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 London
As the UK’s capital and largest city, it should come as no surprise that London offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking procurement, logistics and supply chain jobs.
Indeed, there’s something for everyone in the Big Smoke, and while the soot and pollution that gave the city its nickname during the Industrial Revolution have mostly disappeared, there are plenty of reminders of days gone by - such as the warehouses and docks that line the Thames.
If you're looking for a Business development executive job in London, the city offers something for everyone. And, although the capital is known for its high cost of living, most employers take this into account when setting wages - in most cases, the so-called London allowance will add between £3,000 and £4,000 to your salary.
Whether your sector of choice is financial, media, retail, electronics, medical, manufacturing, telecommunications, transport, automotive or even government or defence, London has it.
From Ford to Sony, Barclays to Metro Newspapers and Sainsbury’s to Warburtons, the list of British, European and international firms that call London home goes on and on.
And don’t forget the companies that specialise in moving people and parcels around. With organisations like the Port of London and Transport for London, several international airports and trains that depart to domestic and international destinations, it takes a lot of people to keep London moving smoothly.
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.