Business Development Manager

About Allies Group

Allies Group is a results-driven brand communications agency. We offer our clients an end-to-end marketing service specialising in all forms of creative content, including brand and campaign design, performance digital marketing, website development, publishing, communications strategy & PR.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join us at a key time in our growth and development, playing a vital role in expanding our client base and introducing more
businesses to the value Allies Group can deliver. You’ll report directly to Allies Group’s managing director and work alongside a talented team of creative designers, content specialists, digital strategists and communications professionals.

Our group focuses primarily on six key industry sectors: education, hospitality and leisure, professional services, retail and e-commerce, public and not-for-profit, and net zero communications. We represent some of the top names in each of these sectors across the North East and further afield.

We represent some of the top names in each of these sectors across the North East and further afield. With strong year-on-year growth, you can be confident that you will be joining an ambitious business with a reputation for delivering excellent, creative, and innovative results.

Role Purpose

The Business Development Manager will be integral in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, building sustainable longterm relationships with potential new clients, and driving revenue growth for Allies Group across our service lines. Allies Group has recently developed a three year sales strategy which the Business Development Manager will live and breath, ensuring the strategy is executed on a day to day basis and that clear reporting against the strategies KPIs is conducted on a regular basis.

You will take ownership of outbound lead generation and relationship development, confidently pitching tailored solutions to prospective clients and building long-term strategic partnerships. The role also includes contributing to client retention and upsell activity, helping to deepen existing relationships and maximise value.

The successful candidate will be commercially-minded, highly-motivated, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, performance-led environment. You’ll bring energy and ideas to the team and be a driving force behind the growth of the business.

 

Responsibilities

• Proactively lead on increasing Allies Group’s client base
• Identify new clients through networking, outreach meetings and network referral
• Listen to customer requirements, understand client goals and pain points and present appropriate solutions
• Achievement of agreed monthly sales targets
• Sell the full range of Allies Group services, with particular emphasis on digital marketing, PR and website development
• Prepare and deliver high-quality proposals, quotes and presentations to senior stakeholders
• Represent Allies Group at industry events and networking opportunities
• Complete administration work required for internal reporting and managing pipeline and forecasts
• Respond to inbound leads and manage sales activity through CRM
• Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities within the existing client base
• Collaborate with internal teams to support proposal development and tender submissions and ensure client work is delivered to the highest standards
• Follow industry trends and keep abreast of competitor activity and market developments

 

Success Measures

• Generation of qualified leads and consistent pipeline activity
• Conversion of leads into long-term client relationships
• Achievement of monthly and quarterly sales targets
• Contribution to the growth and retention of key accounts
• Expansion of Allies Group’s presence across priority sectors

 

Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for a dynamic and driven business development professional with preferably three years’ experience in a sales or client development role, ideally within the marketing or creative industry.

You’ll be confident communicating the value of creative and digital services to clients, with a proven ability to build trust and close deals. You’ll be highly organised, self-motivated, and skilled at identifying the right opportunities to support both new and existing clients.

Experience with CRM tools, strong presentation skills and a natural ability to connect with people are all key. Above all, you’ll bring a positive can-do mindset and a passion for helping businesses grow.

 

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in sales or business development, ideally in a creative or marketing agency
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets
• Confident communicator – face-to-face, via video, email and phone
• Ability to understand client needs and recommend relevant solutions
• Excellent proposal writing and presentation skills
• Familiarity with PowerPoint, Excel and CRM systems (e.g. Pipedrive)
• Commercially aware, with a focus on long-term client value
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

Benefits:

• Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience) + performance-based bonus
• Full-time / permanent: 37.5 hours per week
• 25 days holiday, plus public bank holidays and your birthday off
• Flexible working: The typical working day starts around 9 and finishes around 5, but it’s nice sometimes not to worry about the commute or the appointment you need to leave slightly early for. We are prepared to let you work the hours that suit you best – within reason – and based upon achieving your KPIs
• Remote working: Sure we have a fantastic office where you’ll be based, but that’s not to say you must be there day-in day-out, it’s nice to have a change in environment occasionally. Should you wish, you can work from home some of the time too!
• Contributory pension scheme
• Regular company events and team socials
• An integral member of a friendly, ambitious and collaborative team, based in the North East and easily accessible by public transport