At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify new business opportunities and engage with potential clients through various outreach methods.
- Company: Join a prestigious venue known for excellence in service and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, gym access, pension scheme, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive community that values diversity and personal passions.
- Why this job: Kickstart your B2B sales career in a dynamic environment with growth potential.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in sales or customer-facing roles; strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Ashridge House
Reports to: Senior Business Development Manager
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday – usual working hours 9-5, flexibility required where necessary
Ashridge House is a prestigious and world‑renowned conference and events venue, home to Hult International Business School and part of EF, a global leader in education. The Business Development Executive is responsible for identifying new business opportunities to support our Business Development Team. This role is focused on lead generation, opportunity discovery and qualification, creating high‑quality meetings, site visits and warm opportunities for the Business Development Team to convert. This is an ideal role for someone early in their B2B sales career who wants to develop strong foundations in consultative selling within a premium conferences and events environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and research potential corporate clients, supporting targeted outreach across priority sectors
- Proactively engage prospects through outbound activity including phone, email, LinkedIn, and networking
- Build and maintain a consistent pipeline of early‑stage opportunities within the CRM system
- Support market research into new industries, organisations, and emerging opportunities
- Assist with preparation of sales materials, proposals, and presentations where required
- Help shape and refine outbound processes and messaging as the Business Development function grows
- Attend selected networking events, familiarisation visits, and client showcases to build market knowledge and confidence
Who are you?
- 1–2 years’ relevant experience in a sales, business development, or customer‑facing role (B2B preferred)
- Confident and professional communicator with strong listening and questioning skills
- Highly organised with strong follow‑up discipline and attention to detail
- Comfortable using CRM systems and sales tools, or keen to learn quickly
- Proactive, resilient, and comfortable initiating conversations with new contacts
- Curious and commercially minded, with a genuine interest in client needs and sales performance
- Target‑driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
- Ambitious and motivated to progress into a closing or senior sales role over time
What can we offer you?
- 25 days paid holiday
- Free access to the onsite gym
- Company Pension Scheme
- Life Insurance
- Income Protection
- Opt‑In to Private Health Care or Health Cash Plan
- Continuous Professional Development
- Regular staff social events
About Us
When you join Ashridge House, you join a community from unique backgrounds, all united by pursuing excellence in service and hospitality. Whoever you are, whatever you are passionate about—we welcome you and want you to bring that to work every day. Ashridge House is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and we are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, caste, parental status, disability, identity, experience and everything else that makes you unique.
Business Development Executive employer: Ashridge House
At Ashridge House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters professional growth and inclusivity. As a Business Development Executive, you'll benefit from a supportive environment with access to continuous professional development, generous holiday allowances, and a range of health benefits, all while working in a prestigious venue that values excellence in service and hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Business Development Executive at Ashridge House, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Ashridge House. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Business Development Executive. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Ashridge House:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Ashridge House. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashridge House
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Ashridge House that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Ashridge House that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Ashridge House’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
