Business Development Executive
Business Development Executive

Business Development Executive

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Wilsons Auctions

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive new business growth and secure vendor contracts through engaging conversations.
  • Company: Join Wilsons Auctions, a leader in the auction industry with a dynamic team.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make an impact by building relationships and promoting innovative auction services.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to business development.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career advancement.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

The Business Development Executive is responsible for driving new business growth, securing vendor contracts, and strengthening Wilsons Auctions commercial relationships through conversation, use of UK wide coverage and referral schemes. The role focuses on identifying opportunities, generating leads, pitching services to potential vendors, and managing vendor accounts to ensure contractual expectations, including KPIs, reporting obligations, and service levels are consistently met.

Key Objective of Role

  • Business Development & Lead Generation
    • Identify, research, and secure new business opportunities.
    • Generate and convert leads into long-term vendor contracts or referral partnerships.
    • Manage and maintain the diary and appointments, ensuring full transparency with management.
  • Vendor & Client Relationship Management
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing vendors.
    • Communicate product and service developments to vendors and prospects.
    • Ensure all contractual requirements, including KPIs, reporting and service levels, are met.
  • Strategic Promotion & Marketing Support
    • Promote Wilsons Auctions' services in collaboration with marketing colleagues.
    • Professionally represent the company during external engagements.
  • Cross Departmental Collaboration
    • Liaise with relevant departmental managers only when required for client engagement, account support or contract fulfilment.
    • Share client-related information with appropriate teams to support delivery.
  • Administration & Reporting
    • Maintain accurate client and prospect information within the auction management system.
    • Provide commercial and operational updates to the department lead(s).

Essential Criteria

  • Core Commercial & Relationship Skills
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
    • High levels of organisation and goal-driven planning.
    • Resilience, motivation, and the ability to influence and negotiate.
    • Understanding of service level agreements and KPI-driven contract performance.
    • Commitment to continuous professional development.
    • Creative and proactive approach to identifying new routes to market.
  • Knowledge of Auction Operations
    • Strong understanding of auction processes, including vendor intake, catalogue deadlines, sale preparation requirements, and post-sale procedures.
    • Ability to explain auction formats and recommend the best route to market for different asset categories.
    • Aware of auction compliance requirements and industry-specific customer expectations.
  • Trade & Dealer Market Awareness
    • Understanding of trade buyer behaviours, pricing trends, seasonal fluctuations, and market appetite across vehicle, plant, machinery, and commercial asset categories.
    • Ability to engage credibly with trade buyers, franchised dealers, independent traders, fleet operators, insolvency professionals, asset managers, and government bodies.
    • Knowledge of asset appraisal considerations (age, mileage/hours, provenance, condition levels) to support informed conversations with vendors.
  • Commercial Insight Into Asset Valuation
    • Ability to identify when external appraisal or engineering input is required.
    • Understanding of typical value-impacting factors across different property & land types, enabling confident discussion with vendors and referral partners.
  • Regulatory & Compliance Awareness
    • Understanding of documentation standards (AML documentation, Preparation of Legal Packs, Home Report, Vendor Agreements), relevant to auctioning property.
  • Stakeholder & Vendor Confidence Building
    • Ability to guide new vendors through the auction process with clarity and professionalism.
    • Proven capability to manage expectations around pricing, reserve setting, sale results, and realistic market conditions as well as sourcing leads and generating into a signed vendor agreement ready for auction.

Hours of Work - Monday to Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Business Development Executive employer: Wilsons Auctions

Wilsons Auctions is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, ideal for Business Development Executives looking to thrive in a fast-paced environment. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, employees benefit from continuous development opportunities and the chance to build meaningful relationships with vendors across the UK. Located in a vibrant area, the company offers a collaborative atmosphere where innovation is encouraged, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
Wilsons Auctions

Contact Detail:

Wilsons Auctions Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Wilsons Auctions, their services, and recent news. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what they do.

✨Tip Number 2

Networking is key! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. Plus, it could lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Business Development Executive. Highlight your experience in lead generation and relationship management to make a strong impression.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After any interviews or networking chats, send a thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive

Business Development
Lead Generation
Vendor Relationship Management
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Organisational Skills
KPI Management
Auction Operations Knowledge
Market Awareness
Asset Valuation Insight
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Stakeholder Management
Proactive Problem-Solving
Client Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Executive role. Highlight your experience in lead generation and vendor relationship management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about business development and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive new business growth.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong interpersonal skills are essential for this role, make sure your application reflects your communication style. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, let us see how you can engage and build relationships with vendors and clients.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining the StudySmarter team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wilsons Auctions

✨Know Your Auction Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of auction processes and vendor management. Understand the key aspects like vendor intake, catalogue deadlines, and post-sale procedures. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also have a solid grasp of what it entails.

✨Show Off Your People Skills

As a Business Development Executive, strong interpersonal skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Think about times when you influenced or negotiated successfully – these stories will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Be Goal-Driven

This role is all about driving new business growth, so come prepared to discuss your goal-setting strategies. Share specific KPIs you've met in the past and how you achieved them. This will demonstrate your motivation and resilience, which are key traits for success in this position.

✨Research the Market

Familiarise yourself with current trends in the trade and dealer market, especially regarding vehicle and asset categories. Being able to discuss pricing trends and seasonal fluctuations will show that you’re proactive and ready to engage credibly with potential vendors.

Business Development Executive
Wilsons Auctions

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