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 automotive sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, specialist training, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping members thrive in the motor trade industry.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € 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 in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Motor Trade Association Ltd (SMTA)
The Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its Business Development Consultants. With a strong focus on employee growth, SMTA offers comprehensive training in areas such as HR, Health & Safety, and Consumer Law, ensuring that team members are well-equipped to provide valuable guidance to our diverse membership across Scotland. Additionally, the opportunity to engage with a wide range of businesses, from large motor groups to independent garages, makes this role both meaningful and rewarding, all while being part of an organisation that has been championing the motor trade for over 120 years.
Contact Detail:
Scottish Motor Trade Association Ltd (SMTA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Consultant in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to meet potential employers and make connections. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in reaching out! Don’t wait for job postings to appear; contact companies directly to express your interest. A friendly email or a quick call can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Share insights related to HR, Health & Safety, or Consumer Law to demonstrate your knowledge and attract attention from recruiters.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to landing that Business Development Consultant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Consultant in Edinburgh
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, demonstrate your strong communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients or resolved conflicts in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you have experience in the automotive industry or working with member organisations, make sure to bring that to the forefront. We want to see how your background can add value to our members and the SMTA as a whole.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive, which is exactly what we’re looking for!
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 new members or improve existing member services. This shows that you're not just looking to fill a role but are genuinely interested in contributing to the organisation's success.
✨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.
