Description:
We are dedicated to support our employees to be the best version of themselves both inside and outside of work. We have an extraordinary culture built by exceptional people and it’s because of this that we’ve been recognised as 2nd in Best Companies marketing and media's best agencies to work for, and we’ve just received our 3 star accreditation from Best Companies, making us a World Class company to work for.
The role
We are looking for a Business Development Director to join SMG and lead the acquisition of partnerships across all three of our award-winning commerce marketing agencies. This is a really exciting opportunity for someone to work to unlock new in-market relationships as well as pitching and closing new opportunities.
Our agencies are based across the UK and we operate a hybrid working model, so if you are based in or around one of our main office hub locations (Manchester or London), we want to hear from you!
What you'll be doing
We pride ourselves on creating challenging and exciting opportunities, meaning that no two days are the same. However, here's an idea of what your responsibilities will look like:
- Lead a team to achieve budgeted growth ambitions; meeting or exceeding defined margin targets per agency.
- Support setting financial targets in budgeting moments as requested.
- Provide accurate and insightful reporting of progress towards defined financial targets to SMG's SLT; define and discuss notable trends and actions to fast track the conversion of opportunities.
- Work autonomously across the business development cycle; unlock new in-market relationships as well as pitch and close new opportunities including the development of commercial proposals.
- Use a blend of engagement tactics to drive traction with key contacts including colder outreach, entertainment, events (attendance and co-ordination), awards, content development and distribution etc. Keep a pulse on 'what works' and proactively shape business development tactics accordingly.
- Each SMG agency has clear target prospects and as such the BD team leans on a hyper personalised engagement approach.
- Ensure all sales resources are best in class to support conversion efforts.
- Take a consultative approach to in-market conversations; unlock a detailed understanding of the needs of potential partners and map back key services by agency.
- Work as part of a small, specialist and determined team to knowledge share and maximise opportunities for SMG.
- Work in collaboration with each agency and department lead (Managing Director through to Client Director) to knowledge share insight on in-market barriers to purchase, creating plans to address these.
- Champion Business Development across the group, work to drive excitement for the department across wider colleagues.
- Support SMG's marketing efforts, creating and distributing key content, attending events etc.
- Own/support (scale depending) any up front consultation work with potential partners to sharpen our understanding of needs; this can include interviewing key stakeholders etc.
- Colleague management.
- Make recommendations on team ways of working/structure and deliver aligned changes.
- Make investment recommendations on key tools/in-market partners to fast-track business development.
What you'll need to have / be
- A proven track record of delivering business growth in a fast-paced environment.
- A blend of strong commercial acumen and creative thinking.
- A high degree of autonomy with a drive to succeed.
- A strong problem solving/analytical mind-set, not afraid to challenge the norm.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skill set.