At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business, build client relationships, and lead impactful meetings.
- Company: Outthought, a creative agency with a focus on branding and visual communications.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission structure, hybrid working, and networking expenses covered.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy a high degree of freedom in your role.
- Why this job: Shape the agency's growth and make a real impact in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in B2B sales or business development; love for prospecting is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The opportunity
Outthought is a branding and visual communications agency built around senior level expertise. We handle complex briefs, transform brand identities, and produce both digital and traditional creative work that actually moves the needle for clients across a range of sectors including financial services, housing/property, professional services and more. We have strong foundations and great work, a clear positioning, and a roster of clients we're proud of. Now we're pushing hard to grow. We're looking for a BDM who is energised by prospecting, building pipeline, and winning new business. This is a sales-led role with some account management responsibility.
The role at a glance
- Outbound prospecting & new client acquisition
- Driving new business to meet revenue targets
- Networking and developing client relationships
- Key sectors: Financial services, property/housing, professional services
- Reporting to the Creative Director
Day to day responsibilities
- Own the outbound pipeline. Build and work a structured prospect list using tools like Apollo. Identify the right contacts, run personalised outreach sequences, and consistently generate first conversations.
- Book and lead new business meetings. You're the first impression. You'll conduct intro calls and first-stage pitches, qualifying opportunity and setting the table for the creative team to win.
- Develop sector strategy. Work with the Creative Director to identify priority sectors, specific target businesses, and the most effective routes to market.
- Manage and grow a CRM. Keep HubSpot current. Own the pipeline from first touch to proposal.
- Build partnerships and referral channels. Identify and develop relationships with e.g. PR agencies, marketing consultants, and other collaborators.
- Identify networking and industry events worth attending and represent Outthought in those rooms.
- Leverage your own business networks to identify prospects.
- Brief the creative team on new client requirements and support the production of proposals, pitches, and scoping documents.
- Advise on social and content strategy to support the agency's broader business development presence.
About you
- Proven experience in new business, B2B sales, or business development.
- Experience within a creative, design, or marketing agency context highly desirable although not essential.
- A genuine love of prospecting. Cold outreach doesn't faze you. You know how to research a target, craft a compelling message, and follow through with winning sequences.
- Comfortable with HubSpot (or a comparable CRM). Ideally, you've managed pipelines, and worked with buyer intent features.
- Familiar with Apollo or similar prospecting tools. You know how to build a list, run a sequence, and iterate based on results.
- Sharp, credible and confident communicator, written and verbal. You'll be talking to Marketing Directors, CFOs, and CEOs.
- Broad understanding of branding and design in a business context is hugely beneficial.
- Commercially minded with an understanding of deal economics, proposal structures, and how to move a conversation from interest to signed contract.
Tools
- HubSpot (preferred) or other CRM
- Apollo.io (preferred) or other prospecting tools
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft suite
Note: We are AI forward and welcome its use in streamlining processes, speeding up tasks and enhancing efficiency. However, we are seeking a candidate that can use their own judgement and insight to ensure that any AI led processes are fully assessed and edited to meet real world situations. We don’t pass off unedited AI content as our own and always carry out thorough review when using these tools. Whilst the use of AI is very much welcome, you should be able to functionally do your job without it if required.
What we offer
- Competitive salary
- Commission structure tied to new business revenue
- Expenses covered: networking events, membership organisations, client travel.
- Hybrid working 4 days in our central Norwich studio and 1 day from home
- A genuinely nice place to work. Small friendly and experienced team.
- A high degree of freedom to shape the role.
- The chance to shape the agency's growth trajectory from the ground up with potential to convert to director level role.
To apply
Please provide your CV along with a cover note describing how you would approach the first 90 days in this role. Tell us who you are, what you've sold, and why this kind of agency role appeals to you.
Outthought is an equal opportunities employer. Outthought is a trading name of Think Marketing Ltd. Registered in England and Wales.
Business Development Manager Agency / Creative in Norwich employer: Outthought
Outthought is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture in the heart of Norwich. With a competitive salary, commission structure tied to new business revenue, and a hybrid working model, employees enjoy a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and creativity. The opportunity to shape the agency's growth trajectory and the potential for career advancement to a director level role make it an attractive place for driven professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager Agency / Creative in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Attend industry events and connect with potential clients. Remember, it's all about building relationships, so don’t be shy to introduce yourself and share what you do.
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage LinkedIn like a pro! Use it to research your target companies and reach out to decision-makers. A personalised message can go a long way in making a great first impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Own your outreach strategy! Create a structured prospect list and use tools like Apollo to keep track of your progress. Consistency is key, so make sure you're following up and refining your approach based on what works.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your wins! When you land a meeting or close a deal, share that success with your network. It builds credibility and keeps you top of mind for future opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager Agency / Creative in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain how you’d tackle the first 90 days in the role. Be specific about your strategies and show us your enthusiasm for the agency world.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV. Highlight your relevant experience in new business and B2B sales, especially if you've worked in creative or marketing agencies. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be dealing with high-level clients, make sure your written application reflects your sharp communication skills. Keep it professional yet personable – we want to get a sense of who you are!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outthought
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Outthought's work and their client sectors. Familiarise yourself with their branding projects and understand how they transform identities. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Prospecting Skills
Prepare examples of your past successes in outbound prospecting and new client acquisition. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used, tools like Apollo or HubSpot that you've mastered, and how you’ve built relationships that led to successful deals.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Business Development Manager, you'll be speaking with high-level executives. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use role-play scenarios to simulate conversations with Marketing Directors or CFOs, showcasing your ability to engage and persuade.
✨Bring Your Networking Game
Think about networking events you've attended and how you've leveraged those opportunities. Be prepared to discuss how you would represent Outthought at industry events and what strategies you’d use to build partnerships and referral channels.
