At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth by opening new markets and building partnerships in various sectors.
- Company: Join ESPO, a forward-thinking organisation focused on commercial expansion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive pension scheme.
- Other info: Great office location with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing innovative sales channels and relationships.
- Qualifications: Degree or extensive experience in sales/account management required.
The predicted salary is between 43860 - 47829 £ per year.
Organisation: ESPO
Work Location: ESPO, Barnsdale Way, Grove Park, Enderby
Salary: £43,860 – £47,829 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) (Pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 12 months fixed term (internal secondment considered for internal applicants)
Closing Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Interview Date(s): Early June 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, SEND or International Schools?
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 SEND Schools and children’s homes, holiday park sector, as well as supporting ESPO International through key distribution partners to grow our presence in new and emerging international markets. This 12 month fixed-term 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.
You will work across the ETL portfolio of 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 ETL 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 ETL’s commercial brands and service solutions to deliver measurable outcomes.
About You
To apply for this post, you must have:
- Degree level or extensive experience in the ‘experience’ section below
- 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.
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our customers. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
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 open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Helen Swann, Head of Business Development Telephone: 07584 775985 Email: h.swann@espo.org
How to Apply
At ESPO, we’re looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what’s on your CV. That’s why we’ve designed a recruitment process that’s fair, accessible, and focused on potential. And with benefits that support people at every age and stage of life, we make sure you can thrive - both personally and professionally.
Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above. Without this information, we won’t be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected. For tips on how to write your statement, 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. If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post or you want to request an application pack in an alternative format, please contact our Employee Service Centre by telephoning 0300 3030222 (select option 2) or raise a ticket via our online portal: https://emss.org.uk/support.
By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Business Development Manager in Leicester employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
ESPO is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering flexible working opportunities and a supportive work culture. With a generous benefits package including 28 days of annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a prime office location with easy access to transport links, ESPO fosters an inclusive environment where diverse talents can thrive and contribute to meaningful projects in the community.
Contact Details:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group Recruitment 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, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research ESPO and understand their values and goals. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in opening new markets and building partnerships. Practise your pitch so you can confidently showcase your skills and ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Business Development Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the company. So, get your application in early and make sure to highlight your relevant experience!
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 role. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in business development and account management, especially in sectors like SEND Schools or holiday parks.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:We want to see your strong commercial and financial understanding. Include instances where you've successfully created new market channels or built partnerships, and don't forget to mention any ROI-focused achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our growth strategy.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get your application in as soon as you can through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the markets ESPO is targeting, especially SEND Schools and holiday parks. Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in these sectors so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past sales successes and account management experiences. Be ready to discuss how you've opened new market channels and built relationships quickly, as this is crucial for the Business Development Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Data Savvy
Since the role involves interpreting datasets and using CRM tools, brush up on your data analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform business decisions and drive growth in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Values
ESPO values commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Think of instances where you've demonstrated these values in your work. Be ready to share how you can contribute to their mission and support diverse customer needs.
