Business Development Manager in Westbury

Robert Half is exclusively partnering with T-Shirt & Sons on this newly created role, reporting to the Commercial Director.

Salary: Circa £50,000 base + bonus, DOE

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

Location: Preferably local (South West based), however remote working considered.

Company Overview: T-Shirt & Sons produce quality printed clothing and accessories for high-profile clients across the globe within the retail, art, music and charity sectors. As the largest Direct-to-Garment printer in Europe, they are wholly owned by Polyconcept, the world's largest promotional product supplier. Principal offices are based in Westbury, Wiltshire, with additional manufacturing at the Polyconcept site in Poland.

The Opportunity: This is a brand-new role for T-Shirt & Sons, created to capitalise on a clear growth opportunity within the education sector. As the first person in this post, you'll have genuine scope to shape the role, build the pipeline from the ground up and make it your own. You'll take the lead on generating new business and developing relationships across schools, universities and school travel companies, promoting customised products including leavers hoodies, water bottles, clothing and personalised merchandise for school leavers, school trips and university groups. Working closely with the Commercial Director and internal teams, you'll identify opportunities, present solutions via T-shirt & Sons' proprietary education-sector software, prepare quotations, and convert opportunities into sales while delivering an excellent customer experience throughout.

Main Purpose of the Role:

• Develop strong working relationships with schools, universities and educational organisations, maximising sales and engagement.
• Understand customer requirements, budgets, deadlines and personalisation needs, recommending suitable products and solutions.
• Develop new business opportunities, onboard new customers and manage accounts from initial enquiry through to successful order completion.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure products and services are delivered accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contact and visit schools to promote the company's range of customised leavers and trip products.
• Generate and develop new business across schools, universities and school travel companies.
• Build relationships with teachers, school administrators, PTA members and trip organisers.
• Identify customer requirements, budgets, deadlines and personalisation needs.
• Present products clearly and professionally, including design, pricing and ordering options.
• Prepare quotations, follow up leads and close sales opportunities.
• Manage customer accounts from enquiry through to order completion.
• Provide creative solutions and recommendations based on customer needs.
• Arrange presentations and meetings to support business development.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure products continue to meet customer needs.
• Represent the business at industry events, exhibitions and trade shows where required.
• Maintain accurate sales records and meet or exceed sales targets.
• Manage time, workload and business development activities effectively to achieve objectives.

Person Specification:

• Experienced field sales or business development professional.
• Confident communicating with businesses, organisations and key decision makers.
• Highly organised, self-motivated and target focused.
• Skilled at building strong, lasting customer relationships.
• An effective negotiator and presenter with excellent communication skills.
• Commercially minded with a proactive approach to growth opportunities.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Detail-oriented when managing personalised products, artwork requirements, names, sizes and delivery deadlines.
• A collaborative team player who works effectively across departments.

Knowledge & Experience:

Essential:

• Proven field sales experience.
• Strong track record of generating leads and closing sales.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Sales and/or Business Development.
• Excellent relationship building, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Understanding of the complexities involved in selling customised products.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable:

• Experience selling to schools, universities, groups, clubs or organisations.
• Experience within customised merchandise, promotional products, clothing or branded products.