Business Development Executive

The UK's largest membership organisation for private residential landlords, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) supports and represents more than 100,000 members across England and Wales. Created by landlords, for landlords, it offers investors everything they need to run a successful and compliant lettings business, whether they are full-time property professionals running large portfolios or accidental landlords with a single let. The NRLA is a trusted ally, on hand to guide members through the complex regulatory environment, with all the essential documents and guidance needed to run a successful and fully compliant business.

A truly member-first organisation, innovation is at the heart of what we do and have invested in and developed new proptech solutions for members, including the acquisition of property safety certification firm Safe2 and the development of the property management system Portfolio. A dynamic and fast-paced organisation, the NRLA is a great place to work, and it is not just us saying that; we have Investors in People Gold status to prove it. The association was also named one of the best companies to work for in the UK in a list compiled by The Sunday Times.

Our enthusiastic and ambitious staff work out of offices in Central Manchester and Central London, with hybrid working options available. Colleagues typically work from home four days a week, with one day in the office. We are looking for colleagues who are professional, adaptable, and innovative. In return, we offer an inclusive and creative working environment with attractive options for training and career development, and a competitive salary and benefits package.

The NRLA package includes:

• 25 days annual leave increasing to 26 days with three years’ service, 27 days with five years’ service and 28 days with seven years’ service
• Additional annual day off for your birthday
• Salary exchange
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Cash plan health and wellbeing benefit including Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service
• Sick pay
• Cycle purchase loans, season tickets loans and interest-free staff loans
• Complimentary NRLA membership
• Non-contractual annual performance-related bonus scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Location: Hybrid - working from the London office twice a week

Main Purpose & Scope of Job:

The Business Development Executive will be responsible for driving outbound sales activity across four core NRLA product areas:

• NRLA Training
• NRLA Membership
• Exhibitor Opportunities at NRLA Events
• Safe2 – Letting Agent Onboarding & Engagement

This is a fast-paced sales role that requires resilience, agility, and strong outbound sales experience (cold calling, lead generation, pipeline building). The BDE will be measured against both financial targets and activity-based KPIs (leads, meetings booked, conversion rates).

Duties & Key Responsibilities:

• Drive proactive outbound sales (calls, email, LinkedIn outreach) to generate leads and convert opportunities across NRLA’s four product areas.
• Manage high-volume call activity with a focus on decision-maker engagement.
• Book qualified meetings for the Head of Sales Growth where required (particularly Safe2 letting agent opportunities).
• Nurture leads through the sales pipeline and maintain accurate CRM records.
• Engage letting agents, introduce the Safe2 proposition, and onboard users to the Safe2 platform.
• Build relationships and pass high-value opportunities to the Head of Sales Growth for further development.
• Promote and sell NRLA training courses to landlords, agents, and partners.
• Generate and close new membership sales opportunities, targeting landlord and business memberships.
• Sell exhibitor and sponsorship packages for NRLA events.
• Maintain and grow a robust pipeline of exhibitors, ensuring revenue targets are achieved.

Performance & Reporting:

• Work to agreed KPIs: daily call activity, meetings booked, conversion rates, and revenue.
• Provide weekly updates to the Head of Sales Growth on performance against targets.

Personal Attributes:

• Energetic and self-motivated with a hunter mentality.
• Agile in approach — able to pivot focus quickly depending on business priorities.
• Collaborative mindset, working closely with the Head of Sales Growth and wider NRLA teams.
• Professional, persuasive, and commercially astute.

Person Specification:

Qualification: Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong commercial acumen
• Energetic and self-motivated with a hunter mentality.
• Agile in approach — able to pivot focus quickly depending on business priorities.
• Collaborative mindset, working closely with the Head of Sales Growth and wider NRLA teams.
• Professional, persuasive, and commercially astute.

Experience:

• Proven track record in outbound sales, cold calling, and business development.
• Target-driven with experience of working to financial and activity KPIs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; confident engaging senior decision makers.
• Highly organised, resilient, and adaptable in a fast-paced sales environment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing as part of a wider sales team.
• Experience in property, membership organisations, or events sales.
• Understanding of the private rented sector or property compliance.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of housing safety regulations and compliance standards.
• An understanding of the private rented sector and/or housing landscape would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes & other requirements:

• Willing to travel and occasionally work unsociable hours.
• Be a good team worker demonstrating loyalty and commitment to the organisation and team members.