Sales & Business Development Manager

Sales & Business Development Manager

Full-Time 43000 - 51000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales growth by generating leads and building client relationships.
  • Company: Join BKL, a top accountancy firm committed to sustainability and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent development opportunities and a focus on wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a purpose-driven company while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Sales experience in professional services and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 43000 - 51000 £ per year.

Location: Hybrid Working – London NW3 / EC4M / Remote

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 35-hour week (Flexitime)

Reporting To: Growth Lead

Salary Range: £50,000 - £60,000 (plus commission)

About BKL

BKL is a Top 40 accountancy and advisory business supporting a diverse client base, from entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals to ambitious owner-managed businesses and multinational groups. With a legacy spanning over 130 years, we’ve evolved into a modern, purpose-driven business that balances profit with impact. We are proud to be a certified B Corp, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible governance.

Your Opportunity

As our Sales and Business Development Manager, you will be the first conversation for prospective clients and referrers, representing BKL at conferences and sector events, generating and qualifying leads, reaching out to targeted groups of prospects, and running clear discovery meetings to understand business needs. You will match opportunities to the right Partner and Service Line, coordinate seamless introductions and handovers, and keep Growth Leads across Service Lines fully sighted on pipeline, performance and market signals. Your success will rely on a strong, current understanding of the accounting market, BKL’s full offering and Partner specialisms, excellent stakeholder relationships, with the ability to translate client requirements into right-fit next steps. This is a commission-based role linked to qualified opportunity creation and revenue outcomes.

How You’ll Make a Difference

  • Grow top-of-funnel demand by generating and qualifying leads through events, networking, targeted outreach and referrals.
  • Increase the volume and quality of qualified opportunities by matching client needs to the right Partner and service line.
  • Improve conversion by running strong discovery, creating clear briefs and coordinating timely, well prepared Partner introductions.
  • Shorten sales cycles through disciplined follow up, clear next steps and early stakeholder alignment.
  • Drive event ROI by planning pre-event outreach, booking meetings, hosting on-stand conversations, capturing notes and completing follow up within agreed SLAs.
  • Collaborate with Marketing to shape campaigns that reflect market needs, sector priorities and Partner specialisms, ensuring activity converts to qualified meetings.
  • Feed real-time market intelligence to Marketing and Growth Leads to refine propositions, content and ABM targets.
  • Build awareness of BKL’s full offering across clients and networks, creating cross-sell and upsell opportunities across service lines.
  • Work with Marketing Manager to strengthen Partner visibility by securing speaking slots, panel places and thought leadership opportunities tied to target accounts and sectors.
  • Raise data quality by maintaining clean CRM records, accurate attribution and reliable pipeline reports by service line.
  • Improve team efficiency by standardising discovery notes, handover briefs and event workflows that Partners and Marketing can rely on.
  • Demonstrate commercial impact through tracked metrics such as qualified opportunities, conversion rate, cycle time, event-to-opportunity rate and campaign ROI.

You’ll Be Ideal for This Role If You Have:

Skills

  • Stakeholder management and influence with Partners, Growth Leads and Marketing.
  • Lead generation, event planning and disciplined follow up that converts to qualified meetings.
  • CRM and pipeline management. Microsoft Dynamics 365 desirable. Salesforce or HubSpot useful.
  • Data literacy for KPIs, forecasting and improving conversion, cycle time and ROI.
  • Clear written and verbal communication, including proposal and RFP coordination.
  • Working knowledge of GDPR, NDAs and conflict checks in a regulated environment.

Experience

  • Proven BD or sales success in professional services, ideally accountancy, with consistent target achievement.
  • Running discovery calls, first meetings and smooth handovers that shorten sales cycles.
  • Collaborating with Marketing on campaigns, content and events.
  • Preparing capability statements and client-ready collateral.
  • Attending conferences and networking to build a qualified pipeline.
  • Comfortable travelling for events and client meetings.

Qualifications

  • Degree or equivalent experience.
  • Professional sales credentials such as APS or CIM are an advantage.

Key Deliverables

  • Pipeline growth: Generate a steady flow of high-quality sales qualified leads that fit BKL’s ideal client profile and service strengths – sourced from events, networking, targeted outreach and referrals.
  • Partner-ready engagements: Run strong discovery to understand requirements, map needs to the right Service Line and Partner and create seamless introductions with clear briefs and timely handovers.
  • Opportunity conversion and revenue: Progress opportunities from scoping to proposal to win – driving cross-sell and upsell where appropriate – and influence new business revenue and margin across Service Lines.
  • Event ROI: Work with Marketing to plan and execute conferences and networking end to end – pre-book meetings, capture quality conversations on site, and complete disciplined follow up that converts into qualified pipeline.
  • Marketing collaboration and campaign conversion: Work closely with Marketing to turn campaign engagement into Partner meetings – provide market feedback to refine propositions, content and targeting for higher conversion.
  • Data, CRM and governance: Maintain accurate Microsoft Dynamics records, reliable attribution and forecasts for Growth Leads – deliver clear reporting and adhere to GDPR, conflicts checks and NDAs.

Our Values

  • Think Big – Be curious, brave, and open to new ideas.
  • In It Together – Collaborate, care, and build an inclusive culture.
  • Take Pride – Strive for excellence and believe in your impact.
  • Do the Right Thing – Act with integrity, honesty, and fairness.
  • Enjoy It – Bring your whole self to work and have fun doing it.

Working With Us: Your Benefits, Wellbeing & Development

At BKL, we’re committed to creating a people-first workplace where everyone can thrive. We offer a carefully curated benefits package, wellbeing support, and meaningful development opportunities that empower you to grow your career.

Snapshot Of Our Benefits Package

  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – including mental health cover, hospital treatment & 24/7 GP access
  • Health Cash Plans – covering everyday costs like dental, optical & physiotherapy and an Employee Assistance Programme
  • Pension scheme – helping you save for retirement in a tax-efficient way
  • Group Life Assurance – peace of mind with financial protection for your loved ones
  • Cashback & savings portal – discounts across hundreds of high-street and online retailers
  • Cycle to Work Scheme – spread the cost of a new bike and accessories tax-free
  • Electric Vehicle Scheme – sustainable transportation options that include roadside support and servicing
  • Free Mortgage Advice – expert guidance for your home-buying journey
  • Season Ticket Loan – support with travel expenses
  • Enhanced Family Leave – generous leave policies for family-related needs
  • Holiday Entitlement – generous entitlement which increases with promotion

Development & Growth

  • Clear development pathways and progression frameworks
  • Professional qualifications support – including study time and funding
  • Internal mentoring, coaching and buddying schemes
  • Leadership development programmes to help you grow with us
  • Regular check-ins and performance conversations – driven by your goals, not just metrics

Take Your Next Step

Ready to grow your career with a company that balances ambition with purpose? Apply today and discover how far you can go at BKL.

Our Recruitment Process Typically Involves Three Stages

  • An introductory Teams call with our Talent Acquisition team.
  • A first-stage interview with two team members.
  • A final interview at our London office, including a tour to give you a feel for our working environment.

Compliance & Equal Opportunities

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, you will be required to undertake GDPR training in order to fully understand the regulations and ensure all work is carried out in a compliant manner. BKL collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants with full transparency, meeting its data protection obligations. BKL is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates eligible to work in the UK. Inclusion, diversity, and talent development are a fundamental aspect of who we are, and we welcome applications from candidates who share and champion these values. You will play an integral part in helping to make BKL a great place to work with a sense of belonging for everyone.

High challenge, high support

If you enjoy problem-solving and a fast-changing environment, you will thrive in this role. As in all BKL roles, you will be able to take a flexible approach: balancing independent work with teamwork, and remote working with time in the office with colleagues.

We’re proud to be one of the few Certified B Corporations in the accountancy sector. In joining us, you’ll become part of a business that’s committed to balancing profit and purpose.

Take your next step

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d be delighted to discuss the career you could build at BKL. By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal data for recruitment purposes, in line with UK GDPR. Your information will be used securely, only for recruitment, and won’t be shared without your consent.

Sales & Business Development Manager employer: BKL

BKL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation in the heart of Greater London. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, ensuring growth within their careers while working closely with experienced owners and pension fund Trustees in a supportive environment. The unique blend of family-owned values and a commitment to excellence makes BKL a rewarding place for finance professionals seeking meaningful impact.

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Contact Details:

BKL Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales & Business Development Manager

Tip Number 1

Get networking! Attend industry events and conferences where you can meet potential clients and referrers. Don’t just stand there; engage in conversations, ask questions, and show genuine interest in what others are doing.

Tip Number 2

Follow up like a pro! After meeting someone, send a quick message to thank them for their time and remind them of your conversation. This keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re serious about building relationships.

Tip Number 3

Be prepared for discovery calls! Know your stuff about BKL’s services and how they can help potential clients. Have a clear agenda and be ready to listen to their needs so you can tailor your pitch accordingly.

Tip Number 4

Utilise our website! Apply through StudySmarter to get the best insights and resources tailored for your job search. We’ve got tools that can help you stand out and land that Sales & Business Development Manager role!

We think you need these skills to ace Sales & Business Development Manager

Stakeholder Management
Lead Generation
Event Planning
CRM Management
Data Literacy
Clear Communication
Discovery Call Execution

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sales & Business Development Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in lead generation and stakeholder management, and show us how you can contribute to BKL's mission.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your successes! Include specific metrics or examples of how you've driven sales or improved conversion rates in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll get a feel for our culture and values while you’re at it!

How to prepare for a job interview at BKL

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of BKL's services and the accounting market. Research recent trends and challenges in the industry so you can speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.

Showcase Your Networking Skills

Since this role involves generating leads and building relationships, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully networked in the past. Highlight any events you've attended or connections you've made that led to business opportunities.

Prepare for Discovery Calls

Practice running discovery calls by preparing questions that help uncover client needs. This will demonstrate your ability to match opportunities with the right Partner and Service Line, which is crucial for success in this role.

Be Data-Driven

Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators relevant to sales and business development. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to improve conversion rates and manage pipelines effectively in your previous roles.