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- Tasks: Drive growth in the SME sector by identifying clients and developing strategies.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on innovation and impactful revenue growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fast-paced environment with opportunities for networking and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the SME market while collaborating with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development, financial literacy, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: A full driving licence is necessary; familiarity with sales methodologies is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a results driven, experienced SME Business Development Manager who’s looking for a new challenge in a fast-paced environment. You’ll be responsible for driving growth and expanding business opportunities within the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector and identifying potential clients, building strong relationships, and developing strategies to enhance revenue and market presence.
The SME Business Development Manager will deliver significant, impactful revenue growth within SME market activities. You’ll be responsible for the full cycle from identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, including partnerships and market expansion, generating leads, managing a sales pipeline, right through to closing.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Negotiating agreements to secure mutually beneficial and impactful outcomes
- Understanding customer’s technological and strategic roadmaps, needs and requirements
- Developing and maintaining strategic/key account plans
- Collaborating with internal teams to ensure seamless execution of business strategies
- Understanding of procurement processes and supply chain optimization
- Attending networking events, conferences, and industry meetings to enhance business visibility
This position will suit an experienced Business Development Manager with knowledge and understanding of how SMEs operate, including drivers and motivators of key decision makers. You’ll be able to demonstrate your experience in identifying, analysing and executing plans based on market trends and competitor analysis and have proven ability to identify and translate complex customer aspirations into realised outcomes.
We’re looking for somebody who’s:
- Financially literate with good written communication skills and excellent proposal writing skills
- Adept at managing customers’ expectations in line with agreed project deliverables
- Passionate about technology innovation within manufacturing organisations
- Able to engage with internal stakeholders, particularly engineers, to gain and credibly communicate an understanding of technology and engineering opportunities
The position will suit a team player, who leads with humility, honesty and integrity and works with the wider team and business in a collaborative and supportive manner. You will be required to have a full Driving licence.
Desirable skills, competencies and experience:
- Familiarity with, and application of Miller-Heiman sales methodology
- Knowledge of engineering, manufacturing techniques and change management challenges
- A degree (in Business or Engineering), MBA preferred
- Experience of working in an innovation, research and development environment
- Experience of working collaboratively with both public and private partners
Business Development Manager - SME employer: Manufacturing Technology Centre
Contact Detail:
Manufacturing Technology Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - SME
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the SME sector by attending industry conferences and events. This will not only help you meet potential clients but also allow you to understand the current trends and challenges faced by SMEs, which is crucial for a Business Development Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Miller-Heiman sales methodology, as it’s highly regarded in business development. Understanding this approach can give you an edge in negotiations and help you secure impactful agreements.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with internal stakeholders, especially engineers, to gain insights into technological opportunities. This collaboration will enhance your ability to communicate effectively with clients about how our solutions can meet their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and competitor analysis within the SME landscape. Being knowledgeable about what drives decision-makers will enable you to tailor your strategies and proposals more effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - SME
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development, particularly within the SME sector. Emphasise your achievements in driving growth and expanding business opportunities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the SME market and your ability to build strong relationships. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully identified and pursued new business opportunities.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are crucial for the role, such as proposal writing, financial literacy, and your ability to manage customer expectations. Use concrete examples to demonstrate these skills.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Technology: Since the role requires a passion for technology innovation, include any relevant experience or knowledge you have in this area. Discuss how you've engaged with internal stakeholders, particularly in engineering contexts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manufacturing Technology Centre
✨Research the SME Landscape
Before your interview, take the time to understand the current trends and challenges within the SME sector. Familiarise yourself with key players, market dynamics, and recent developments that could impact potential clients. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As a Business Development Manager, building strong relationships is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed and maintained client relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to networking and how you can leverage these skills to enhance business visibility for the company.
✨Demonstrate Financial Literacy
Since the role requires financial acumen, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and revenue growth strategies. Highlight any specific achievements where your financial insights led to successful outcomes, as this will showcase your ability to drive impactful results.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think about past experiences where you identified opportunities or overcame challenges in business development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
