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 Leicester
A city in the East Midlands and the county town of Leicestershire, Leicester was originally founded as a Roman settlement and those living or working in the area can still see some of the pavements and bathhouses that survive from that period.
For hundreds of years, Leicester thrived as a market town. Then in the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution led to a major boost in the city's wealth and population. The construction of an extensive rail and canal network also helped bring business, money and more people to the region.
During this period, Leicester became known for its shoemaking industry, while hosiery and textiles were also manufactured in the area. In addition, it was a hub of engineering and a financial centre.
In fact, Leicester's reliance on engineering has continued through to today, with a variety of companies like Jones & Shipman, Richards Engineering and Trelleborg - known for their machining of tools and equipment, as well as components for marine and industrial applications - all having offices in the city. Fabric and footwear are also still important parts of the local economy.
A number of large companies call this city home, meaning there's a wealth of opportunity for those seeking Business development executive jobs in Leicester. Big names like Next, Goldsmiths, British Gas Business, Walmart and DHL all have head offices here, while around ten million bags of crisps are manufactured every day at the Walkers Crisps factory in Beaumont Leys.
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.