been found in the region, while Romans and Anglo-Saxons also called the region home.
In the past, Devon's core industries included farming, fishing and mining, while the seaside resorts brought significant wealth to the area in their heydays.
These days, the region is still heavily reliant on agriculture and dairy, producing products like milk and cheese, as well as the famous Devonshire cream.
A number of well-known companies can be found in the area, including the Wrigley chewing gum company and Beverage Brands, which makes WKD vodka.
The Met Office is also located in Devon, as is the Britannia Royal Naval College and HNBP Devonport.
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.