Business Development Executive

Job Overview

Our client is a leading executive search and leadership advisory firm seeking a confident and commercially driven Business Development Executive to join their growing team. This is a fully remote opportunity for a proactive sales professional who thrives on engaging senior decision-makers and creating high-quality business opportunities.

Working closely with the firm's Partners, you will focus on generating qualified discovery meetings with C-suite executives across a range of industries. Success in this role is measured by the quality and volume of meetings booked, rather than closing sales or converting mandates.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys strategic outbound business development, has exceptional communication skills, and is comfortable engaging with senior executives across the UK and Europe.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Conduct proactive outbound business development to organisations where no existing client relationship exists.
• Generate qualified discovery meetings with C-suite executives and senior decision-makers.
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of prospective clients.
• Represent the organisation professionally while articulating its executive search and leadership advisory services.

Executive Outreach

• Engage senior executives across industries including manufacturing, industrial, consumer, aerospace and defence.
• Utilise multiple communication channels including telephone, email and LinkedIn.
• Build credibility and establish meaningful conversations with senior stakeholders.
• Follow structured outreach strategies to maximise engagement and meeting conversion.

Research & Market Mapping

• Research target organisations and identify key decision-makers.
• Develop account maps to support strategic business development activity.
• Maintain accurate prospect information and activity records.

Collaboration & Performance

• Work closely with senior Partners to support business development initiatives.
• Manage your own workload and priorities while working independently.
• Consistently achieve activity and meeting booking targets.
• Operate effectively across UK and European business hours.

Key Requirements

• Previous experience in outbound business development or B2B sales.
• Proven ability to engage confidently with C-suite executives and Director-level decision-makers.
• Strong telephone communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commercially minded with excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Experience using email, LinkedIn and telephone outreach as part of a multi-channel sales approach.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a fully remote environment.
• Based in South Africa and available to work UK and European business hours.

Core Competencies

• Executive Communication & Gravitas
• Outbound Business Development
• Commercial Awareness
• Relationship Building
• Prospecting & Lead Generation
• Research & Market Mapping
• Organisation & Time Management
• Resilience & Tenacity
• Independent Working
• Professional Communication