At a Glance
- Tasks: Make 80-100 calls daily to generate appointments for our sales team.
- Company: Join a fast-growing tech company with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Earn £25k base salary plus OTE, with career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy team socials, mentorship, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your sales career and build skills for a six-figure future.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your attitude and determination.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Start your tech sales career with a Business Development Executive role. No experience required, with a base salary of £25k and an OTE of £30-35k, promoting to £50k+ within 2 years.
This is your first step into B2B tech sales where you'll build the fundamental skills that every successful salesperson needs. This is an outbound telesales role, where you'll be on the phone daily, calling UK businesses to generate appointments for our senior sales team.
What you'll be doing:
- Make 80-100+ calls per day to business decision-makers
- Introduce Focus Group's technology solutions across Telecoms, IT, Cyber Security, and Mobile
- Qualify prospects and secure face-to-face or virtual meetings for our Business Development Managers
- Track your conversations and opportunities in our CRM
- Work toward daily and weekly activity targets
- Push through rejection and stay motivated
This is where every great salesperson starts. You'll develop core skills – prospecting, communication, resilience, and work ethic – that will serve you throughout your entire sales career.
Why Start Here?
The Career Opportunity: Focus Group has a track record of taking people with zero sales experience and developing them into top-earning sales professionals.
What Our People Have Achieved:
- From Zero to Hero: Mohan joined in Jan 2023 with no sales experience. Within 2.5 years: generated £1.3m in sales, promoted to BDM, now trains new starters and signed our biggest partner deal ever.
- Award Winners: Emma joined July 2024 fresh from travelling. 8 months later: £70k revenue generated, £500k pipeline built, and nominated as a finalist for National Sales Awards 2025.
- Leadership Track: Ronan started as a BDE in Aug 2022 (first job after uni). Within 12 months promoted to Team Leader. His team generated £2m+ profit in year one and doubled it the following year.
Your Earning Potential:
- Year 1 as BDE: Base salary: £25,000; Realistic first-year OTE: £30-35k; High performers: £38-42k
- Year 2+ as BDM (typical promotion timeline 12-24 months): First-year BDM OTE: £50-60k; Experienced BDM average: £80-100k; Top BDM performers: £120k+
Career Path:
- BDE (12-24 months) → BDM
- BDE (12-24 months) → Customer Engagement
- BDE (12-24 months) → BDE Team Lead
Note: Progression depends on both performance and time in role. You'll need to consistently achieve targets and demonstrate readiness before advancing.
What Makes a Great BDE?
We're not looking for experience. We're looking for attitude and character. You’ll thrive here if you:
- Handle rejection well – 50+ "no's" per day won't break your spirit
- Stay coachable – You take feedback, adapt quickly, and want to improve
- Work with urgency – High call volumes and daily targets don't intimidate you
- Communicate confidently – Clear, professional phone manner that builds rapport
- Think long-term – You see this as a career foundation, not a short-term gig
- Stay hungry – Money, progression, and proving yourself motivates you
Background doesn't matter. We've hired successful BDEs from retail, hospitality, call centres, customer service, sports coaching, and fresh graduates. What matters is your mindset, charisma, and enthusiasm.
What Focus Group Offers You:
- Proper training, not sink-or-swim: Structured onboarding program covering products, pitch, objection handling
- Weekly sales training sessions
- Mentorship from experienced BDMs who've been in your shoes
- Clear performance framework so you always know where you stand
- Company perks: Company pension scheme, wellbeing support and employee assistance program, perks platform with retail discounts, regular team socials, nights out, and incentive events (go-karting, Top Golf, etc.)
Work environment:
- Collaborative, high-energy sales floor
- Supportive team culture where colleagues become friends
- Recognition for top performers (awards, bonuses, shout-outs)
Scale and stability:
- £1bn company valuation
- 30,000+ customers across the UK
- 1,300+ employees in 20 offices
- One of the UK's fastest-growing tech companies
Realistic Expectations:
Focus Group offers a genuine career pathway, but let's be clear: not everyone makes it to six figures. The success stories above represent our top performers who showed exceptional commitment, resilience, and drive.
Most people who succeed here:
- Put in 3-6 months of consistent hard work before seeing real results
- Stay coachable and continuously improve their approach
- Build thick skin and don't take rejection personally
- Show up every day ready to hit the phones with energy
If you're willing to put in the work, we'll give you the training, support, and opportunity to build something special.
Our Process:
(Process may vary based on logistics, availability, and office location)
- Phone screening (20 minutes)
- Face to Face competency interview
- Job offer for successful candidates
We move fast. If you're the right fit, we'll get you an offer quickly.
Ready to Start?
If you're tired of dead-end jobs with no progression and want to build a real career in tech sales, apply now. We're looking for people with drive and determination – we'll teach you everything else.
Focus Group champions diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Need support during the application process? Just ask – we're happy to make reasonable adjustments.
Focus Group Ltd is committed to protecting all personal data in accordance with GDPR. All employees share responsibility for data protection. Report any concerns to your manager or Data Protection Officer.
Sales Development Representative in Exeter employer: Focus Group
Focus Group is an exceptional employer for aspiring sales professionals, offering a structured onboarding program and ongoing mentorship to ensure your success in the fast-paced world of B2B tech sales. With a collaborative and high-energy work culture, employees enjoy regular team socials, recognition for top performers, and a clear pathway for career advancement, making it an ideal place for those looking to build a meaningful and rewarding career. Join us in a thriving environment where your hard work can lead to six-figure earnings within just a few years.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Development Representative in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get ready to hustle! Make sure you’re comfortable with making those 80-100 calls a day. Practice your pitch and get feedback from friends or family. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll sound when you're on the phone.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay positive and embrace rejection. Remember, every 'no' gets you closer to a 'yes'. Keep track of your calls and learn from each conversation. Reflect on what went well and what didn’t – it’s all part of the learning process!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with other sales professionals on LinkedIn and join relevant groups. Share your journey and ask for advice. You never know who might have a lead or a tip that could help you land that job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get noticed. Make sure your application stands out by highlighting your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. We love seeing candidates who are eager to jump into the tech sales world!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Development Representative in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm and character. Remember, we’re looking for attitude and mindset over experience.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Sales Development Representative. Mention any relevant experiences, even if they’re from different fields, that showcase your resilience and communication skills.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your key achievements and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and get the ball rolling. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of B2B tech sales and the specific role of a Sales Development Representative. Familiarise yourself with the company’s products and services, especially in Telecoms, IT, Cyber Security, and Mobile. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse common interview questions related to sales, such as how you handle rejection or what motivates you. You can even role-play with a friend to simulate the interview environment. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and demonstrate your communication skills.
✨Show Your Resilience
Since this role involves making 80-100 calls a day and facing rejection, be prepared to discuss how you cope with setbacks. Share personal stories that highlight your resilience and determination. This will resonate well with the interviewers who value a strong work ethic and a positive attitude.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the training process, team culture, or what success looks like in the first few months. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in growing within the company.
