At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business development, build relationships, and learn about commercial opportunities.
- Company: 93FT, an award-winning creative agency in Sheffield with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share scheme, 25 days leave, and structured mentoring.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and clear progression pathway into a Business Development Manager role.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in business development within a dynamic and creative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong interest in business, confident communicator, and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Enjoys talking to people and building relationships. Curious about how businesses grow and how deals are made. Organised, proactive, and willing to learn quickly. Comfortable being out of their comfort zone while developing commercial confidence.
About Us
93FT is an award-winning, multi‑disciplinary creative agency based in Sheffield. Our studio brings together Brand, Interior and Digital teams to create meaningful experiences with lasting impact for our clients. As an Employee Ownership Trust, everyone at 93FT plays a part in shaping the future of the business. We value collaboration, curiosity, and long‑term relationships with our clients and partners.
The Role
This is an entry-level, development-focused role designed for someone who wants to build a career in business development within a creative agency environment. You will work closely with the Business Development team to learn how we identify, approach, and convert new opportunities. Over time, you’ll take on increasing ownership of outreach, client conversations, and pipeline activity. You’ll be supported with hands‑on training, mentoring, and exposure to live opportunities, helping you develop both commercial awareness and confidence in client‑facing situations. This role is ideal for someone early in their career who is motivated by growth, people, and the commercial side of creative work.
Business Development Support & Learning
- Support the team in identifying and researching potential new business opportunities.
- Assist in building and maintaining the sales pipeline.
- Learn how to qualify leads and understand client needs.
- Support the preparation of proposals, credentials, and supporting documentation.
- Gradually begin leading initial outreach and early‑stage conversations.
Relationship & Networking Development
- Support client and partner relationship activity.
- Attend meetings, events, and networking opportunities alongside senior team members.
- Learn how to represent the business professionally in external settings.
- Begin developing your own network over time.
Strategic Exposure
- Gain exposure to business development strategy and sector focus.
- Learn how commercial opportunities are evaluated and prioritised.
- Support competitor and market research activity.
- Contribute ideas and observations as you develop commercial understanding.
Marketing & Brand Support
- Support outbound marketing and LinkedIn activity.
- Help maintain visibility of the business through digital channels.
- Learn how thought leadership and positioning are developed.
Ways of Working
- 37.5 hours per week, flexible between 8am–6pm.
- Studio-based in Sheffield with hybrid flexibility (2–3 days in studio minimum).
- Occasional UK travel for events and meetings (some out-of-hours required for events).
What We’re Looking For
- Strong interest in business, sales, people, or commercial roles.
- Confident communicator who enjoys speaking with others.
- Willingness to learn and take feedback quickly.
- Organised and reliable with good follow-through.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑moving, creative environment.
- Degree or equivalent experience in business, marketing, communications or similar.
- Any experience in customer-facing roles (retail, hospitality, sales, recruitment, etc.).
- Exposure to networking, events, or outreach activity.
What We Offer
- £28,000–£32,000 per annum base salary (entry‑level aligned).
- Clear progression pathway into BDM role with salary growth.
- Performance-based commission opportunity as development milestones are met.
- EOT employee profit share scheme (tax‑free bonus based on company performance).
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.
- Office closed over Christmas (3 days taken from allowance).
- Christmas Eve off (if it falls on a weekday).
- Company sick pay.
- Company pension (3% employee / 2% employer).
- All business expenses covered for work-related travel.
- Structured mentoring and development plan.
- Permanent role.
- 6‑month probation period with 1-week notice during probation and 1-month notice after successful completion.
Trainee Business Development Manager in Sheffield employer: 93ft Ltd.
At 93FT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and creative work environment in Sheffield. As an Employee Ownership Trust, every team member has a stake in the company's success, ensuring a culture of shared responsibility and growth. With hands-on training, structured mentoring, and clear pathways for career progression, we empower our employees to thrive while building meaningful relationships in the dynamic world of business development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Business Development Manager in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend events, meetups, and industry gatherings. The more people you talk to, the better your chances of landing that Trainee Business Development Manager role. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the business landscape.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly to companies you’re interested in. A friendly email or LinkedIn message can go a long way. Show them your enthusiasm for their work and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a casual chat or a formal meeting, being able to confidently communicate your ideas and interests is key. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable with talking about yourself and your goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings and updates. Applying through our site not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to stand out. We love seeing proactive candidates who are eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Business Development Manager in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We love to see genuine enthusiasm and a bit of flair. Don’t just list your skills; tell us how they relate to your passion for business development and building relationships.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Business Development Manager role. Highlight experiences that showcase your curiosity about business growth and your ability to communicate effectively. We want to see how you fit into our creative agency vibe!
Be Proactive:In your written application, demonstrate your proactive nature. Share examples of times when you took the initiative or went out of your comfort zone. This will show us that you're ready to learn and grow with us in a fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at 93FT!
How to prepare for a job interview at 93ft Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into 93FT's work and values. Familiarise yourself with their projects and how they approach business development. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experiences to their needs.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Since this role is all about building relationships, be ready to demonstrate your communication skills. Share examples from past experiences where you've successfully interacted with clients or colleagues, highlighting your ability to engage and connect.
✨Be Curious and Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s growth strategies and how they identify new opportunities. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also eager to learn and contribute to their success.
✨Embrace the Challenge
The job requires stepping out of your comfort zone, so be prepared to discuss times when you've taken risks or faced challenges. Highlight how these experiences have helped you grow and how you're ready to tackle new situations in a fast-paced environment.
