Business Development Director - UK and Global

Smartbox Assistive Technology; Malvern Hills; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

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Join Smartbox and make a meaningful impact as our newest team member!

Are you a passionate Business Development Director who wants to play a part in creating technology that gives a voice to those without speech? Smartbox is seeking a dedicated and talented individual like you to join our team and make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

At Smartbox, we take pride in being a leading company in assistive communication technology. Our innovative products, combining specialised hardware, advanced software, and engaging content, are used by individuals with diverse needs worldwide. All around the world, our products, accomplishments and aspirations are a reflection of our teams' values: passionate, caring, empowering, achieving together and enabling change.

We believe that everyone deserves a voice, and our inclusive culture reflects this belief. By joining Smartbox, you will become part of a team that values diversity, fosters collaboration, and supports a community of users who rely on our technology to communicate effectively.

In addition to the rewarding nature of our work, you will collaborate with talented professionals who share a common goal of pushing the boundaries of innovation while considering the environmental impact of our products and processes. We strive to develop sustainable solutions that minimise our carbon footprint and promote a greener world. By joining Smartbox, you will have the chance to shape a more inclusive society while actively contributing to our sustainability efforts. Together, let's make a difference that extends beyond communication technology and leaves a positive mark on our planet.

How will you be making a difference?

• Form part of the Smartbox UK and Global Exec Team, with overall responsibility for Global sales performance.
• Develop strategic plans for different market areas to deliver both shorter and longer-term company objectives.
• Ensure all business activity and operations are delivered in line with the Smartbox strategy and mission.
• Develop new partner businesses in geographies where we are not currently active, including many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
• Identify and mitigate risks as part of the wider company risk management.
• Ensure all team management and activities are conducted in accordance with the company's policies and procedures.
• Identify, establish, and manage strategic partnerships with distributors, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and government agencies.
• Lead market analysis efforts to identify new opportunities, assess competitive landscapes, and inform go-to-market strategies.
• Lead and develop an inclusive, highly talented and motivated team.
• Ensure Smartbox culture is maintained and visible in the behaviour of all employees.
• Provide consistent and clear feedback to Smartbox Group Board on the progress and delivery of agreed plans, including monthly reporting and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
• Work closely with the Smartbox Group Board and Managing Director of Smartbox UK and Global to deliver against agreed financial targets including sales, profitability and cash flow.
• Build trusting relationships with key customers and stakeholders.
• Work with the Smartbox Marketing team to coordinate processes to generate awareness and leads.
• Maintain a deep knowledge of Global AAC markets, including customer needs, AAC technology and competitor activity.
• Collaborate with teams across Smartbox to ensure users succeed with their devices.

The successful applicant will also be asked to perform other duties on an ad-hoc basis and will need a proactive attitude to this.

Essential Qualifications/skills/experience

• Proven experience in business development and sales, preferably within a global company.
• A deep understanding of Assistive Technology and the unique needs of individuals with complex disabilities.
• An understanding of the AAC technology landscape.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, and an ability to bring cross functional teams together to achieve a common goal.
• Experience in building, leading and retaining effective teams, including nurturing and developing talent.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively.
• Able to thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment.

Additional information:

• In this role, you will have the flexibility to work between your home and our office locations in Malvern and Bristol.
• You will need to maintain a deep understanding and knowledge of all our products and their uses.

Why join us?

Here at Smartbox, we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, and encouraging all staff to engage in a diverse range of year-round learning and personal development opportunities. In addition, you will work alongside highly motivated colleagues in an environment of strong teamwork whilst also having fun. This is a hugely rewarding role and a career to be proud of where every day you will go home knowing you made a positive difference in the lives of disabled people.

Rewards and benefits

At Smartbox our employees always do their best, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to your competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 25 days of holiday plus public holidays, we'll shower you with perks, including:

• Dress: We want you to feel comfortable in the office, smart casual is perfect.
• Food: You can find free healthy office snacks in our kitchens.
• Hybrid working: Two days a week in the office, for the rest of the week feel free to skip the commute and hit your deadlines from home. Laptop and home working IT kit provided.
• Flexible work schedule: balance is key to innovation, and we want to make sure you are at the top of your game with a schedule that will work for you (prior agreement from your line manager is required).
• Give back to the community: Each year every member of staff will get the opportunity to spend one paid day volunteering for a good cause of their choice.
• You, our best asset: We believe in investing in you and your development. Stay with us and grow with us! We will reward you with more holidays for your long service!
• Wellness: Stretch away the stress every morning with our online trainers, available via our cooperative perk website or hit the gym. We provide gym discounts too!
• Wellbeing: You gain unlimited access to a benefit and Wellbeing app Yulife, providing store discounts and wellbeing services.
• Mental health: You will have access to the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for a wide range of support, advice and resources about Family, Health, Life, Money and Work.
• Peace of mind: Every employee benefit from a company pension, group life assurance, and income protection.
• Fun: Complimentary theatre and cinema tickets to Malvern Theatres. We organise many free social events including team outings and get-togethers.
• Eco-friendly: You can sign up for a cycle scheme (save 25%-39% on a new bike or E-bike by cycling to work), or lease an electric car through a salary sacrifice scheme after 2 years of service.
• Bonus potential: We work hard and Smartbox recognizes that with a discretionary annual bonus.
• Finances: Enjoy a wide variety of savings and discounts with Corporate Perks. You can save on electronics, food shopping, fashion, fitness, entertainment and all things travel.

Our Commitments

At Smartbox, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment where every individual's unique background and perspective are valued and respected, but how are we doing it?

We are proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status by the UK Government's Department of Work and Pensions. We are also the Founding Partner of Purple Tuesday. You can find out more on thinksmartbox.com.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment practices are barrier-free and as inclusive as possible. This includes making adjustments during the job application process and throughout your future career with us. Please email [e-mail] to discuss any such adjustments that we can make.

At Smartbox, it's not about fitting into our culture - it's about adding to it. Our diverse team brings together unique talents and inspires each other to create amazing products that reflect the diversity of our users and customers.

We'd love to hear from you

Our ever-evolving team powers the business across the world and brings the next generation of AAC solutions to life. Together we experiment, innovate and create across the full product lifecycle. And, in a collaborative and close-knit culture, we support each other to search for better. We support our community and contribute to a sustainable future for our business and the planet.

Join us as a Global Business Development Director - UK and Global and take our technology and your career into new territories.

Share your operational expertise and passion for making an impact within your cover letter and CV. We look forward to receiving your application.

For a full job description, please visit: https://thinksmartbox.com/join-the-team/