Local Business Development Manager

Local Business Development Manager

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Lithia & Driveway

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build relationships with local businesses and drive sales for JLR.
  • Company: Join Lithia UK, a leading automotive retailer focused on innovation and customer experience.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, birthday leave, and exclusive discounts.
  • Other info: Endless career growth opportunities and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the local business community with a prestigious brand.
  • Qualifications: Experience in B2B sales and strong relationship-building skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

Basic salary of £28,000 with an OTE of £55,000, pension, life assurance, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), exclusive company discounts on used car purchases, leasing deals and aftersales services.

At Lithia UK, growth is powered by people - and as our next Local Business Development Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in expanding our presence in the local business market and helping customers discover why JLR is the partner they can rely on. This is an exciting, customer-facing role where you will build meaningful relationships across your local area, identify new opportunities, and shape solutions that meet the unique needs of SME and corporate clients.

You’ll be the face of the brand, developing integrated sales and aftersales solutions that support customer loyalty, unlock new revenue streams and drive sustainable, long-term growth. If you excel at building commercial relationships and providing exceptional experiences, this is the perfect opportunity to take your career forward with one of the most prestigious brands in the automotive industry.

Your Journey as a Local Business Development Manager

  • Build and nurture relationships with local businesses, turning prospects into loyal JLR customers and maximising awareness, engagement, and sales opportunities.
  • Deliver integrated sales and aftersales solutions tailored to business customers, ensuring every organisation receives exceptional service that reflects the JLR brand.
  • Represent the brand professionally in the local business community by attending networking events, business functions, digital outreach campaigns, and proactive prospecting activity.
  • Work closely with internal teams to fully understand customer requirements and translate them into commercial solutions that drive retention, profitability and brand loyalty.
  • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the JLR product range, fleet offerings, financial solutions and competitor landscape to ensure informed, confident conversations with customers.
  • Use CRM and reporting systems effectively to manage pipelines, track customer interactions, follow up leads and identify renewal and retention opportunities.
  • Prepare and deliver compelling presentations, business proposals and product demonstrations - either face-to-face or virtually - that showcase how JLR can add value to their business.
  • Continually review sales performance, market trends and customer data to identify opportunities for growth, improvement and increased business penetration.

Do you have what it takes to be a Stratstone colleague?

  • Proven experience in B2B sales, including prospecting, qualifying, pitching and closing.
  • A structured approach to selling and following a consistent and measurable sales process.
  • Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop trust and long-term partnerships.
  • A commercially focused mindset, with the ability to identify business needs and propose effective solutions.
  • Experience managing sales pipelines and CRM systems, staying organised, accurate, and able to produce clear customer and pipeline reporting.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of crafting compelling commercial proposals and delivering them with confidence and professionalism.
  • The passion to be a positive ambassador for the JLR brand, bringing confidence, professionalism, drive, and dedication to create exceptional experiences for every customer.

What we can offer you:

  • Enjoy 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), giving you more time to relax, recharge, and do what you love.
  • Celebrate your special day with an extra day off on your birthday.
  • Our industry-leading Family Leave Policies ensure you’re supported when it matters most.
  • Access a new car through our Salary Sacrifice scheme and enjoy a smarter way to drive.
  • Take a paid day to volunteer and give back to a cause close to your heart.
  • We believe in recognising dedication and loyalty, that’s why we celebrate long service milestone anniversaries.
  • Unlock your potential with tailored training and endless career growth opportunities.
  • Commute for less with our cycle to work scheme.
  • Access high street discounts to make the everyday a little more rewarding.

At Lithia UK, our growth is powered by our people: As one of the largest automotive retailers globally, we’re passionate about transforming the future of personal transportation and setting new standards for exceptional customer experiences. Our values - Earn Customers for Life, Improve Constantly, Take Personal Ownership, and Have Fun! - fuel everything we do. Join us, and you’ll be part of a team that embraces innovation, champions personal growth, and celebrates success together. If you’re ready to make an impact in an environment that empowers you to drive change, we’d love to have you with us on this journey.

Lithia UK are an equal opportunities employer, and we are proud members of Automotive 30% Club, Diversity in Retail and inclusive Companies. We welcome all applications regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, marital status, socio-economic background or Veteran status. We will also consider qualified applicants with prior criminal convictions, in accordance with the law.

Local Business Development Manager employer: Lithia & Driveway

Evans Halshaw in Gateshead is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and uncapped earning potential for Vehicle Technicians. With a strong focus on employee growth through manufacturer training and a supportive work culture, you will enjoy 33 days of holiday, a comprehensive benefits package, and exclusive discounts, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in the automotive industry.

Lithia & Driveway

Contact Details:

Lithia & Driveway Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Local Business Development Manager

Leverage Your Network

In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!

Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results

When targeting a full-time role like Local Business Development Manager at Lithia & Driveway, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!

Engage with Sales Communities

Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.

Direct Applications Matter

While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Lithia & Driveway. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Local Business Development Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Local Business Development Manager

B2B Sales Experience
Prospecting
Qualifying
Pitching
Closing
Relationship-Building Skills
Commercial Mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!

Tailor Your Message for Lithia & Driveway:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Lithia & Driveway. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!

Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!

Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lithia & Driveway

Know Your Sales Methodologies

Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Lithia & Driveway that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.

Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills

Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Lithia & Driveway that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.

Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios

In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!

Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision

Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Lithia & Driveway’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.