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- Tasks: Drive growth by opening new markets and building partnerships in the leisure sector.
- Company: Join ESPO, a unique public sector organisation with a commercial edge.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing innovative sales channels and strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 35200 - 39600 £ per year.
Organisation: ESPO
Work Location: Hybrid - Field Based with travel to ESPO, Barnsdale Way, Grove Park, Enderby
Salary: £41,208 - £45,054 per annum (Pro rata for part time)
Working Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 12 months Maternity Cover
Closing Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Interview Date(s): End of February/Early March 2026
Do you thrive on opening new markets and building commercial partnerships? Can you adapt across brands and sectors, tailoring your approach to different customers? Do you have experience supplying to UK Holiday Parks or International Schools sector?
About the Role
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. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability.
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. This may include requests for term-time working, part-time hours, compressed hours, flexible start and finish times, home/remote working, etc.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Helen Swann, Head of Business Development Telephone: 07584 775985
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. For more information, see the How to Apply section on our career site.
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.
About Us
About ESPO We're a unique organisation, owned by the public sector and sharing their values and ethos, but operating with a commercial edge. As a specialist procurement body, we pride ourselves on establishing procurement solutions that save money for the public sector. View our prospectus to find out more.
We have modern, open-plan offices with excellent transport links and a friendly workplace environment. We offer flexible working, a generous holiday entitlement, a contributory pension scheme, training (including professional CIPS qualification) and opportunities to develop your career.
ESPO is supported by a wide range of roles across many different disciplines including sales, marketing, IT, procurement, finance, operations (warehouse management and transport planning) and customer services. So whether you are interested in a public-facing role or playing your part behind the scenes, ESPO could be the place for you.
Business Development Manager in Leicester 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 in Leicester
✨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 ESPO inside out! Understand their values, mission, and the sectors they operate in. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at ESPO. So, get that application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the criteria listed in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your sales and account management prowess. Numbers and results speak volumes, so let us know how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for business development and how it aligns with our mission at ESPO.
Apply Early!: We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so don’t wait until the last minute! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to ensure you’re in the running.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, do your homework on the leisure and holiday park sector. Understand the current trends, challenges, and opportunities within this market. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can contribute to ESPO's growth in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your sales and account management successes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on how you’ve opened new markets or built partnerships in previous roles.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves interpreting datasets and using CRM tools, brush up on your data analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform business decisions or drive sales growth in the past. Mention any specific tools or software you’re familiar with, especially ERP systems and Excel.
✨Align with ESPO's Values
Familiarise yourself with ESPO's values and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Think of examples where you've demonstrated similar values in your work, particularly in terms of inclusivity and commitment to public service, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
