Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers
40AI USED FOR40%moving to78%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIEDA real score, but the moat is not yet classified. No claim either way.
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT →
Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers
Sales and business development managers find customers for a company and build relationships with them. They work out what customers need, pitch them good deals, and help bring in money for the business to grow.
AI can do very little of this work today
Hands-on work, caring for people and dealing with the real world are among the hardest things to automate, and this job leans on them. We have not yet formally classified its moat, so we make no claim either way, but the exposure score speaks for itself.
The role
As a sales accounts and business development manager, your job is to bring in business for your company. You find new customers, look after existing ones, and work out what they need so you can sell them products or services that actually help them. You need to understand what your company offers and be good at talking to people.
Your days are busy and social. You meet clients in person or on video calls, you do research on companies that might be interested in what you sell, and you write proposals and give pitches. You track leads and deals, work out what is getting in the way of a sale, and keep customers happy once you have sold to them. It is sales work so you need to be persuasive and resilient - you will hear "no" a lot - but each deal you close and each long-term customer relationship you build is a real win.
Daily responsibilities
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients.
- Conduct market research to identify emerging trends and potential business opportunities.
- Prepare and deliver compelling sales presentations and proposals.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to align strategies and campaigns.
- Negotiate contracts and close deals to meet or exceed sales targets.
- Monitor competitor activities and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Provide exceptional customer service and support to enhance client satisfaction.
- Utilize CRM software to track sales performance and manage customer interactions.
Does a degree help here?
A UK degree equips candidates with critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly valued in sales and business development. Universities in the UK often provide practical experience through placements and projects, giving graduates a competitive edge in understanding market dynamics and customer needs.