Business Development Executive

Howett Thorpe; Alton; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Howett Thorpe is seeking a Business Development Executive in Alton, Hampshire to drive new opportunities and support growth. You will own and nurture a robust pipeline, engage with decision-makers, and build lasting client relationships.

The role emphasizes proactive outreach, resilience, and commercial awareness to identify opportunities and contribute to strategic growth. A hands-on, front-foot approach is essential to succeed.

Qualifications

• Hands-on role suited to a proactive, front-foot approach with decision-makers.
• Must enjoy building lasting client relationships and growing networks.
• Requires drive, resilience and commercial awareness to spot opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead generation: identify and engage prospective clients via calls, networking, referrals and outreach.
• Relationship building: connect with key decision-makers to create long-term partnerships.
• Pipeline management: build and maintain a healthy pipeline of opportunities.
• Market research: monitor trends, competitors and market developments for opportunities.
• Commercial development: craft tailored approaches to prospective clients.
• Business growth: work with senior management on growth strategies.
• Networking: expand and leverage professional networks to generate leads.
• Performance reporting: keep records of activities, pipeline, and forecasts.

Skills

Lead generation

Relationship building

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Networking

Pipeline management

Market research

Opportunity spotting

Job description

Our client is a growing and ambitious business looking for a Business Development Executive to help drive new business opportunities and support continued growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive, commercially minded individual who enjoys building relationships, opening doors, and creating opportunities. The successful candidate will take ownership of developing a strong pipeline of prospects, engaging with key decision-makers, and playing an integral role in expanding the company’s client base.

Job Title: Business Development Executive

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Alton, Hampshire

Salary: £45,000 per annum

Reference No: 16199

Business Development Executive – About The Role

Reporting directly to the leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and executing business development activities that generate new opportunities and contribute to the continued growth of the business. This is a hands‑on position suited to someone who enjoys being on the front foot, proactively engaging with decision‑makers, growing professional networks, and building lasting client relationships.

This role requires drive, resilience, commercial awareness, and the ability to identify opportunities where others may not. You will take ownership of building a robust pipeline, creating new connections, and helping shape the future growth strategy of the business. Key Responsibilities

• Lead Generation: Proactively identify and engage prospective clients through telephone, networking, referrals, and targeted outreach activities.
• Relationship Building: Develop strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders, creating opportunities for long‑term partnerships.
• Pipeline Management: Build, manage, and maintain a healthy pipeline of qualified business opportunities.
• Market Research: Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and market developments to identify new business opportunities.
• Commercial Development: Use commercial insight and initiative to uncover opportunities and create tailored approaches to prospective clients.
• Business Growth: Work closely with senior management to contribute ideas and strategies that support company growth objectives.
• Networking: Actively expand and leverage professional networks to increase market presence and generate new leads.
• Performance Reporting: Maintain accurate records of business development activities, pipeline progress, and sales forecasts.

The Successful Business Development Executive Will Be:

• A natural self-starter with a proactive, driven and ambitious approach.
• Someone who enjoys being on the phone, opening doors and building relationships with decision‑makers.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to spot opportunities and think creatively about how to approach potential clients.
• Confident, resilient and motivated by achieving and exceeding targets.
• A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Comfortable taking ownership and accountability for developing a successful business development pipeline.
• Entrepreneurial in their thinking and excited by the opportunity to influence business growth.
• Keen to progress into a future leadership role and help build and develop a business development team as the company expands.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants more than a traditional sales role. The successful candidate will have the freedom to make an impact, contribute ideas, and play a key role in shaping the future growth of the business while developing their own career into a leadership position.