At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth by managing the full sales cycle for R&D tax relief services.
- Company: EmpowerRD, a leading UK specialist in R&D tax relief with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to leverage your network and build your own pipeline.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the R&D tax landscape.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in business development with expertise in R&D tax relief services.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About EmpowerRD
EmpowerRD is one of the UK’s leading R&D tax relief specialists, combining deep technical expertise with proprietary technology to deliver claims that are both maximised and defensible.
- £260m+ in successful claims
- 1,200+ clients served
- Sub-5% HMRC enquiry rate
- TechRound #1 European Fintech
- 3x nominated in the 2026 National Technology Awards
We’re growing our commercial team and looking for an experienced R&D BD professional who knows this space and is ready to hit the ground running.
The role
You’ll own the full sales cycle — from identifying and engaging prospects through to close — with a focus on businesses currently using a traditional accountant, R&D boutique, or tech‑led platform to manage their claims. This isn’t a role for someone learning R&D tax. You’ll be speaking directly with CFOs, Finance Directors, and founders, and you need to be able to hold a credible conversation about the R&D tax landscape, HMRC’s evolving compliance expectations, and what a well‑prepared claim actually looks like.
What the commercial setup looks like
You’ll join a team that already has an engine behind it — our SDRs run structured outbound prospecting and will feed qualified opportunities into your pipeline. But we’re not looking for someone who only works what lands in their inbox. The best candidates will bring a network they’ve built over years in the R&D tax space — former clients, warm referrals, contacts at accountancy practices — and actively work it alongside the inbound and SDR‑generated flow. In short: the pipeline support is there, but your own book of business is a genuine differentiator in this hire.
Day to day you’ll be:
- Building and managing your own pipeline of target accounts
- Running discovery calls and demos, handling objections, and closing new business
- Working closely with our technical and client success teams to ensure a smooth handover
- Representing EmpowerRD at industry events and through your own network
- Feeding market intelligence back into the commercial and marketing teams
What we’re looking for
- 3+ years in a BD or sales role, with meaningful experience selling R&D tax relief services
- A genuine understanding of the R&D tax claims process — you can speak credibly on HMRC compliance, claim methodology, and the risks of poorly prepared claims
- A proven track record of building and converting your own pipeline, not just working inbound
Business Development Manager – R&D Tax Relief EmpowerRD | UK (Hybrid) | Competitive base + unca[...] in London employer: EmpowerRD
EmpowerRD is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the R&D tax relief sector. With a competitive salary and a hybrid working model, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside access to a robust pipeline of opportunities. Joining EmpowerRD means being part of a leading team recognised for its technical expertise and commitment to maximising client success, all while enjoying the flexibility and resources necessary to thrive in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager – R&D Tax Relief EmpowerRD | UK (Hybrid) | Competitive base + unca[...] in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like EmpowerRD. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager – R&D Tax Relief EmpowerRD | UK (Hybrid) | Competitive base + unca[...] in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to EmpowerRD.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on EmpowerRD's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at EmpowerRD
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with EmpowerRD.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at EmpowerRD will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former EmpowerRD employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
