ExportExplore
Graduate Business Development Manager

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Company Description
ExportExplore designs and delivers practical, results-focused programs that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand and succeed in international markets. The organisation focuses on building strong networks, increasing business confidence, and growing capability through structured support and guidance. Team members work closely with international economic development agencies to help SMEs translate strategic ambitions into tangible results.
Role Description
The Graduate Business Development Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Belfast. This position involves identifying and engaging prospective targets on behalf of our clients, supporting them in exploring new markets, and promoting ExportExplore’s programs and services. Day-to-day tasks include:
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Conducting market research
- Preparing client proposals
- Attending meetings and networking events
- Maintaining accurate records in CRM or other tracking systems


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The role also includes:
- Collaborating with the internal team to refine service offerings
- Monitoring client progress against agreed objectives
- Contributing to marketing and outreach activities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Build strong professional relationships
- Follow up on leads
- Support SMEs in achieving measurable commercial outcomes
Qualifications
- Strong business development and sales aptitude, including lead generation, relationship building, and client engagement.
- Ability to conduct structured market and industry research and translate findings into practical recommendations.
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills for presentations, proposals, and client discussions.
- Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple client engagements and meet deadlines.
- Comfort working with data, metrics, and basic financial concepts to assess commercial outcomes.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Proficiency with standard office software and CRM tools; willingness to learn new digital platforms.
- Interest in SME growth, export development, and international business; prior internship or experience in a commercial role is an advantage.
- Ability to work collaboratively on-site in Belfast and attend client visits, events, and workshops as required.
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