Business Development Manager

Fairford Associates; Dartford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle or mileage allowance

27 days annual leave

Nest pension scheme

Flexible work location

Free parking

Job summary

Fairford Associates is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive new business for cleaning/FM services. You will manage a robust sales pipeline, build relationships with prospective clients, and deliver tailored quotes after site visits.

The role combines homeworking with one day a week at the Berkshire head office and travel to sites in Kent, Essex and London. A strong background in direct sales and proven deal closure is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in direct sales, preferably in cleaning/FM or related services.
• Proven success closing high-value deals and managing a sales cycle from lead to close.
• Strong written and verbal communication with self-drive and tenacity.

Responsibilities

• Prospecting and Business Development: identify and target new business opportunities (two days a week).
• Book a set number of qualified appointments weekly in designated geographic areas.
• Qualify and book inbound leads, generating revenue.
• Visit customer sites to survey buildings and prepare tailored quotes for cleaning services.
• Negotiate pricing and handle objections effectively.
• Build lasting relationships and manage the full sales process through to close.
• Stay informed on market trends, competitors, and opportunities.

Skills

Direct sales

Negotiation

Communication

Self-motivation

Tools

Company vehicle?

Job description

Business Development Manager

Location: Hybrid – one day at head office in Berkshire, home working, travel to sites in Kent, Essex & London.

Salary: Basic salary £45k OTE £75k

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm

Why Join?

My client is a leading commercial cleaning company, committed to providing over 400 customers with an excellent cleaning service at a competitive price. Established in 1999, they provide a professional, fully comprehensive cleaning provision across Southern England in sectors that include schools, offices, medical and leisure facilities. Despite our fast growth, we still care about every customer, every contract and every member of staff. They pride themselves on their attention to detail and delivery of a thorough, reliable high‑quality service.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Sales & Marketing, we are looking for an ambitious Business Development Manager to join our expanding sales team and drive our growth even further. Your primary focus will be to build a solid pipeline of new business, establishing strong relationships with prospective clients, assisting our continued expansion.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Prospecting & Business Development: Spend two days a week identifying and targeting new business opportunities
• Appointments & Leads: Book a set number of qualified appointments each week, with a focus on specific geographic areas
• Lead Management: Qualify and book inbound leads, generating significant revenue
• Customer Site Visits: Travel to customer locations to attend meetings, survey buildings, and provide tailored quotes for cleaning services
• Negotiation & Objection Handling: Navigate objections and negotiate pricing effectively
• Relationship Building: Build lasting business relationships, managing the sales process from lead to close
• Market Insight: Stay up to date with industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities
• Collaboration: Work closely with our operations team to ensure smooth contract transitions and successful mobilisation
• Sales Maximisation: Undertake other tasks to optimise sales revenue and achieve targets

About You

We are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager (preferably in the cleaning/FM sector) who thrives on challenge and enjoys the satisfaction of closing high‑value deals. You will have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, self‑drive and tenacity to pursue new opportunities and possess an ability to work well as part of a team.

What You’ll Need

• A solid background in direct sales (experience in cleaning or similar industries is a plus)
• Experience of selling a service (preferably in the cleaning/FM industry)
• Proven success selling contracts valued at £1.5m+ annually (80% inbound leads)
• A proven track record in prospecting and closing deals
• Experience in the education or medical sectors would be an advantage, but not essential
• A valid UK driver’s license
• The right to work in the UK and satisfactory references

What They Can Offer

• Flexibility in work hours and location (average of 1 day in the office, 4 days working from home/out in the field)
• Company vehicle or mileage allowance
• iPad, laptop and company mobile phone
• Competitive salary with an attractive commission structure
• Up to 27 days’ annual leave (depending on length of service)
• NEST pension scheme
• Opportunities for training, professional development and career progression
• Quarterly employee recognition awards
• A friendly and inclusive working culture
• Regular team events and employee perks
• Free parking and refreshments when in the office
• An inclusive, equal opportunities workplace where diversity is valued and everyone is welcome