Via
Graduate Business Development Associate
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Salary: £28,000 + bonus
Location: Manchester, M20
Working arrangement: Hybrid
Start date: Flexible
Experience level: Graduate / Entry Level
About the opportunity
Via is partnering with a global professional services business to recruit Graduate Business Development Associates for its growing Manchester team.
This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for graduates who are commercial, confident speaking to people and interested in developing a career in sales, business development or client services.
You'll work with clients who need specialist knowledge to help them make important business decisions. Your job will be to understand what they're looking for, research the market and identify relevant industry professionals who can provide that expertise.
Despite the client-service title, this is a fast-paced, sales and lead-generation focused position. You'll proactively approach professionals, build relationships and persuade suitable experts to participate in client consultations while working towards clear activity and performance targets.
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Previous professional sales experience isn't required. The team is looking for graduates with strong communication skills, commercial drive and the confidence to engage with senior professionals.
What you'll be doing
- Research different companies, industries and markets to identify relevant professionals
- Use LinkedIn, company websites, press releases, case studies and other online sources to find potential experts
- Proactively contact and recruit professionals to join an expert network
- Speak with senior professionals and subject-matter experts across a wide range of industries
- Understand client requests and quickly identify people with the right experience
- Screen potential experts to assess their suitability for specific projects
- Create clear professional profiles to present to clients
- Work closely with Project Managers to deliver against client requirements
- Manage multiple projects and priorities at the same time
- Work towards individual and team KPIs and performance targets
- Develop commercial, sales, research and client-management skills
What we're looking for
You'll need:
- A bachelor's degree in any subject
- The right to work in the UK
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Confidence speaking with new people and building relationships quickly
- An interest in sales, business development, recruitment, research or client services
- Motivation to work towards KPIs and measurable targets
- Strong organisation and time-management skills
- The ability to work at pace and manage competing priorities
- Intellectual curiosity and an interest in learning about different businesses and industries
- A proactive, resilient and results-oriented approach
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Get help with your application
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No previous full-time professional experience is required.
Experience gained through internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, university societies, sports teams, fundraising, hospitality, retail or other customer-facing activities can all be relevant.
Candidates with up to two years of professional experience are also encouraged to apply.
Why apply?
- £28,000 base salary
- Additional bonus opportunity
- Hybrid working in Manchester
- Excellent BUPA medical coverage
- Structured professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to build a career in sales, business development and client services
- Exposure to professionals and businesses across a wide variety of industries
- Regular social events and monthly happy hours
- Summer Fridays
- Company-sponsored sports and team-building events
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Volunteer days
- Supportive, performance-driven working environment
If you're a graduate who enjoys speaking to people, working towards targets and learning about different industries, this is a strong opportunity to start a commercial career in Manchester.
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