Via
Graduate Business Development Associate
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Salary: £28,000 + bonus
Location: Manchester, M20
Working arrangement: Hybrid
Start date: Flexible
About the opportunity
Via is supporting our client to recruit Graduate Business Development Associates to join a growing Manchester team.
This is an entry-level opportunity for a graduate looking to start a commercial career. No previous sales experience is required, and candidates from any degree discipline are encouraged to apply. You'll work with businesses that need specialist industry knowledge to help them make better decisions. Your job will be to understand what they're looking for, research the market and identify relevant professionals who can provide the expertise they need.
The role combines business development, research, relationship building and project delivery. You'll speak with professionals across a wide range of industries while developing highly transferable commercial skills.
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What you'll be doing
- Research companies, industries and professionals to find people with the right expertise
- Reach out to potential experts and introduce them to relevant opportunities
- Speak with professionals over the phone, email and LinkedIn
- Build relationships and grow a network of industry experts
- Understand client requirements and translate them into effective searches
- Screen potential experts to understand their experience and suitability
- Create professional profiles to present suitable experts to clients
- Work closely with Project Managers to deliver client requests
- Manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Work towards clear activity and performance targets
- Develop your commercial, communication, research and business development skills
What we're looking for
This role is designed for people at the beginning of their careers, so you don't need extensive professional experience.
We're looking for:
- A bachelor's degree in any subject
- The right to work in the UK
- Strong communication skills and confidence speaking with new people
- An outgoing and proactive approach
- Good organisation and time-management skills
- Curiosity and an interest in learning about different businesses and industries
- Motivation to work towards targets and measurable goals
- The ability to work at pace and manage several priorities
- A collaborative approach and willingness to learn
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Previous sales experience isn't required.
Experience gained through internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, university societies, sports teams, customer service, recruitment, hospitality, retail or other extracurricular activities can all be relevant. You could be a recent graduate looking for your first professional role or have up to two years of experience and be looking to move into a more commercial career.
Why apply?
- £28,000 base salary
- Bonus opportunity
- Hybrid working in Manchester
- Flexible start date
- Private medical cover through BUPA
- Professional training and development
- Clear opportunity to build commercial and business development experience
- Regular social events and monthly team events
- Summer Fridays
- Company-sponsored sports and team-building activities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Volunteer days
- Supportive, informal working environment
This is an opportunity to build experience across sales, business development, research and client services without needing previous industry experience. If you're a graduate who is ambitious, curious and confident speaking to people, we'd like to hear from you.
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