AVP, Business Development

AVP, Business Development

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Guidepoint

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive revenue growth by building relationships with institutional clients and managing the full sales cycle.
  • Company: Guidepoint, a leading research enablement platform with a diverse and innovative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, career progression, and great perks like snacks and team events.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the financial services sector.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years of B2B sales experience and a proven track record in client relationship management.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Guidepoint’s Business Development teams are passionate about expanding our reach with both new and existing clients. We support all Guidepoint’s service offerings, helping to build relationships and communicate how Guidepoint helps clients stay informed and make better business decisions. Our teams are motivated to provide custom offerings designed to help every potential client make the most of their partnership with Guidepoint.

As an Associate Vice President of Business Development, you will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth by building and nurturing relationships with institutional clients — including private equity firms, hedge funds, venture capital firms, investment banks, and other financial institutions. You will be responsible for the full 360° sales cycle — from identifying and qualifying prospects to closing deals and ensuring client success — with the support of a Business Development Associate for research and outreach. This role is best suited for an initiative-taker who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and enjoys taking ownership of results.

A core component of success in this role is a commitment to Active Selling. This means not relying solely on automated or repetitive outreach tools but instead engaging directly and personally with prospects. You will be expected to consistently generate pipeline through targeted cold calls, highly personalized emails, thoughtful LinkedIn outreach, and other creative approaches that demonstrate insight into each prospect’s specific needs. This high-touch, proactive selling style is essential to building trust with institutional clients and differentiating Guidepoint in a challenging market.

What You’ll Do:

  • Develop and execute business development strategies designed to achieve and exceed revenue targets as part of the regional and global sales team.
  • Own the entire sales cycle from prospecting and lead generation to contract execution, with a primary focus on Guidepoint’s institutional client base (private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, investment banks, and other financial services firms).
  • Proactively identify, pursue, and acquire new institutional clients, driving consistent revenue growth in the region.
  • Build and maintain a deep understanding of the evolving landscape and effectively articulate our unique value proposition.
  • Cultivate lasting, trust-based relationships with decision-makers at financial institutions by proactively seeking out and creating new business opportunities.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver tailored solutions that meet institutional client needs.
  • Take on ad hoc projects as required.

What You Have:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • Minimum 8 years of demonstrated 360° B2B sales experience, ideally within research/information services, financial/investment, or adjacent sectors.
  • A consistent track record of meeting or exceeding sales quotas, with the ability to independently prospect, qualify, and close new business.
  • Highly organized and structured in your approach to territory management, client outreach, and follow-up.
  • Entrepreneurial, comfortable adapting to change and seizing new opportunities.
  • Broad-based knowledge of the sales process, from lead generation to relationship management.
  • Excellent communicator capable of engaging high-profile clients and influencing senior stakeholders.
  • A growth-oriented mindset with the ability to think creatively and spot new business opportunities.
  • Solid analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Resilience and tenacity in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive Compensation.
  • Progression Plan for Career Growth.
  • Hybrid Working Model.
  • Snacks and Beverages.
  • Excellent Medical Coverage through BUPA.
  • Pension.
  • 22 Days Paid Annual Leave, rising with the length of service.
  • Monthly Happy Hour and “Summer Fridays.”
  • Year-round company-sponsored sports and team-building events.

About Guidepoint: Guidepoint is a leading research enablement platform designed to advance understanding and empower our clients’ decision-making process. Powered by innovative technology, real-time data, and hard-to-source expertise, we help our clients to turn answers into action. Backed by a network of nearly 1.75 million experts and Guidepoint’s 1,600 employees worldwide, we inform leading organizations’ research by delivering on-demand intelligence and research on request. With Guidepoint, companies and investors can better navigate the abundance of information available today, making it both more useful and more powerful. At Guidepoint, our success relies on the diversity of our employees, advisors, and client base, which allows us to create connections that offer a wealth of perspectives. We are committed to upholding policies that contribute to an equitable and welcoming environment for our community, regardless of background, identity, or experience.

AVP, Business Development employer: Guidepoint

Guidepoint is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and entrepreneurial work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in business development. With competitive compensation, a clear progression plan for career growth, and a hybrid working model, employees enjoy a supportive environment that prioritises personal and professional development. The company also promotes a vibrant community through team-building events and a commitment to diversity, making it an ideal place for motivated individuals to thrive.

Guidepoint

Contact Details:

Guidepoint Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land AVP, Business Development

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Guidepoint’s services and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Use LinkedIn to connect with current employees and industry professionals. A friendly message can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. Highlight your successes in B2B sales and how you’ve built relationships with clients in the past.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking chats, send a quick thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace AVP, Business Development

B2B Sales Experience
Client Relationship Management
Lead Generation
Sales Cycle Management
Cold Calling
Email Outreach
LinkedIn Outreach

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for business development shine through! We want to see how excited you are about building relationships and driving revenue growth. Make it personal and relatable!

Tailor Your Approach:Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the 360° sales cycle and how it aligns with our needs at Guidepoint. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!

Be Specific About Your Achievements:We love numbers! When discussing your past experiences, be specific about your achievements. Mention any sales quotas you've exceeded or successful strategies you've implemented. This helps us see your potential impact on our team.

Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Guidepoint

Know Your Numbers

Before the interview, brush up on your sales metrics and achievements. Be ready to discuss specific figures that demonstrate your success in meeting or exceeding sales quotas. This will show your potential employer that you have a results-driven mindset and can back it up with data.

Research the Market

Dive deep into the financial services landscape, especially focusing on private equity, hedge funds, and investment banks. Understanding current trends and challenges in these sectors will help you articulate how you can add value to Guidepoint's offerings during the interview.

Prepare for Active Selling Scenarios

Since this role emphasises active selling, think of creative outreach strategies you’ve used in the past. Prepare to discuss how you engage prospects personally rather than relying on automated tools. This will highlight your proactive approach and ability to build trust with clients.

Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills

Be ready to share examples of how you've cultivated lasting relationships with decision-makers in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve tailored solutions to meet client needs, as this aligns perfectly with what Guidepoint is looking for.