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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business in student accommodation and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Fast-growing service provider in the residential living and student accommodation sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive commission structure, and opportunities for national travel.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to national growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth role with a focus on client engagement.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in PBSA management or facilities management with strong sales experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity has arisen to join a fast-growing, sector-leading service provider operating across the UK’s residential living, student accommodation, and build-to-rent markets. This is a commercially focused Business Development Manager role for someone with PBSA sector knowledge who is ready to move from operational delivery into a high-impact, client-facing growth position. The business delivers specialist seasonal turnaround services alongside year-round soft FM solutions, working with leading PBSA operators, universities, and residential providers. With a strong reputation and highly successful core business unit, this is a key hire to support continued national growth.
You will play a central role in driving new business across both seasonal and recurring service lines, working closely with senior leadership and operational teams to develop and convert opportunities into long-term partnerships.
The Role
This is a hands-on commercial role where you will take ownership of developing and managing new business pipelines across PBSA and university sectors, while also supporting wider cross-service growth opportunities. You will be expected to combine strong industry knowledge with commercial awareness to identify opportunities, engage key decision-makers, and lead bids through to successful conversion. This is not a purely desk-based position, requiring confidence on-site, direct client engagement, and the ability to build meaningful relationships across a national portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage PBSA-focused sales pipelines across seasonal and year-round services
- Identify and convert new business opportunities within student accommodation and university sectors
- Lead and support tender, RFP, and bid submissions
- Build and maintain strong client relationships at decision-maker level
- Work closely with operational teams to ensure commercial solutions are deliverable and competitive
- Attend regular pipeline reviews with senior leadership
- Maintain accurate CRM records and forecast reporting
- Support wider lead generation across additional business units
- Represent the business at client meetings, site visits, and industry engagements nationwide
About You
This role is ideal for someone currently working within PBSA operations, facilities management, or a related service environment who is ready to transition into a commercial role. You’ll likely already understand how student accommodation and residential portfolios operate and now want to apply that knowledge in a growth-focused, client-facing capacity.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience within PBSA management or facilities management (3+ years preferred)
- Strong understanding of operational service delivery environments
- Proven experience managing or contributing to revenue or sales targets (ideally £1m+)
- Confident communicator with strong relationship-building skills
- Experience with CRM systems and pipeline management
- Exposure to tenders or bids is beneficial but not essential
- Highly organised, proactive, and commercially aware
- Comfortable with national travel and site-based client engagement
- Ambitious mindset with a willingness to step into a high-growth role
Business Development Manager employer: Maxwell Stephens Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Maxwell Stephens Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, seminars, and meet-ups to connect with key players in the PBSA sector. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in potential opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your achievements in PBSA management or facilities management. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after meetings! Whether it’s a casual chat or a formal interview, sending a quick thank-you note can keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in PBSA management and any relevant sales achievements. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can help us grow. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to client engagement and relationship building.
Showcase Your Industry Knowledge: We’re looking for someone who knows the PBSA sector inside out. In your application, share insights or trends you've noticed in the industry. This shows us you’re not just applying for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in what we do.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxwell Stephens Recruitment
✨Know Your PBSA Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector. Understand the key players, current trends, and challenges in the market. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained client relationships in the past. Think about specific instances where your communication skills led to successful outcomes. This is crucial for a Business Development Manager, so be ready to discuss your approach to engaging decision-makers.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be prepared to discuss how you can identify and convert new business opportunities. Think about your previous experiences with revenue targets and how you’ve contributed to achieving them. Highlight your understanding of what makes a commercial solution competitive in the PBSA and university sectors.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Since this role involves leading bids and tenders, practice pitching your ideas clearly and persuasively. You might even want to simulate a client meeting scenario with a friend. This will help you feel more comfortable when it comes to showcasing your skills during the actual interview.