At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development strategy and drive growth for our Birmingham office.
- Company: Join PKF Smith Cooper, a top accountancy firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a vibrant social scene.
- Other info: Be part of an ambitious team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected firm while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business development and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Birmingham
Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours)
Salary: Dependent on experience
PKF Smith Cooper is one of the Midlands’ leading firms of accountants and business advisers. We combine local expertise with the strength of a national and global network, bringing broader specialist resource, market insight and international reach to the benefit of our clients.
We have ambitious plans for the future, including a goal to double in size over the next few years. Business Development will play a central role in that journey by strengthening our market presence, deepening relationships and converting opportunity into sustainable growth across Birmingham.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile growth agenda within a highly respected firm. You will work closely with senior leadership, with the autonomy to shape activity, build influential relationships and turn market engagement into measurable commercial results.
At PKF Smith Cooper, you will join a firm with strong ambition, a collaborative culture and the platform to make a visible impact. Our values of empower, engage and excel shape how we work with clients and each other, creating an environment where people are trusted to take ownership, contribute ideas and build successful careers.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Director to lead the Business Development agenda for our Birmingham office. This is a senior, relationship focused role with responsibility for driving pipeline growth, revenue generation, market profile and the conversion of opportunities into new work. You will take ownership of the office Business Development budget, CRM, campaigns and events, working closely with Partners and Directors to deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
This role will suit someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and building strong relationships in the market. You will work closely with our team to generate and progress opportunities, further enhance the firm’s profile in the West Midlands and maintain a disciplined approach to follow-up, pipeline management and conversion.
The important work you will be doing:
- Leading and owning the Business Development strategy for the Birmingham office, aligned with firmwide growth plans
- Taking ownership of the office Business Development budget, CRM, campaigns and events programme
- Driving pipeline growth, revenue generation and the conversion of opportunities into new work
- Proactively identifying, pursuing and converting new business opportunities across key sectors and service lines
- Building, managing and nurturing strong relationships with clients, prospects and professional introducers
- Working closely with Partners and Directors to support cross-selling, account development and follow-up activity on priority opportunities
- Planning and delivering targeted campaigns and events that raise the firm's market profile and generate commercial opportunities
- Maintaining accurate pipeline visibility through CRM and using insight to improve focus, activity and conversion
- Increasing the firm's visibility and reputation within the Birmingham market through consistent external engagement and relationship building
- Overseeing and contributing to pitches, proposals and presentation activity
- Providing insight into market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities
- Acting as a visible ambassador for the firm's brand, values and culture
The skills and experience you will bring:
- Proven experience in a senior Business Development role within accountancy, banking, professional services or a similarly relationship-led environment
- A strong track record of driving pipeline growth, winning new work and converting opportunities into revenue
- Experience building credibility and influencing effectively with senior stakeholders, including Partners and Directors
- Commercially astute, with the ability to translate market activity into measurable business outcomes
- Experience owning and managing Business Development activity such as CRM, campaigns, events and budget accountability
- Strong relationship-building skills, with the confidence to represent the firm externally and develop trusted connections with clients, prospects and introducers
- Highly organised, with a disciplined approach to follow-up, pipeline management and opportunity conversion
- Strategic in outlook but hands-on in delivery, with the energy and credibility to make things happen
- A self-starter who is comfortable operating independently in a senior role without line management responsibility
- Excellent communication, influencing and presentation skills
Why join us
This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead the Business Development agenda for one of the Midlands’ most respected accountancy and advisory firms. You will have the autonomy to make a genuine commercial impact, the visibility to work closely with senior leadership and the platform to build profile, pipeline and long-term growth in one of our most important markets.
If you are a commercially minded Business Development leader who enjoys combining strategy, relationship building and hands-on delivery, this role offers the chance to be part of an ambitious firm where your contribution will be recognised and valued.
PKF International
As an active member of PKF International, we are part of a large global network of legally independent accounting firms. Located in the 5 fastest growing global markets, we have ground presence in 150 countries and span across many jurisdictions. PKF is an ambitious and future-focused network that offers a wide array of services. By collaborating with member firms worldwide, we can share ideas, expertise, and specialised resources to enhance our client service.
What's in it for you?
Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values. As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:
- A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme.
- Time to do what matters to you – 30 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the option to reduce annual hours for additional annual leave, and your birthday off, on us.
- Long-serving employees can also request a sabbatical, giving you the chance to make truly unforgettable memories.
- Rewards for those who actively embrace and embody our values and culture through our Kudos Reward Scheme.
- Regular social events and annual, company-wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm.
- Bonus referral schemes for introducing new talent or clients so that when we benefit, you do too.
- Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We also offer life assurance, private medical, discounts on a huge variety of retailers through the PKF Smith Cooper Rewards Scheme, and cashback on healthcare (including dental visits, physiotherapy etc) through Simply Health.
How to apply?
Apply now if you believe you have what we are looking for! Even if you do not tick 100% of the boxes, we would encourage you to apply. To do so, please upload a copy of your CV and a covering letter to our job portal. Should you have any questions, please contact a member of the People team - email careers@pkfsmithcooper.com or call 01332 332021.
Please note that whilst we welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for our vacancies, we are unfortunately unable to accept applications from candidates requiring a visa to work in the UK.
Please, no agencies unless we have contacted you directly.
Business Development Director in Birmingham employer: PKF Smith Cooper
PKF Smith Cooper is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers employees to take ownership of their roles. With a strong focus on professional growth, the firm provides ample opportunities for career advancement, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment that values contributions and fosters meaningful relationships. Located in Birmingham, you will be at the heart of one of the Midlands' most respected accountancy firms, where your impact on business development will be both visible and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Director in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, seminars, and local meetups in Birmingham. The more people you connect with, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Director role. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences at PKF Smith Cooper and express your interest in the position. This shows initiative and can help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and market presence. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their growth plans. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can drive their business forward.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from your conversation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your commitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Director in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Director role. Highlight your experience in driving pipeline growth and building relationships, as these are key for us at PKF Smith Cooper.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully converted opportunities into revenue and how you can contribute to our ambitious growth plans.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:We want to see your strategic mindset! In your application, mention how you've previously aligned business development strategies with overall company goals, especially in a relationship-driven environment like accountancy or professional services.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our job portal! It's the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PKF Smith Cooper
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Development Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial metrics and growth strategies. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the role, such as revenue growth rates and client acquisition costs, so you can speak confidently about how you've driven results in the past.
✨Build Your Story
Prepare a compelling narrative that showcases your experience in business development. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully converted opportunities into revenue, built strong relationships, and contributed to strategic growth. This will help you connect with the interviewers and illustrate your fit for the role.
✨Research the Firm
Dive deep into PKF Smith Cooper's values, recent projects, and market position. Understanding their ambitions and culture will allow you to tailor your responses and show how your vision aligns with theirs. Plus, it demonstrates genuine interest, which is always a plus in interviews.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions. Ask about their growth plans, how they measure success in business development, or what challenges they foresee in the Birmingham market. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
