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 up to £50,000 plus generous commission and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy ongoing training and support in a dynamic, rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your sales territory and make a real impact in the education sector.
- 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 in Essex 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 in Essex
✨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 the mirror until you feel like a sales superstar.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company inside out. Know their products, their market position, and their competitors. This will not only help you in interviews but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨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 eager to join our family-run business.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your sales achievements and experience in account management, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our dynamic team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for sales and your understanding of the educational sector. Use it to tell us why you want to join our family-run business and how you can contribute to our growth.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with clients both over the phone and face-to-face, make sure your application demonstrates your strong communication skills. We want to see how you can build relationships and drive sales!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to grow your career with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at HBS Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research the company and its products thoroughly. Understand their client base and how they operate in the educational supplies sector. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your success in sales and account management. Be ready to discuss how you've generated new business and nurtured existing relationships. Use metrics to back up your achievements – numbers speak volumes!
✨Practice Your Pitch
Since this role involves both phone and face-to-face interactions, practice your communication skills. Role-play common scenarios you might encounter with clients. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your enthusiasm for the role. Inquire about the company's growth plans, the support you'll receive in your territory, or how success is measured. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
