Business Development Manager in Bristol

Are you an agency new business specialist looking for your next opportunity? Can you combine sharp commercial instincts with a real talent for spotting opportunities, building relationships and turning prospects into long-term clients? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Who we are

Based in Bristol, Proctor + Stevenson is a highly respected international marketing agency. We’ve built an enviable reputation around the world over nearly five decades, and we’re looking for someone who can help us take the next leap forward. Clients we work with regularly include Panasonic, Epson, Prysmian, Osborne Clarke, TLT, BMW Financial Services and Daikin. We’re proud to be an independent, friendly, B Corp-certified company that takes care of its staff and offers exciting challenges with room to thrive.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be at the sharp end of our new business activity, identifying and nurturing prospects, managing the pipeline from first contact through to signed contract, and consistently winning new clients for the agency. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record in B2B agency business development, who knows how to spot a genuine opportunity and convert it. It’s a hands-on role, fast-paced and with tight deadlines, but you’ll work with some brilliant B2B brands and have the support of a wider team around you to help win and onboard new business.

• Identifying and nurturing leads: You’ll proactively identify prospects through research, outreach, networking and referrals, building and maintaining a strong, well-qualified pipeline. You’ll nurture those relationships over time, staying close to prospects until the moment is right, and making sure no opportunity slips through the cracks. Working closely with the marketing team, you’ll help shape the marketing funnel, support inbound lead generation activity and ensure marketing and business development efforts are aligned.
• Managing the pipeline: You’ll own the pipeline from end-to-end, qualifying briefs, coordinating internal contributors, crafting tailored proposals, and leading or supporting pitch presentations. You’ll bring rigour and pace to every stage, making sure we put our best foot forward and respond to feedback quickly and intelligently.
• Winning and onboarding new business: Closing the deal is the goal, but it isn’t the end of the job. You’ll handle commercial discussions and negotiations to a successful conclusion, and once a client is on board you’ll ensure a smooth handover to our account management team so the relationship gets off to the strongest possible start.
• Building our profile: You’ll be an active face and voice of Proctors at events and across networks, through in-person networking, LinkedIn and other channels, generating connections, conversations and ultimately new opportunities for the agency.

Requirements

• Must-have: A proven track record in business development within a B2B marketing or creative agency, with demonstrable success in winning new clients and hitting sales targets. Experience working across brand, marketing and technology projects, with a good understanding of how strategy, creative, digital and development teams come together to deliver effective client solutions. Strong experience of identifying, qualifying and nurturing prospects, and generating and managing pipeline. Hands-on experience of running pitch processes and producing high-quality proposals. Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills. A solid understanding of B2B marketing services, on and offline, and the confidence to talk about them with prospective clients. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple opportunities at once without losing the plot.
• Must-be: A natural relationship-builder, passionate about creating a great experience for clients and colleagues. Commercially focused and tenacious, comfortable chasing opportunities and not easily put off. Resilient, practical and a self-starter, comfortable working alone or as part of a team. Highly professional, with a strong sense of confidentiality and discretion. Able to thrive in fast-paced environments and operate successfully where there is ambiguity. Enthusiastic and full of energy (even on a Monday morning!).

What we offer

This is a hybrid role based at our Bristol office, with three days a week in the office and the option of one worked remotely. Alongside a competitive salary based on skills and experience, you’ll enjoy:

• Four-day working (with occasional requirement to work on your fifth day).
• Salary plus commission remuneration package.
• Company EV scheme.
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Company pension scheme, private medical insurance, and healthcare cash plan.
• Maternity and paternity benefits.
• Cycle to work scheme with secure cycle parking.
• Retail and gym discounts, plus access to independent financial advice.
• Frequent social events.

What’s next

If you like the sound of us and have what it takes to help drive our new business efforts, please click apply and send us your CV and a brief covering letter, please include examples of new business wins or pitches you’ve worked on. We’re an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all backgrounds, and we will always seek to consider flexible working options where appropriate.