Business Development Associate
Business Development Associate

Business Development Associate

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
SGS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales success by managing customer enquiries and supporting business development activities.
  • Company: Join SGS, the global leader in testing and certification with a commitment to sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, private medical cover, and generous annual leave.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that drives growth and builds client relationships.
  • Qualifications: Sales experience or relevant degree, plus a full clean driving licence.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.

SGS’s C&P (Consumer and Products) services help businesses ensure product safety, quality, and compliance through testing, inspection, certification, and auditing—covering everything from manufacturing to distribution across various consumer goods sectors.

Join our EMC business as a Business Development Associate, where you will play a key role in strengthening our sales operations and driving commercial success. You will manage customer enquiries, prepare accurate quotations, and support the full enquiry‑to‑order process. Working closely with marketing and wider teams, you will help deliver growth through strategic business development activities. Although focused on the North West region, UK travel may be required to meet customer and business needs.

  • Manage customer enquiries, produce accurate and timely quotations, process orders, and support continuous improvement across sales operations.
  • Identify and engage potential new clients through targeted outreach, networking events, and collaboration with the marketing team to deliver growth strategies.
  • Drive commercial success by improving enquiry‑to‑order conversion rates, generating new business revenue, and creating compelling business cases for SGS services.
  • Maintain accurate reporting and documentation in Salesforce, preparing business plans, progress updates, and supporting responsible sales practices as required.
  • Conduct market research, maintain industry knowledge, and develop strong client relationships while collaborating with internal teams to support strategic planning and delivery.

Qualifications

  • Sales qualification, or time served to demonstrate experience.
  • Full clean driving licence for use in the UK.
  • Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific, technical, engineering discipline.
  • Customer Service qualification such as NVQ, Practitioner, Institute of Customer Service.

Additional Information

At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:

  • Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
  • Private medical cover (subject to eligibility criteria)
  • Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
  • An additional day off for your birthday
  • Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
  • Length of Service Awards
  • Discounted Gym Membership

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Business Development Associate employer: SGS

At SGS, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the North West, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our generous benefits package, including performance-related bonuses, private medical cover, and enhanced leave allowances, ensuring that our team feels valued and supported. Join us to be part of a company that not only prioritises quality and integrity but also invests in your professional development and well-being.
SGS

Contact Detail:

SGS Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Associate

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with people in the business development space. You never know who might have a lead on your next opportunity.

✨Tip Number 2

Be proactive in reaching out to potential clients. Use LinkedIn to find and engage with decision-makers. A friendly message can go a long way in opening doors!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills by preparing for interviews with real-life examples of how you've driven sales or improved processes. We love to see how you can add value to our team!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining SGS.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Associate

Sales Operations Management
Customer Enquiry Management
Quotation Preparation
Order Processing
Business Development
Client Engagement
Market Research
Salesforce Reporting
Strategic Planning
Networking
Collaboration with Marketing
Relationship Building
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Driving Licence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Associate role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in sales and customer service, and don’t forget to showcase any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive commercial success.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about joining SGS and how your skills align with our mission. Be specific about how you can contribute to strengthening our sales operations.

Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, mention any market research you've conducted or industry knowledge you possess. This shows us that you’re proactive and understand the importance of staying informed in the business development landscape.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.

How to prepare for a job interview at SGS

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand SGS's services and how they relate to business development. Familiarise yourself with their approach to testing, inspection, and certification, especially in the consumer goods sector. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Showcase Your Sales Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to manage customer enquiries and drive sales. Think about specific situations where you improved conversion rates or generated new business revenue. Be ready to discuss these in detail during the interview.

✨Engage with the Team

Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to talk about how you've worked with marketing and other teams in the past. Share examples of successful projects where teamwork led to growth. This shows you’re a team player who can help deliver on SGS’s strategic business development activities.

✨Ask Smart Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the company's growth strategies or how they measure success in the Business Development Associate role. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a better understanding of what’s expected.

Business Development Associate
SGS

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