At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth by engaging with schools and building lasting client relationships.
- Company: Join a family-run educational supplies business with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous commission, career progression, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Supportive environment with recognition for your achievements and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your sales territory and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in sales or account management with strong communication skills.
We are seeking a confident, ambitious Business Development Manager to join a well-established, family-run Educational Supplies business based in Colchester. With over 50 years’ experience in the sector and a client base of more than 3,000 schools across the South of England, this is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of your own sales territory and make a real impact on business growth.
This is a dynamic, dual-focused sales role, combining proactive telephone-based sales with face-to-face client visits. You will be responsible for building new relationships, expanding existing accounts, and driving revenue across a broad range of products, including exclusive, high-quality brands.
This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of your own sales territory, where you’ll be rewarded for driving growth and building lasting customer relationships. The role would suit an experienced sales account manager who is used to consultative selling in a multi-category environment and is hungry for sales development and career progression.
Key Responsibilities:- Own and grow a dedicated sales territory, delivering on revenue targets
- Proactively engage with schools and educational institutions to generate new business
- Manage and develop existing accounts to maximise customer value and retention
- Build strong, lasting client relationships through a professional, consultative approach
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform your sales strategy
- Report regularly on performance metrics including sales growth, margins, and pipeline
- Proven track record in sales, account management, or business development (3–5 years)
- Strong ability to generate new business and nurture existing client relationships
- Confident communicator, capable of engaging clients over the phone and in person
- Self-motivated, organised, and target-driven
- Commercially aware with strong negotiation skills
- Full UK driving licence (maximum 6 points)
- Competitive salary up to £50,000 + generous commission (OTE up to £70,000)
- Generous commission structure with monthly, quarterly and annual bonuses
- Your own dedicated sales territory with a mix of new and established customers
- Comprehensive Sales Induction Programme, supported by both our in-house sales coach and external sales trainer
- Career progression through a tiered sales structure to more senior roles
- Ongoing coaching, training, and access to LinkedIn Learning
- The chance to work in a supportive, family-run business where your achievements are recognised and rewarded
If you’re ambitious, motivated, and ready to take your sales career to the next level, apply now to join our team.
Business Development Manager employer: HBS Group
Join a respected family-run business in Chelmsford, where your role as a Class 2 Driver is not just about deliveries, but about being an ambassador for our high-quality educational products. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a supportive work culture that values your contributions while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth within a stable environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. The more relationships you build, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s over the phone or face-to-face, being able to confidently communicate your value is key. Role-play with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail down your approach before those important conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Research, research, research! Know the company inside out, understand their products, and be aware of their competitors. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the business.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your sales achievements and any relevant experience in educational supplies or consultative selling.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built relationships in previous roles, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the position!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Business Development Manager, strong communication is key. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to engage effectively, just like you would with clients.
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 proactive and keen to join our family-run business!
How to prepare for a job interview at HBS Group
✨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 generating new business and nurturing client relationships. This will show your potential employer that you’re results-driven and understand the importance of performance metrics.
✨Research the Company
Take some time to learn about the educational supplies business and its history. Understand their product range and client base, especially the schools they work with. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Given the consultative selling approach required for this role, be prepared for role-play scenarios during the interview. Practice how you would engage a school or educational institution over the phone and in person. This will help you demonstrate your communication skills and ability to build relationships.
✨Show Your Ambition
This position is all about growth and progression, so make sure to express your ambition during the interview. Share your career goals and how you see yourself evolving within the company. Highlighting your desire for development will resonate well with a family-run business that values long-term relationships.
