BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER in Banbury

For over 85 years, the British Valve and Actuator Association (BVAA) has been the cornerstone of support for the UK valve industry and its supply chain. Operating on a not-for-profit basis, we deliver exclusive, high-value services that are simply unavailable elsewhere. Representing over 160 member companies, employing more than 10,000 professionals and contributing £3bn annually to the UK economy, BVAA is a powerful collective voice and a trusted partner in driving industry excellence. We create tangible value for our members through influential business networks, commercial opportunities, industry-recognised brand-independent training, technical expertise, and strategic advocacy.

Position Summary: The Business Development Manager is a pivotal role within BVAA, directly influencing the income, future health, growth, and sustainability of our membership. This position is central to shaping the association’s revenue, strategic direction, expanding its reach, and deepening member engagement. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and results-driven professional with sales experience, responsible for cultivating strong relationships with existing members, attracting new organisations into the fold, and identifying innovative opportunities to enhance member value.

Role Responsibilities:

• Strategic Membership Engagement & Retention: Build and maintain high-trust relationships with existing members, ensuring their continued satisfaction, engagement, and advocacy. Develop and implement retention strategies that reinforce the value of BVAA membership. Actively respond to member feedback, driving continuous improvement in services and support. Lead regular member visits across the UK and internationally, representing BVAA with professionalism and insight.
• Membership Growth & Recruitment: Identify and engage prospective members, including lapsed members, with compelling value propositions. Design and execute targeted recruitment campaigns to expand BVAA’s reach and influence. Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospects, converting leads into long-term, active members.
• Business Development & Innovation: Explore and develop new commercial opportunities with members and their customers, including training programmes, magazine and website advertising, and event participation, as well as securing Desktop Exhibitions with large users and contractors. Conduct market and competitor analysis to ensure BVAA offerings remain relevant, competitive, and future-focused. Collaborate with internal teams to co-create new services that respond to emerging industry needs.
• Performance Reporting & Insight: Monitor and analyse membership trends, providing actionable insights to inform strategic decisions. Produce regular reports on growth, retention, engagement, and market dynamics. Recommend enhancements to membership models and marketing strategies based on data-driven analysis.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Partner with training, marketing, events, and technical teams to deliver integrated member experiences. Champion the benefits of BVAA membership across all touchpoints, internally and externally. Maintain and enhance member databases, ensuring accurate and up-to-date contact and product information. Support the development and delivery of in-house and on-site training programmes in collaboration with the Training Coordinator. Provide additional support across BVAA functions as required.

Candidate Profile:

• Primary (essential): Proven track record in business development, sales, membership management, or customer relationship management. Exceptional relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholder groups. Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal capabilities. Deep understanding of membership models and drivers of retention and acquisition. Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Proficient in CRM systems and Microsoft Office tools. Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.
• Secondary (desirable): Experience within a membership-based organisation or trade association. Familiarity with membership-driven revenue models and industry dynamics.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.
• A unique opportunity to shape the future of a vital UK industry.