At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth and build key client relationships in the Business Travel sector.
- Company: Join Avanti West Coast, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous holiday, and a final salary pension.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your individuality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while achieving your career goals.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
As a Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for developing and growing key client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and driving revenue performance across the Business Travel channel. You will play a key role in promoting the environmental, social and governance (ESG) benefits of rail travel while helping organisations achieve their sustainability and travel objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver revenue targets and business objectives through a portfolio of Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and Corporate clients.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities through proactive account development and modal shift initiatives.
- Build, manage and grow strategic relationships with key stakeholders to enhance brand awareness and industry profile.
- Maintain and analyse sales databases, management information (MI), and reporting systems to support informed decision-making.
- Develop and manage a robust pipeline of opportunities to ensure sustainable business growth.
- Continuously identify opportunities for growth through product, yield, class and modal switch analysis.
- Monitor business performance and implement risk mitigation strategies to protect and maximise revenue.
- Stay informed on industry trends, economic developments, environmental matters, and competitor activity to provide valuable market insights and support forecasting.
- Develop and deliver annual marketing and business development activity plans within agreed budgets.
- Support procurement and contract management processes to maximise commercial value and maintain business agility.
- Provide regular performance updates and market intelligence to internal stakeholders.
About You
- Proven experience in business development, sales or account management within the Business Travel industry.
- A strong track record of delivering revenue growth and achieving sales targets.
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical skills with experience using sales databases, CRM systems and reporting tools.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to identify and convert growth opportunities.
- Knowledge of procurement and contract management processes.
- Strong presentation, negotiation and communication skills.
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Benefits
- Final salary pension
- Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
- Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
- 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
- 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operators
At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive. We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better. We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.
Business Development Manager - FTC 15months in London employer: Avanti West Coast
At Avanti West Coast, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity and inclusivity while fostering a supportive work culture. As a Business Development Manager, you will enjoy a range of benefits including free travel for you and your family, generous holiday allowances, and a final salary pension scheme, all while contributing to sustainable travel initiatives. Our commitment to employee growth and a collaborative environment ensures that you can thrive both personally and professionally in this dynamic role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - FTC 15months in London
✨Get to Grips with Data Visualisation Tools
If you're aiming for a full-time role in business intelligence, brush up on your skills with popular data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Showcasing projects where you've transformed raw data into clear visual insights can give you a real edge.
✨Join Local Business Intelligence Meetups
Look for local business intelligence meetups or analytics conferences in your area. These events are not just great for learning but also for networking with industry professionals who could lead you to opportunities at companies like Avanti West Coast!
✨Engage with Online BI Communities
Join online forums or communities focused on business intelligence—think LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, or even dedicated Slack channels. Engage actively by sharing your insights and asking questions; this can help you build visibility and connect with potential employers.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Support
If you're a recent graduate, definitely tap into your university's career services. Many have connections with companies in need of full-time BI specialists, and they can guide you on how to pitch yourself effectively—don't miss out on that!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - FTC 15months in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
Showcase Your Business Acumen:Don't just focus on data; show us how you can apply your insights to real-world business problems. Highlight projects where you made a tangible impact on company performance, and be prepared to explain your thought process in your cover letter.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at Avanti West Coast, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
Include Relevant Certifications:Certifications like Google Data Analytics or similar qualifications can really make you stand out in business intelligence. Include these in your application, as they demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to stay current with industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti West Coast
✨Show off your analytical skills
In a business intelligence role, you're going to need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Have real-world examples ready where you’ve turned data into actionable insights – this is what makes us shine in interviews!
✨Practice your technical know-how
Expect some technical questions during the interview that dive deep into your understanding of data modelling and analytics frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of data warehousing concepts and be ready to tackle any real case scenarios they might present. They’ll want to see how you approach problems using your BI toolkit.
✨Portfolio of Projects
Since it's a full-time role, having a strong portfolio is key! Compile case studies demonstrating your previous projects, preferably showing how your insights led to business improvements. This can help us display how you think through complex datasets and your problem-solving process, which is what employers are keen on seeing.
✨Know their business model
Get familiar with Avanti West Coast’s business model and recent data-driven decisions. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can specifically support their objectives or challenges. Understanding their landscape shows that you’re not just a data buff, but you’re also genuinely interested in how BI can impact their bottom line.
