Business Development Manager Jobs
Companies that settle into a comfortable place with their existing clients can quickly find themselves overwhelmed by a fast-changing world, especially when those clients move on. The business development manager (BDM) is there to identify potential openings and chase them up to win new, sustainable business for the company.
In many ways, business development manager jobs have similar responsibilities to regular sales jobs, but there are some subtle differences. Sales is a little more short-term, for example, following leads up responsively with an aim to closing the deal. The BDM, on the other hand, has more of a long-term, strategic approach to identifying new opportunities that includes, but is not limited to, individual customers.
The business development manager might therefore be involved with assembling an internal team that’s ready to face emerging challenges before they arrive so they can hit the ground running. That can be through recruitment or training, but with the overall strategic mindset, it can bear fruit for the company in the medium term.
Business Development Manager skills required
Business development managers are strategic thinkers – they are not just thinking about the next client win but are looking months and years ahead to how the industry and the company will look, and how best to manage it.
BDMs will also need to put their sales hat on quite regularly, however. Part of the business’s development is of course winning new contracts, so they will need to be able to communicate to other businesses the benefits of partnering with their company, so they will frequently be part of sales pushes and wooing new customers.
Business Development Manager Jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber
A part of the country known for the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lincolnshire Woods, Yorkshire and the Humber comprises a number of cities and large towns - like Bradford, Kingston upon Hull, Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster and Halifax - that offer many opportunities for those seeking Business Development Manager positions.
The region has long been an important part of the British economy, particularly in terms of industrial capability and scientific innovation.
During the 18th century, Benjamin Huntsman pioneered a new technique for crucible steel. This paved the way for Sheffield to become a major player in the steelworks industry for the next 200 years. Stainless steel was also invented in the region in 1913.
These days, Yorkshire and the Humber is home to a number of large companies, such as Tata Steel Europe, Reckitt Benckiser, Ideal Standard and BAE Systems.
Yorkshire has a rich brewing heritage and is home to some big names such as Thwaites, John Smith’s, and Timothy Taylor, as well as being the home of two market leading tea brands, Tetley and Yorkshire. Yorkshire is also the home of Haribo, and the well-known Roundtree Factory. .
A number of financial services companies also have offices here, particularly in Leeds. These include Direct Line, First Direct and an HSBC call centre, as well as Yorkshire Building Society, Leeds Building Society and Bradford & Bingley.
The head offices for ASDA, Morrisons, Arla Foods UK and Clipper Logistics are also in the area.
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Talk to Cast UK if you’re a BDM (or if you need one)
Great Business development managers have never been in such high demand, as competition for clients and a rapidly changing workplace is driving all industries in new directions. If you’ve been looking for a BDM but have been disappointed with the calibre of candidates, you need to talk to Cast UK.
We specialise in managerial roles across sectors, and can get you a fantastic shortlist drawn from all over the UK. Call 0333 121 3345 to speak to a recruitment expert.
Are you a talented BDM looking to fill a position with a great employer? Register with Cast UK by following the link below. We’ve got the contacts you need to make that step.
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