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- Tasks: Drive business growth by opening new markets and building partnerships in the leisure sector.
- Company: Join ESPO, a forward-thinking organisation committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in expanding ESPO's commercial footprint and international presence.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Great office location with easy access and opportunities for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 41208 - 45054 £ per year.
ESPO is expanding into new commercial markets and we are seeking a Business Development Manager to support both national and international growth plans. The role includes outreach into emerging commercial and third-sector markets, with a particular focus on the leisure and holiday park sector, as well as supporting ESPO International through key distribution partners to grow our presence in new and emerging international markets.
This fixed-term maternity cover position offers the opportunity to develop ESPO Trading Limited's (ETL) sales channels and commercial footprint, open new markets and build partnerships that support the wider growth strategy for our brands; Smart Solutions and ESPO International. You will work across brands and sectors, adapting your approach to suit different customers and markets.
You will identify and progress new customer opportunities, build networks, develop propositions and support commercial conversations that position ESPO as a trusted sourcing and procurement partner. The role combines strategic outreach with practical account development, including managing proposals, engagement plans and pipeline reporting, using CRM and customer insight tools to inform activity and forecast growth.
Success in the role will involve securing new customers, establishing strong sector relationships, supporting distribution partner activity for ESPO International and enabling ESPO's commercial brands and service solutions to deliver measurable outcomes.
About You
To apply for this post, you must have:
- Proven sales and/or account management experience in a commercial environment
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with an ROI focus
- Ability to create new market channels and develop relationships at pace
- Confident communicator with strong influencing and presentation skills
- Ability to interpret datasets and complex information using ERP systems, CRM and Excel to support business development and growth.
We'd also expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the interview process.
What we offer:
- Flexible working opportunities and access to employee benefits portal with salary sacrifice car lease scheme.
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and a scheme to buy additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution.
- Opportunities for learning development.
- Great office location next to Fosse Park, with free on-site parking and easy access to M1 and M69.
Interested in Flexible Working? We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of ESPO.
If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
How to Apply
ESPO is an inclusive organisation which is on a journey to embed and celebrate equality, diversity, and inclusion at every level. We warmly welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, as having a diverse workforce with different perspectives and ideas is fundamental to our values and enriches the services we offer our customers.
We particularly welcome applicants from Ethnically Diverse and LGBTQ Plus communities and people with disabilities to create a balanced workforce and one that reflects the customers we serve. Applicants with a disability who meet the criteria listed in the About You section above will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme.
To apply for this job, please click Apply Now. You will need to upload a supporting statement as part of your application which explains how you meet the criteria listed in the About You section above.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Business Development Manager employer: Leicestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a killer pitch that highlights your experience in sales and account management. Be ready to discuss how you've opened new markets or built partnerships in the past. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Research, research, research! Know ESPO inside out. Understand their values, products, and market strategies. This will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to tailor your supporting statement to highlight how you meet the criteria listed in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use specific examples that showcase your sales and account management skills, especially in commercial environments.
Showcase Your Market Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the leisure and holiday park sector or any relevant markets. Mention any previous experiences where you successfully opened new market channels or built partnerships.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements are easy to spot. We want to see your strengths without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the leisure and holiday park sector. Understand the current trends, challenges, and opportunities. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in ESPO's growth plans.
✨Showcase Your Sales Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully opened new markets or built partnerships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Skills
Since the role involves interpreting datasets and using CRM tools, be ready to discuss your experience with these systems. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform business decisions or drive sales growth in previous positions.
✨Align with ESPO's Values
Familiarise yourself with ESPO's values and think of instances where you've demonstrated similar principles in your work. Be prepared to share these examples during the interview to show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
