At a Glance
- Tasks: Kickstart partnerships by researching and engaging with potential corporate partners.
- Company: Join the Women Automotive Network, a global community empowering women in the automotive industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, and hands-on training with industry experts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with clear progression into higher sales positions.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind impactful partnerships and grow your career in sales.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years in business development or sales support with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for a Business Development Specialist to help us grow our network of corporate partners. This role sits at the very start of our partnership journey. You’ll be the person opening doors, starting thoughtful conversations, and helping organisations understand how they can engage with and support the Women Automotive Network. It’s a great opportunity for someone who enjoys outreach, research, and early-stage relationship building and who wants to grow into a long-term career in partnerships or sales.
The role involves supporting the growth of our corporate membership, sponsorships, and partnerships by:
- Researching and identifying relevant organisations and decision-makers
- Running structured outbound outreach (email, LinkedIn, calls)
- Starting early conversations to understand company priorities and fit
- Qualifying inbound and outbound leads
- Booking introductory and discovery calls for senior team members
- Keeping the CRM organised and up to date
- Following up consistently to maintain engagement
- Sharing simple feedback from the market (questions, objections, trends)
- Supporting light sales admin and proposal follow-up when needed
What we’re looking for:
- 1–3 years’ experience in business development, sales support, SDR, or lead generation roles
- Strong written and spoken English
- Clear, confident communication across email, LinkedIn, and phone
- Good organisation and time management skills
- A proactive, reliable mindset with strong follow-through
What we offer:
- Competitive salary plus uncapped commission
- Hands-on exposure to partnership sales with global brands
- Training and close collaboration with experienced sales professionals
- Clear progression into Sales Executive, Account Management, or Partnership roles
About us: The Women Automotive Network is a global community of over 50,000 professionals across 100 countries, connecting women and allies throughout the automotive industry. We partner with organisations worldwide to support talent development, visibility, and commercial growth through events, memberships, and partnerships. If this sounds like the kind of role you’d enjoy growing into, we’d love to hear from you.
Business Development Executive employer: Women Automotive Network
The Women Automotive Network is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth. As a Business Development Executive, you'll enjoy competitive compensation, uncapped commission, and hands-on training with seasoned sales professionals, all while contributing to a meaningful mission of empowering women in the automotive industry. With clear pathways for career advancement into roles such as Sales Executive or Account Management, this position provides a unique opportunity to make impactful connections within a global community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive
✨Get Ready to Network Like a Pro!
Sales is all about connections, so dive into local networking events or sales meetups in your area. These gatherings are goldmines for making contacts and showcasing your enthusiasm. It’s a great chance to meet people from companies like Women Automotive Network who could be looking for fresh talent!
✨Polish Your Pitch
In sales, your communication skills matter just as much as your resumé. Practise your elevator pitch until you can recite it confidently. When you go to those networking events, be ready to sell yourself as the ideal candidate for the entry-level role at Women Automotive Network!
✨Leverage Social Media for Sales Roles
Follow and engage with industry leaders and influencers on LinkedIn or Twitter. Share your insights or interesting articles related to sales to get noticed. When hiring managers at Women Automotive Network see you’re active in the sales community, it adds a bonus touch to your application!
✨Show Your Passion in Creative Ways
Consider creating a short video or writing a blog about why you're excited about a career in sales and what skills you bring to the table. Not only does it show creativity, but it can really set you apart when applying for that entry-level role at Women Automotive Network!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Sales Savvy:When applying for an entry-level role in sales or business development, it’s important to highlight any relevant experience, even if it's from part-time jobs or internships. Showcase your ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and handle objections, as these skills are crucial for success in sales.
Quantify Your Achievements:Even if you don’t have much formal experience yet, try to present your accomplishments in a way that showcases your potential. Use numbers to describe your efforts – maybe you assisted with a campaign that increased social media engagement by a certain percentage? This can help us at Women Automotive Network see the impact you could have in our team.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a great chance to express your enthusiasm for the role at Women Automotive Network. Share why you're excited about starting your sales career and what specifically about our company or projects appeals to you. This personal touch can really make you stand out in the applicant pool.
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While applying for an entry-level position, maintain a friendly and approachable tone in your application, especially in your CV and cover letter. Remember, we're looking for potential and attitude as much as experience. Show us your personality while being credible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Women Automotive Network
✨Know Your Stuff About Sales Techniques
Get familiar with popular sales methodologies, like SPIN selling or the Challenger Sales Model. Having a good grasp of these will not only impress the interviewers at Women Automotive Network, but it’ll also show that you’re eager to learn and ready to jump into this entry-level role!
✨Prepare Your Persuasive Pitch
As you're applying for a sales position, be ready to showcase your persuasion skills. Try preparing a brief elevator pitch about yourself that emphasises not just your background, but what you can bring to Women Automotive Network. It's all about selling yourself!
✨Showcase Relevant Projects or Experiences
Even if you haven't worked in sales before, think about any relevant school projects, internships, or part-time jobs where you used customer service or negotiation skills. Be ready to discuss these in the interview as practical examples of how you’ve handled situations that are relevant to Business Development Executive.
✨Understand the Product and Market
Dive into Women Automotive Network's products and the market they operate in. You might face questions about how you'd approach selling a specific product or how you perceive the competition. Show that you've done your homework and you're already thinking like a salesperson!
