Business Development Manager

Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment firm is seeking a Business Development Manager in London to drive commercial growth by engaging and converting startup customers. The role involves sourcing prospects, building relationships, and representing the firm at various events. Candidates must have a strong background in talent tech and the startup ecosystem. This hybrid role requires in-person attending optional office days and industry events.

Qualifications

• Experience in talent tech, recruitment platforms, or HR-tech solutions.
• Experience selling to founders, HR leaders, or C-level executives in tech.
• Strong understanding or network within the startup and VC ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Source and engage prospects in startup and scale-up ecosystems.
• Convert interest into qualified meetings.
• Track outreach and conversations using HubSpot.

Skills

Talent tech experience

Sales to founders or C-level executives

Strong communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Understanding of startup and VC ecosystem

Job description

Job Title: Business Development Manager

Reporting To: Commercial Lead / Founders

Location: London (must be able to attend events, in‑person meetings, and occasional office days)

Type: Permanent

Salary: £50,000 base + performance-based bonuses

Mode: Hybrid (primarily remote with required in‑person activities)

Company Brief

Our Client is a fast‑growing, VC‑backed UK startup on a mission to transform how businesses hire exceptional tech talent. Using an AI‑powered matching platform, they help companies connect with world‑class developers and tech contractors faster, smarter, and more efficiently — whether building an MVP or scaling after investment. They are trusted by leading venture capital firms and work closely with ambitious early‑stage companies across Europe.

Job Purpose

To drive the Client’s commercial growth by sourcing, engaging, and converting prospective startup and scale‑up customers. You will represent the Client within the London startup ecosystem, build strong relationships with founders and decision‑makers, and create high‑quality opportunities that fuel revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, identify, and engage prospects across startup and scale‑up ecosystems through targeted outbound sales efforts.
• Convert interest into qualified meetings with founders, HR leaders, C‑level executives, and enterprise clients.
• Maintain consistent communication through thoughtful follow‑up and high‑quality touchpoints.
• Represent the Client at industry events, networking meetups, startup gatherings, and VC‑linked sessions across London.
• Build strong awareness and relationships within the tech and VC community.
• Track all outreach, conversations, and opportunities using HubSpot.
• Collaborate with leadership to refine messaging, outreach strategies, and commercial processes.
• Contribute to the Client’s long‑term commercial playbook and support scaling initiatives.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Previous experience in talent tech, recruitment platforms, or HR‑tech solutions.
• Proven experience selling to founders, HR leaders, or C‑level executives in tech.
• Strong understanding or network within the startup and VC ecosystem.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to represent the brand professionally in external‑facing settings.

Nice to Have

• Experience working with or selling talent platforms.
• Background in tech sales.
• Existing network among startup communities, accelerators, and VC‑backed companies.