At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships and support motor trade businesses across Scotland.
- Company: Join the Scottish Motor Trade Association, a leading body in the motor trade since 1903.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping businesses thrive in the motor trade.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for customer service.
- Other info: Dynamic role with training provided and excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
About the Scottish Motor Trade Association
Formed in 1903, the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) was established to “encourage, promote and protect” the interests of Scotland’s motor trade - a purpose that continues to guide us more than 120 years later. Today, the SMTA is Scotland’s largest motor trade body, representing over 1,300 members across the country. We represent the full spectrum of businesses, from the largest motor groups and franchised dealerships to small independent garages, MOT stations, and sole traders in some of the most remote parts of the country.
About the role
We’re looking for Business Development Consultants to support and engage with our members across Scotland. This is a relationship-led, advisory role focused on helping motor trade businesses get the most from their SMTA membership. You’ll act as a trusted point of contact for members within your region, providing guidance, identifying opportunities to add value, and offering specialist advice in one of the following areas:
- HR
- Health & Safety
- Consumer Law
Key responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with SMTA members
- Act as a primary point of contact for member queries and support needs
- Provide specialist advice and guidance aligned to your area of expertise (HR, Health & Safety, or Consumer Law) – training will be provided for this
- Identify and engage prospective new members, clearly communicating the value and benefits of SMTA membership
- Monitor and report on member engagement, member feedback, trends, challenges, and opportunities, and feed these back internally
- Promote SMTA services, benefits, and initiatives in a consistent and professional manner
- Support the planning and delivery of regional events, seminars, training sessions, and conferences
- Deliver or support member training sessions relevant to your skillset
- Ensure that members understand and are in compliance with relevant regulations and association policies
- Encourage best practice and support members in understanding relevant regulations and SMTA policies
Specialist training will be provided by SMTA to support your development in this role.
We’re looking for someone with
- Strong and clear communication and relationship-building skills
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to resolve conflict, and solve problems
- Confidence presenting, hosting events, and engaging groups
- Technologically competent – confident communicating by email, social media, Microsoft Teams, and via calls.
- Relationship management skills
- Team player – happy to support colleagues, and collaborate with others
- Proactive – will work independently and proactively make suggestions to better support members
- Experience in automotive industry or a member organisation
- Interest in HR, consumer law or health and safety
- Experience hosting events
- Sales or customer service experience
Salary is banded between £30,000 – £40,000 dependent on experience. Applications close on 15th February 2026, but may close sooner if the role receives high interest. This role will mostly be office based, but will require some travel to clients, meetings and events.
Business Development Consultant employer: Scottish Motor Trade Association Ltd (SMTA)
Contact Detail:
Scottish Motor Trade Association Ltd (SMTA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the motor trade. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. Building relationships is key to landing that Business Development Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or members, make sure to highlight your knowledge in HR, Health & Safety, or Consumer Law. Share insights and offer advice – it’ll show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can genuinely add value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s for a casual conversation or a formal presentation, being able to clearly communicate the benefits of SMTA membership is crucial. Rehearse what you want to say so you can deliver it confidently when the opportunity arises.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, and applying directly gives you a better chance to stand out. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the SMTA team and supporting our members across Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Consultant role. Highlight your experience in relationship management and any relevant skills that align with the job description, like customer service or knowledge of HR, Health & Safety, or Consumer Law.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role is all about building relationships, we want to see how you communicate. Use clear and concise language in your application, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients or resolved conflicts in the past.
Demonstrate Your Proactivity: We love a proactive approach! In your application, mention instances where you took the initiative to improve processes or support members. This will show us that you're not just waiting for tasks but are eager to make a positive impact.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can consider you for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Motor Trade Association Ltd (SMTA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Scottish Motor Trade Association's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their services and how they support members in the motor trade. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Since this role is all about building relationships, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Think about specific situations where you resolved conflicts or provided exceptional customer service.
✨Be Proactive in Your Approach
Demonstrate your proactive nature by coming up with ideas on how to engage members or improve services. This could be anything from new training sessions to innovative ways to communicate with members. It shows you're thinking ahead and ready to contribute.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
As you'll be hosting events and engaging groups, practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a mini-presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your skills during the interview. This will highlight your confidence and ability to communicate effectively.
