Business Development Manager in Southampton

Business Development Manager in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 39600 - 48400 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales growth and build relationships across a network of dealerships.
  • Company: Dynamic automotive company focused on performance and growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, mileage reimbursement, and business expenses covered.
  • Other info: Autonomous role with significant responsibility and career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry while developing your coaching skills.
  • Qualifications: Proven sales experience in automotive and strong relationship-building skills.

The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.

Are you an experienced automotive sales professional who knows how to drive performance across a franchised dealer network? We're looking for a Business Development Manager to take ownership of a portfolio of approximately 80-100 franchised and non-franchised dealerships, building strong relationships, developing sales opportunities and delivering sustainable growth across the network. This is a hands-on, field-based role for someone who is confident working with Sales Executives, Sales Managers, Group F&I Managers and dealership leadership teams - and who can combine commercial sales ability with excellent coaching and training skills.

The Role

  • Managing and developing relationships across a network of 80-100 franchised and non-franchised dealerships.
  • Taking responsibility for day-to-day account management and achieving agreed sales growth expectations.
  • Delivering confident, engaging sales coaching to Sales Executives and sales leadership teams.
  • Preparing data, insights and performance information for Quarterly Business Reviews with Group F&I Managers and dealership leadership teams.
  • Delivering on-site product knowledge training, as well as engaging online training sessions via Microsoft Teams.
  • Introducing and successfully launching new products across the dealer network.
  • Identifying opportunities to increase product penetration, revenue and dealership performance.
  • Building trusted relationships at dealership and group level.
  • Monitoring sales performance, identifying areas for improvement and putting effective action plans in place.
  • Working independently to manage a busy territory while maintaining excellent communication and organisation.

About You

  • Has a proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets.
  • Is highly confident delivering sales coaching and training to both sales executives and senior dealership teams.
  • Has experience working within franchised car dealerships or the automotive sector.
  • Is commercially minded, target-driven and comfortable being accountable for sales growth.
  • Can confidently present data and performance results to senior stakeholders.
  • Is an excellent communicator with the confidence to engage with people at all levels.
  • Is organised and comfortable managing a large portfolio of dealerships and competing priorities.
  • Is confident delivering both face-to-face and online training.
  • Has experience supporting or introducing new product launches across a dealer network.
  • Lives in or around the A3 / M3 / M4 corridors, with the ability to travel extensively throughout the territory.

Automotive Experience - Highly Desirable

Experience within vehicle detailing, vehicle protection products or dealership aftersales/F&I would be highly beneficial. In particular, if you have previously sold products such as Autoglym LifeShine, GardX or Diamondbrite into franchised dealerships, your experience would be especially relevant to this role.

What's on Offer

  • Salary up to £40,000
  • £5,000 OTE per year
  • Mileage paid at 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles, then 20p per mile thereafter
  • Business expenses covered
  • A highly autonomous, field-based role with significant responsibility and opportunity to make a real impact on sales growth.

Interested? If you're an automotive sales professional who can coach, influence, build relationships and deliver results, we'd love to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who understands the dynamics of franchised dealerships and is ready to take ownership of a substantial dealer network and its growth.

Business Development Manager in Southampton employer: LJ Recruitment Careers

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Contact Details:

LJ Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Southampton

✨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 Business Development Manager at LJ Recruitment Careers, 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 LJ Recruitment Careers. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Business Development Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Southampton

Sales Management
Relationship Building
Coaching Skills
Training Delivery
Data Presentation
Account Management
Performance Monitoring

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 LJ Recruitment Careers:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for LJ Recruitment Careers. 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 LJ Recruitment Careers

✨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 LJ Recruitment Careers 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 LJ Recruitment Careers 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 LJ Recruitment Careers’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.