Business Development Manager

Overview

In this Regional Business Development Manager role, you will drive new business in the Northampton and Leicester region, engaging with local companies to understand their needs and present forklift and materials handling solutions. You will operate autonomously in the field, building a portfolio of prospects and guiding smaller deals through to close, with larger opportunities handed to Area Sales Managers. The position offers training, progression into an Area Sales Manager role, and a clear path within an expanding business. Your work will shape regional growth by expanding the customer base and nurturing lasting relationships.

Pay / Benefits

• Circa 30,000 basic salary
• Commission scheme
• 24 days holiday + bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Full training and ongoing personal development
• Clear progression opportunities into an Area Sales Manager role

Responsibilities

• Generate new business through proactive prospecting and face-to-face visits
• Identify and approach potential customers across the territory
• Door knock, network, generate referrals, and conduct local market research
• Build relationships with new and existing customers
• Understand customer requirements and identify opportunities for forklift hire, sales, service, and parts
• Follow up leads and maintain regular contact with prospects
• Prepare quotations and progress opportunities to agreement
• Identify and qualify larger opportunities before handing over to Area Sales Managers
• Gather market and customer information to identify new opportunities
• Maintain accurate CRM records of contact, activity, opportunities, and follow-ups
• Use CRM to manage pipeline and prioritise activity
• Plan territory effectively and manage diary and call cycles
• Collaborate with wider sales team to maximise opportunities

Key requirements

• Previous experience in sales, business development, customer service, recruitment, retail, or another customer-facing role
• Confident approaching new people and starting conversations
• Comfortable speaking to customers at different levels
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Driven by achieving targets and winning new business
• Resilient and able to deal with rejection
• Proactive and willing to go into the market to create opportunities
• Commercially aware with an interest in understanding customer needs
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Confident using Microsoft Office, email, and CRM systems
• Full UK driving licence
• Materials handling or forklift industry experience would be advantageous but not essential
• Right attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn

• Confidence in approaching new people
• Strong communication
• Resilience
• Proactivity
• Microsoft Office
• CRM systems

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