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- Tasks: Build relationships and drive sales in the automotive aftermarket across the South and South East.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Field-based role with travel, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career progression and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the automotive industry while enjoying a flexible and engaging role.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in business development with strong automotive knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Business Development Specialist to support commercial growth and strengthen customer relationships across the South and South East region within the automotive aftermarket sector. This is a field-based role covering the purple territory shown on the regional coverage map, including areas across the South Coast, South West, London, Kent, Essex, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, and surrounding regions.
We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running — someone practical, approachable, and comfortable working directly with independent garages and trade customers. This role is ideal for someone with strong automotive parts knowledge who can build trust and credibility quickly without being overly corporate in their approach.
The Role:
As a Business Development Specialist, you will spend approximately 85% of your time visiting garages, distributors, and customers across your designated territory. Working closely with sales, logistics, technical, and marketing teams, you will play a key role in strengthening customer engagement, identifying business opportunities, and supporting long-term commercial growth across the region. The role will involve regular travel throughout the territory, including approximately 1–2 nights away from home per week.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with garages, distributors, and existing customers
- Identify opportunities to increase sales volume and customer loyalty
- Support regional commercial strategy and business growth
- Visit garages and customer sites regularly across the purple territory
- Work closely with sales, logistics, technical, and marketing teams
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends
- Attend customer meetings, trade shows, and regional events
- Maintain accurate reporting through CRM systems
- Provide market insights and recommendations to improve customer experience and business performance
What We’re Looking For:
Experience:
- 3–5 years’ experience within a business development or field sales role
- Strong automotive aftermarket industry background
- Good automotive parts knowledge and understanding of garage environments
- Experience working within fast-paced, customer-facing environments
- Comfortable managing a regional territory independently
Technical Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of the automotive aftermarket sector
- Knowledge of digital technologies, online platforms, data analytics, and AI tools advantageous
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficient using Microsoft Office and CRM systems
Skills & Attributes:
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Practical and personable approach
- Comfortable engaging directly with garages and trade customers
- Strong organisational and time-management ability
- Commercially focused and customer driven
- Proactive, adaptable, and collaborative mindset
Additional Information:
- Field-based role covering the purple regional territory
- Approximately 1–2 nights away from home per week
- Excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking and innovative organisation
- Long-term career development and progression opportunities available
Business Development Specialist employer: The Lanes Group
Contact Detail:
The Lanes Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meet-ups. It's all about making connections and showing your face in the automotive aftermarket scene.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. Be proactive! Reach out to garages and distributors in your area, introduce yourself, and see how you can help them grow their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media to showcase your expertise. Share insights about market trends or tips for garages. This not only builds your credibility but also keeps you on the radar of potential clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who can hit the ground running. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Development Specialist. Highlight your experience in the automotive aftermarket and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to build relationships and drive sales.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with customers and contributed to business growth in previous positions.
Showcase Your Knowledge: We want to see your understanding of the automotive industry! Mention any relevant technical knowledge or experience with digital technologies and CRM systems that can set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Lanes Group
✨Know Your Territory
Familiarise yourself with the South and South East region, especially the areas you'll be covering. Research local garages, distributors, and any key players in the automotive aftermarket sector. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the market and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Automotive Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience in the automotive aftermarket. Highlight specific examples where your knowledge of automotive parts and garage environments has led to successful outcomes. This will help build trust and credibility with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Think of examples from your past roles where you've successfully built relationships with customers or clients. Be ready to explain how you approach relationship-building in a practical and personable way, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Prepare scenarios where you've had to identify business opportunities or respond to market trends. This will showcase your analytical abilities and your proactive mindset, which are key for success in this role.