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 Glasgow
Located on the River Clyde in the western region of Scotland, Glasgow is the largest city north of the border and has the third largest population in the UK.
Known predominantly for its industrial past, which included the production of items ranging from textiles, carpet, furniture, food and drink, through to explosives, chemicals and industrial machinery, Glasgow was known during the 19th century as the Second City of the Empire.
A quarter of all the world's locomotives at the time were manufactured in Glasgow, while the Clyde shipyards were bustling with workers creating seafaring vessels of every shape and size.
Over the last 200 years, Glasgow has changed significantly. Most of the shipyards are gone (although some are still in operation) and many of the factories have been replaced with world-class shopping and high-end accommodation. Indeed, the city is ranked as one of Europe's top financial centres and one of the most liveable cities in the world.
For those seeking Business development executive roles in Glasgow, there are plenty of opportunities, whether you're interested in manufacturing, retail, technology, biosciences, finance, education, media or transport.
Indeed, just some of the companies based in Glasgow include Clydesdale Bank, BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions, BBC Scotland, The Herald and John Dewar & Sons.
There's also the Port of Glasgow and Glasgow International Airport, and the city is home to four universities, a number of colleges and several sports teams, not to mention a variety of entertainment venues.
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.