At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and engage with creative agencies, supporting outreach and identifying new business opportunities.
- Company: Illuminate BD, a dynamic consultancy helping creative agencies thrive.
- Benefits: Uncapped commission, direct mentorship, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team with regular socials and industry events.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make a real impact in the creative industry.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates or early-career candidates eager to learn and grow.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 € per year.
Illuminate BD is a London-based business development consultancy that helps creative agencies grow through high-quality outbound lead generation.
We are looking for a motivated Graduate Business Development Executive to join the team and work directly alongside the founder. This is an entry-level role suited to someone early in their career who is keen to learn sales, outreach, prospecting and client delivery within the creative and marketing sectors. You do not need years of experience — we are looking for someone organised, confident, curious and willing to learn.
Duties
- Research target companies, sectors and decision-makers across the creative and marketing industries.
- Support outbound outreach through email, LinkedIn and phone activity.
- Help identify potential new business opportunities for Illuminate BD and its clients.
- Assist with writing outreach messages, prospect lists and client updates.
- Learn how to engage senior marketing and brand contacts professionally.
- Support the founder with prospecting strategy, campaign delivery and meeting booking.
- Keep CRM systems and prospecting records accurate and up to date.
- Track outreach activity and help report on campaign performance.
- Stay aware of trends across creative agencies, brands and marketing.
Qualifications
- Graduate or early-career candidate looking to start a career in business development, sales or marketing.
- Some experience in sales, customer service, recruitment, marketing, hospitality or client-facing work would be helpful but is not essential.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Confident speaking to people and building professional relationships.
- Highly organised, reliable and comfortable managing multiple tasks.
- Proactive, resilient and willing to learn from feedback.
- Interest in the creative, marketing or agency world.
Why Join Illuminate BD
This is a great opportunity to join a growing consultancy at an early stage and receive direct 1-to-1 training from the founder. You will gain hands-on experience across every stage of the business development process, from researching companies and writing outreach to speaking with prospects and helping book meetings with senior decision-makers. As the business grows, there will be a clear opportunity to progress into a more senior business development, account management or client-facing role.
Benefits
- Uncapped commission structure.
- Direct mentorship and training from the founder.
- Clear progression opportunities as the company grows.
- Exposure to leading creative and marketing agencies.
- Early responsibility and the chance to make a real impact.
- Regular team socials and industry events.
- Company pension scheme.
Managing Director and Head of Business Development employer: Illuminate BD
Illuminate BD is an exceptional employer for those looking to kickstart their career in business development within the vibrant creative and marketing sectors. With direct mentorship from the founder, uncapped commission opportunities, and a supportive work culture that encourages learning and growth, employees can expect to gain invaluable hands-on experience while enjoying regular team socials and industry events. As the company expands, there are clear pathways for progression into more senior roles, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director and Head of Business Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the creative and marketing sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s for an informal chat or a formal interview, being able to confidently articulate your skills and enthusiasm is key. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable talking about what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Keep track of your applications, follow-ups, and networking efforts. Use a simple spreadsheet or a task management app to ensure you’re on top of everything. This will help you stay focused and show potential employers that you mean business.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Illuminate BD. Plus, it gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director and Head of Business Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or part-time jobs that showcase your organisational skills and interest in business development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share why you're keen to learn about sales and outreach, and how you can contribute to Illuminate BD's success.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use professional language but let your personality shine through – we want to see the real you!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Illuminate BD
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, do your homework on Illuminate BD and the creative marketing sector. Understand their services, clients, and recent projects. This will not only impress them but also help you ask insightful questions.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Since they’re looking for someone curious and willing to learn, be ready to discuss what excites you about business development. Share examples of how you've pursued knowledge in the past, whether through courses, reading, or hands-on experiences.
✨Practice Your Pitch
You’ll likely need to demonstrate your communication skills, so practice how you introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in this role. Keep it concise but engaging, showing your personality and enthusiasm.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their approach to client engagement or how they measure success in their campaigns. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.