Business Development Manager (Digital PR and SEO)
Business Development Manager (Digital PR and SEO)

Business Development Manager (Digital PR and SEO)

Manchester Full-Time 32000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead new business activities in digital PR and SEO, managing the full sales process.
  • Company: Join JBH, a dynamic digital PR and SEO agency based in Manchester.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, half-day Fridays, and a Macbook, plus more perks!
  • Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing agency with training opportunities and a vibrant culture.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in B2B sales or agency business development; knowledge of SEO and PR is essential.
  • Other info: Opportunity to build the business development function from the ground up.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.

We’re looking for a Business Development Manager to lead new business activity at JBH, a digital PR and SEO agency based in Manchester. This role is well suited to candidates with experience in business development from recruitment, SaaS, B2B services, or media who want to transition into the digital marketing space.

As our first dedicated business development hire, you’ll take ownership of the full sales process, from lead generation and qualification to proposal creation and closing high-value SEO and PR retainers. You’ll work directly with the CEO and department heads to develop repeatable sales processes, refine how we pitch, and bring structure to our commercial pipeline. This is a hands-on, strategic role where you’ll have the opportunity to build the business development function from the ground up, backed by a strong brand, proven delivery teams, and a clear demand for our services.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement a focused growth strategy that aligns with JBH’s commercial objectives, identifying priority sectors, client types, and acquisition goals.
  • Build and manage a consistent pipeline of qualified leads across SEO and digital PR, using a mix of outbound prospecting, inbound engagement, and referrals.
  • Own the end-to-end proposal process, including shaping solutions with internal teams, and ensuring all documentation is client-ready and commercially sound.
  • Lead confident, tailored pitches that speak directly to the goals and challenges of prospective clients.
  • Act as a trusted point of contact during the sales cycle, building relationships and setting expectations before smoothly handing over to internal delivery teams.
  • Maintain complete and accurate pipeline data in the CRM (e.g. HubSpot), ensuring sales activity is trackable and forecasting is clear and reliable.
  • Collaborate closely with the SEO, PR, and marketing teams to ensure messaging is aligned with market needs and that sales assets remain relevant and effective.
  • Review sales performance data regularly, identifying patterns, drop-offs, or opportunities to shorten sales cycles and improve close rates.
  • Attend and represent JBH at industry events and networking opportunities to build brand awareness and establish new connections.
  • Share ongoing insight into client priorities, competitor approaches, and market trends to help shape JBH’s commercial positioning and marketing focus.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • 3+ years of B2B sales or agency business development experience.
  • Knowledge of SEO, PR, or digital marketing services.
  • Proven track record of winning and closing deals in a digital agency environment.
  • Comfortable writing and presenting high-quality proposals and decks.
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills.
  • Experience using CRM and pipeline management tools.
  • Highly self-motivated, organised, and target-driven.
  • Able to build trust and communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Sold SEO or PR retainers or digital marketing packages.
  • Experience pitching deals above £30k.
  • Created sales enablement materials or marketing collateral.
  • Attended or spoken at industry events.
Benefits
  • Opportunity to be part of a fast-growing, young agency.
  • Training opportunities to support you at every stage of your career.
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Award-winning employee assistance programme.
  • Fully serviced workspace in the heart of Ancoats with perks.
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
  • Half-day Fridays – start the weekend early!
  • Birthday’s off.
  • Macbook.
  • Pension.
  • Bike2work scheme.

Business Development Manager (Digital PR and SEO) employer: JBH - The Content Marketing Agency

At JBH, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Manchester. As a Business Development Manager, you'll enjoy a supportive environment with ample training opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like half-day Fridays and birthday leave. Join us to shape the future of our digital PR and SEO agency while advancing your career in a fast-growing, innovative team.
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Contact Detail:

JBH - The Content Marketing Agency Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager (Digital PR and SEO)

✨Tip Number 1

Network actively within the digital marketing community. Attend industry events, webinars, and local meetups to connect with professionals in SEO and PR. Building relationships can lead to valuable referrals and insights that will help you stand out as a candidate.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with JBH's current projects and client base. Understanding their unique selling points and challenges will allow you to tailor your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their growth strategy effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your knowledge of CRM tools, particularly HubSpot, as this is crucial for managing sales pipelines. If you have experience with similar platforms, be ready to discuss how you've used them to track leads and improve sales processes.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your previous successes in closing high-value deals. Be specific about your strategies and outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Business Development Manager role at JBH.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager (Digital PR and SEO)

B2B Sales Experience
Digital Marketing Knowledge
SEO Expertise
Public Relations Understanding
Proposal Writing Skills
Presentation Skills
Negotiation Skills
CRM Proficiency (e.g. HubSpot)
Pipeline Management
Lead Generation Techniques
Relationship Building
Market Analysis
Sales Performance Review
Networking Skills
Self-Motivation and Organisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development, particularly in B2B services or digital marketing. Emphasise any achievements related to sales, lead generation, and client management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the digital PR and SEO landscape. Explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with JBH's objectives. Be specific about your past successes in similar roles.

Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your experience with CRM tools and pipeline management. Mention any specific tools you've used, like HubSpot, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed sales processes in the past.

Prepare for Interviews: If you get called for an interview, be ready to discuss your approach to building a sales pipeline and your strategies for pitching to clients. Prepare examples of past deals you've closed and how you overcame challenges during the sales process.

How to prepare for a job interview at JBH - The Content Marketing Agency

✨Research the Company

Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research JBH. Understand their services, recent projects, and their position in the digital PR and SEO market. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.

✨Prepare Your Success Stories

Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to close deals and manage client relationships. Highlight any relevant achievements in B2B sales or agency business development.

✨Know Your Numbers

Familiarise yourself with key metrics related to sales performance, such as conversion rates and average deal sizes. Being able to discuss these numbers confidently will showcase your analytical skills and understanding of the sales process.

✨Practice Your Pitch

Since this role involves leading pitches, practice delivering a tailored pitch for a hypothetical client. Focus on how you would address their goals and challenges, demonstrating your strategic thinking and communication skills.

Business Development Manager (Digital PR and SEO)
JBH - The Content Marketing Agency
Location: Manchester
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