Business Development Executive in Sheffield

Location: Sheffield/Hybrid (3 days in Sheffield Office)

Salary: £30k base plus additional OTE

Harper James has an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Executive to join our busy, successful and growing sales team. We are looking for ambitious and motivated individuals with 1–2 years’ experience in phone-based or consultative B2B sales who are looking to develop their career within an innovative and fast‑growing professional services business. This role is based on a hybrid working basis, with three days per week in our central Sheffield office and 1-2 days working remotely, as part of a collaborative, supportive and high‑performing sales team.

About Harper James:

Harper James is a national commercial law firm designed to support entrepreneurial businesses from start‑up through to exit. Our mission is to make high‑quality legal support more accessible, commercial and aligned with how modern businesses operate. Founded in 2014, Harper James has grown rapidly and continues to expand at 40%+ year‑on‑year. This financial year more than 150 people will support over 4,000 businesses, with turnover expected to exceed £14m, and we anticipate doubling in size over the next two years. Our innovative approach to delivering legal services challenges the traditional law firm model, providing flexible and tailored legal support to ambitious businesses across the UK.

The Opportunity:

In this role, you will engage with prospective clients who are exploring legal support for their businesses. Working primarily with SMEs and high‑growth companies, you will focus on understanding the commercial context they operate in and the legal issues that may affect their operations both now and in the future. You will lead consultative conversations that identify where legal guidance could add value, drawing on services across areas such as employment, corporate matters, commercial agreements, disputes, property, intellectual property and data protection. Your objective will be to help businesses recognise how ongoing legal support from Harper James can help them operate confidently and scale effectively. The position includes a steady pipeline of enquiries generated through the firm’s marketing activity. Alongside this, you will be encouraged to build additional opportunities through proactive outreach, professional relationships and referrals. You will be supported with structured training to strengthen your understanding of the legal and commercial pressures facing UK businesses. Throughout the process, you will also work closely with experienced solicitors who can provide technical insight and support during client discussions and you will work closely with senior members of the sales team. Strong performance is recognised through a competitive commission structure and defined opportunities to progress within the wider business development function.

What You’ll Do:

• Act as the first point of contact for new business enquiries
• Qualify inbound leads generated by the marketing team
• Proactively identify opportunities through outbound activity and referrals
• Take a consultative approach to understand prospective clients’ needs
• Introduce and explain how Harper James’ legal services can support their business
• Manage opportunities through the sales pipeline from initial contact to onboarding
• Work towards and exceed individual targets and KPIs
• Build strong working relationships with solicitors and practice teams across the firm
• Maintain accurate records and pipeline management within our CRM system
• Provide regular updates on activity and pipeline performance

What We’re Looking For:

• 1–2 years’ experience in phone-based or consultative B2B sales
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence speaking with business owners and senior decision-makers
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• A proactive, consultative approach to sales
• Experience using CRM systems to manage leads and opportunities
• High levels of motivation, resilience and willingness to learn
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Legal sector experience is not required. You will receive training to build your understanding of the legal landscape and the challenges faced by growing UK businesses.

Technology and Ways of Working:

We are a modern, technology‑enabled business and expect our team to be comfortable working with digital tools and platforms that improve efficiency and collaboration. You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Are comfortable learning and using new systems and technologies
• Have an interest in using AI tools to improve productivity and sales effectiveness
• Have a working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Can confidently use tools such as SharePoint and CRM systems to manage information and collaborate with colleagues

Hybrid Working:

This role operates on a hybrid basis, with three days per week based in our Sheffield office and the remaining days working remotely. To ensure you can work effectively from home, you will need to have a professional home working environment, including a quiet and dedicated workspace with a reliable internet connection suitable for regular video calls and client conversations. As this role involves frequent communication with prospective clients and colleagues, your home setup should allow you to conduct calls and meetings in a professional and distraction‑free setting, maintaining the same standard of service expected in the office.

Salary and Benefits:

£30,000 base salary, OTE is uncapped and paid from day 1; in year 1 we expect you to achieve £34,800. Hybrid working (3 days per week in the Sheffield office, 1-2 days at home). Company healthcare scheme (including discounted gym membership). Company pension. Electric car scheme. 33 days holiday plus holiday purchase scheme. Mentoring, training and support from an experienced sales leadership team. Annual opportunities for external training and development. Clear progression opportunities within a rapidly growing business. Monthly team events and socials. Access to modern sales tools and technology.

We would love to hear from you if you’re looking to develop your career within a high-growth, innovative business and enjoy working in a fast‑paced sales environment where performance is recognised and rewarded.