Business Development Specialist - Placement

Astute Ltd.; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Astute Ltd. in Bournemouth offers a paid university placement as a B2B Business Development Specialist. You will conduct outbound calls, engage with decision-makers, and identify opportunities while receiving structured training and coaching.

No prior sales experience is required, with a guaranteed path to develop in technology marketing and business development. The role provides a base salary up to £28,000 plus uncapped commissions, with average OTE around £30,000 and top earners £50,000+.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Confident using computers and standard Microsoft applications (MS Office).
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in technology and identifying new business opportunities.
• A resilient, motivated and positive approach to learning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-volume outbound B2B calls during standard office hours.
• Engage with prospective customers to discuss technology products and services.
• Identify new business opportunities and generate qualified sales leads or appointments.
• Build professional relationships with business decision-makers.
• Maintain accurate customer and campaign records.
• Prepare clear commercial lead opportunity reports.
• Support data accuracy and QA processes.
• Participate in training and development sessions.
• Develop product knowledge and communicate technology concepts.
• Work toward monthly activity and performance targets.

Skills

Strong verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Commercially minded

MS Office

Education

Working towards a degree in IT/marketing/business

Job description

B2B Business Development Specialist Placement (BDS)

Bournemouth | Full Time |

Up to £28,000 basic + uncapped commissions | Average OTE £30,000 | Top earners £50,000+

Start your career in B2B sales, technology marketing and business development with a paid university placement at Astute.

You will represent recognised technology brands, speak with business decision-makers and develop practical experience in professional communication, lead generation, CRM management and commercial opportunity reporting.

You do not need previous sales experience. We provide structured training, ongoing coaching and practical support throughout your placement. We are looking for motivated, resilient and confident communicators who are keen to learn, develop and work towards clearly defined goals.

Outline of the main duties

• Conduct high-volume outbound business-to-business telephone calls during standard office hours
• Engage with prospective customers to discuss relevant technology products and services
• Identify new business opportunities and generate qualified sales leads or appointments
• Build professional relationships with business decision-makers
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer and campaign records
• Prepare clear and comprehensive commercial lead opportunity reports
• Support database management, data accuracy and quality-assurance processes
• Participate positively in training, coaching and development sessions
• Develop product knowledge and confidently communicate technology concepts
• Work towards monthly activity, quality and performance targets set by campaign management

Desired Attributes (although not essential)

• Working towards a degree in IT, marketing, business or a related subject
• Confident using computers and standard Microsoft applications
• Office-based, customer-service, sales or outbound telephone experience
• A resilient, motivated and positive approach to learning new skills
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• A confident and commercially minded outlook
• An interest in technology and identifying new business opportunities
• A willingness to learn, develop and respond positively to coaching
• The ability to build strong and professional working relationships
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail

Benefits of working at Astute

Whatever your previous experience, the Business Development Specialist role offers valuable workplace experience, professional development and potential career progression with the opportunity to:

• Develop your communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Increase your commercial awareness and understanding of business development
• Gain practical experience of sales and marketing techniques
• Build your knowledge of technology products, services and industry concepts
• Earn a competitive basic salary, with uncapped bonuses for meeting and exceeding targets
• Receive recognition for strong performance and access potential career progression opportunities
• Be considered for post-graduation roles within Astute or its wider professional client network
• Take part in team incentives, including go-karting, cash prizes and gifts
• Work within Astute's supportive, energetic and performance-focused culture
• Strengthen your CV by working on campaigns representing internationally recognised technology brands, such as BT, Vodafone, IONOS, Fasthosts and Mitel
• Enjoy complimentary use of Astute's beach hut in a prime Bournemouth location
• Participate in regular social events and access discounts with selected local businesses