Business Development Manager

The Role

Bud is a world class SaaS platform at the heart of organisations driving the skills agenda in post-16 education. Founded in 2017 to serve the apprenticeship training market, Bud manages almost 100,000 users across an enviable portfolio of training providers and employers. We have recently invested further in our proposition to capitalise on the expansion of funded qualifications in the UK.

With an annual growth rate of approximately 30%, we are looking for a dynamic Business Development Manager to take a lead role in driving revenue growth within the Mid-Market segment. In this position, you will be responsible for sourcing and closing business opportunities by engaging with potential clients, understanding their needs, and effectively showcasing the value of our solutions. While some self-sourcing will be required, you will have strong support from a steady flow of Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) and Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs). This role offers a fantastic opportunity for career progression in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Main Responsibilities

Lead Generation & Qualification: Identify and qualify potential leads through a combination of outbound prospecting, inbound enquiries, and support from the marketing team. Utilise MQLs and SQLs to effectively build and manage a robust sales pipeline.

Prospect Engagement: Initiate and nurture relationships with prospects using various communication channels, including phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings. Develop a strong understanding of client needs to tailor your approach and present our solutions effectively.

Solution Presentation: Conduct tailored presentations to showcase our platform, directly addressing client needs and demonstrating how our solution can resolve their challenges. Clearly articulate the features, benefits, and value propositions of our offerings to potential clients.

Sales Process Management: Drive the full sales process from initial contact to closing deals. Collaborate with senior sales team members on strategic proposals and support client meetings to ensure a seamless experience.

CRM Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all client interactions and activities within the CRM system to ensure a streamlined sales process. (We use Hubspot)

Market & Industry Insight: Stay informed on industry trends, competitor activities, and product developments to continuously enhance your knowledge and effectiveness in the role.

Collaboration & Compliance: Work closely with the SDR and marketing teams to leverage lead generation efforts. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, legal requirements, and company policies in all business development activities.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in a sales role, such as Business Development Manager, Account Executive, or Sales Development Representative.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.

• Eagerness to grow within a sales-focused role, particularly within the SaaS industry.

• Demonstrated ability to achieve and exceed sales targets.

• A proactive, optimistic mindset with a "there’s always a way" approach to problem-solving.

• Experience managing the full sales cycle, from lead generation to closing deals, including working with MQLs and SQLs.

This role provides a unique opportunity to significantly impact our growth strategy while advancing your career in a forward-thinking, supportive environment. You will receive comprehensive support from the SDR team to drive lead generation and help build a strong sales pipeline.

The Team

You will be a member of the Sales and Marketing team, committed to delivering and exceeding sales targets.

The Perks

We only want to attract the best for this critical role at a pivotal time in Bud’s development. For the right candidate, we are offering:

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 29 days (FTE) with service.

• Additional day’s holiday for your birthday.

• Hybrid working.

• Life Assurance.

• Private healthcare.

• Company Contributory pension scheme.

• Free on-site gym.

• Ongoing personal development opportunities.