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 Somerset
Located in the west of England, Somerset shares borders with four other counties: Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Devon. It also borders Bristol, which is its own unitary authority.
Somerset is a good option for those seeking Business development executive roles, with settlements in the region including two cities, Bath and Wells, as well as Weston-Super-Mare, Yeovil and Bridgwater. There's also the county town, Taunton.
During the Industrial Revolution, the region's biggest port was the one at Bridgwater on the River Parrett. Bricks and roof tiles were common exports at the time, but today, the region's economy is varied, with important industries including the service sector, retail and tourism, as well as agriculture, light industry and technology.
Just some of the products manufactured in Somerset include helicopters from AgustaWestland and oxygen systems for aircraft from Normalair Garratt.
Meanwhile, Ariel Motors Ltd makes performance motor vehicles in Crewkerne and there's a BAE Systems facility in Yeovil that produces military software.
Somerset is also home to a number of large distribution centres run by companies like Argos, Gerber Juice and Toolstation. Stone quarrying is also an important part of the local economy.
Other companies based in the region or with large facilities here include Blackthorn Cider, Ilchester Cheese and YeoValley Organic.
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.