At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify new business opportunities and engage with potential clients to support our team.
- Company: Join Ashridge House, a prestigious venue with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, pension scheme, life insurance, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values your unique background and passions.
- Why this job: Kickstart your B2B sales career in a dynamic environment with real growth potential.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in sales or customer-facing roles; strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
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 Business Development function grows.
- Attend selected networking events, familiarisation visits, and client showcases to build market knowledge and confidence.
- 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.
- 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.
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: EF Education First
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 comprehensive training, access to a state-of-the-art gym, and a supportive team environment, all while working in a prestigious venue that champions excellence in service and hospitality. Join us to develop your career in a dynamic setting where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Attend industry events and connect with people in the B2B space. It’s all about building relationships, so don’t be shy—introduce yourself and chat about what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage LinkedIn like a pro! Use it to reach out to potential clients and showcase your expertise. Share relevant content and engage with others to get noticed in the business development scene.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised with your leads! Use a CRM system to track your interactions and follow-ups. This will help you maintain a steady pipeline of opportunities and ensure you never miss a chance to connect.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get your application seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Ashridge House.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Executive role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in B2B sales or customer-facing roles, and showcase your skills in lead generation and client engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about business development and how your background aligns with our needs. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention your organisational skills and attention to detail. We love candidates who are proactive and can demonstrate their ability to manage a pipeline effectively.
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 keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at EF Education First
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, do your homework on Ashridge House and its role in the events industry. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your sales abilities, especially in B2B contexts. Discuss how you've successfully identified leads or engaged prospects, as this aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of a Business Development Executive.
✨Be Proactive and Engaging
During the interview, demonstrate your proactive nature by asking insightful questions about the role and the team. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the company's growth and success.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong follow-up discipline and attention to detail, be ready to discuss how you manage your time and tasks. Share tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially if you have experience with CRM systems.
