Graduate Business Development Trainee

Caledonia Group; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured training

Mentorship

Performance reviews

Career development

Job summary

Caledonia Group in Edinburgh is looking for ambitious graduates or early-career professionals to join our growing team in business development and entrepreneurship. You’ll learn how to win customers, engage clients and plan operations under the guidance of experienced managers.

This entry-level role offers structured training, direct mentoring, and real responsibility as you contribute to growth opportunities, client campaigns and strategic initiatives across the business.

Qualifications

• New graduates or early-career professionals with an interest in business and entrepreneurship.
• Clear communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-developing environment and manage workload.
• Willingness to commute to Edinburgh.

Responsibilities

• Support business development and customer acquisition activity.
• Build professional relationships with potential and current customers.
• Understand customer requirements and present suitable solutions.
• Help coordinate client campaigns and business projects.
• Assist with performance reviews and strategic planning.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Commercial awareness

Business development

Job description

Opportunity in Business & Entrepreneurship Caledonia Group | Edinburgh | Full-Time | Permanent | Immediate Start

Entrepreneurship means far more when you can see how a growing business actually operates from the inside.

Caledonia Group's Edinburgh operation has seen its early results, new business opportunities and client activity move faster than expected. We're now growing the team and looking for ambitious individuals who want to build practical experience in business development, commercial strategy and entrepreneurship.

This is an entry-level opportunity for a graduate or early-career professional looking for more than a routine office role. You'll learn how businesses win customers, build client relationships, spot growth opportunities and develop teams that support long-term expansion.

You’ll work closely with experienced managers while gradually taking on greater responsibility across business development, client engagement and operational planning.

Why Caledonia Group?

Joining a business during its early growth stage gives you the chance to see how decisions are made, how new opportunities are developed and how a business establishes itself in a market.

Our Edinburgh operation is still young, which means successful applicants will join at an important point in our development. You’ll gain exposure to real commercial activity rather than only observing from the sidelines.

We focus on developing people internally. As your skills and performance grow, you may have the opportunity to step into responsibilities involving account development, team support, campaign coordination or leadership.

For someone interested in entrepreneurship, this provides a strong understanding of what it takes to grow an organisation from its early stages.

What You’ll Be Learning

Your training and responsibilities will cover areas such as:

• Supporting business development and customer acquisition activity
• Building professional relationships with prospective and existing customers
• Understanding customer requirements and presenting suitable solutions
• Developing negotiation, communication and commercial awareness
• Researching potential growth opportunities and target markets
• Supporting the coordination of client campaigns and business projects
• Reviewing performance information and identifying areas for improvement
• Learning how business strategy is translated into practical activity
• Working with managers on team development and operational priorities
• Building the leadership skills required to support future business growth

Entrepreneurship and Commercial Development

Entrepreneurship is not limited to starting your own company. It involves recognising opportunities, solving problems, understanding people and taking responsibility for results.

In this role, you’ll be encouraged to think commercially, bring ideas forward, and understand how your individual performance feeds into the wider business. It’s a solid foundation for several career paths, including business development, account management, client strategy, operations and leadership.

Who We’re Looking For

This role could suit you if you:

• Have recently graduated or are early in your professional career
• Have a genuine interest in business, entrepreneurship or commercial growth
• Communicate clearly and enjoy building relationships with different people
• Are comfortable in a busy, fast-developing environment
• Take feedback well and are motivated to keep improving
• Can organise your workload and follow through on commitments
• Want hands‑on responsibility rather than a purely classroom‑based scheme
• Live within a reasonable commute of Edinburgh

What Caledonia Group Offers

• Structured training across business development and entrepreneurship
• Direct coaching and mentorship from experienced managers
• Competitive base salary plus performance‑related incentives
• Practical exposure to a growing, recently launched operation
• Opportunities to move into account, team or leadership responsibilities
• Regular performance reviews and individual development planning
• A collaborative environment where ideas and initiative are encouraged
• Experience that supports future entrepreneurship or internal career growth

Build Your Career With a Growing Edinburgh Business

We’re looking for people who want to be part of that growth while developing the commercial judgement, communication skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed for a long‑term career in business.