Research Team - Business Development Manager

Swift Research Ltd; Wetherby; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

Company profit share scheme

Employee-owned

Hybrid working

Health cash plan

Flexible benefits portal

Free on-site parking

Two off-site social events a year

Job summary

A market research agency is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive new client acquisition and enhance market presence. The successful candidate will manage the sales pipeline, generate leads, and build trust-based client relationships. Strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and experience in professional services are required. The role offers a hybrid working model, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to the agency's growth and success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in B2B professional services.
• Proven ability to win new clients and grow business.
• Experience in the market research or insight sector.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end new business sales pipeline.
• Generate leads through targeted outreach and networking.
• Build relationships with prospective clients.
• Prepare well-structured proposals and manage negotiations.

Skills

Business development

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Marketing contribution

Client management

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

We are looking for a Business Development Manager to support the continued growth of Swift Research through new client acquisition and marketing activity.

About the company

Swift Research is an established market research agency based in Wetherby, working with both national and international clients across a wide range of sectors. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, often bespoke research solutions through a mix of online, in-home and face-to-face methodologies.

It's an exciting time to join us. Now anemployee-owned company, our people have a real voice in shaping the future of the business and share in its success. Despite our growth, we've retained our close-knit, supportive culture with clear commercial focus.

About the Role

Working closely with the Head of Research, who leads existing client relationships, the role centres on winning new clients, generating new opportunities, and strengthening Swift Research’s market presence through targeted marketing and social media activity. You will bring strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and a genuine interest in building long-term, collaborative client partnerships.

This is a key leadership role with strategic input into Swift Research’s commercial direction, focused on identifying and securing new business opportunities, expanding our client base, and driving sustainable growth across our UK and European operations.

Key Responsibilities

New Business

• Own and manage the end-to-end new business sales pipeline, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and reliable forecasting aligned with Swift Research’s growth objectives.
• Identify, develop, and secure new client opportunities aligned with Swift Research’s services across the UK and Europe.
• Generate leads through targeted outreach, networking, referrals, industry events, and inbound enquiries.
• Manage the full new business lifecycle, from initial contact through to proposal, negotiation, and agreement.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with prospective clients by developing a deep understanding of their needs and proposing tailored research solutions.
• Work closely with the Head of Research and Research team to ensure opportunities are well scoped, commercially viable, and positioned for success prior to submission.
• Analyse opportunities in depth and contribute to bid strategies that maximise Swift Research’s win rate.
• Act as a key member of the Senior Management Team, providing regular updates on pipeline performance, market intelligence, and emerging opportunities to inform wider commercial strategy.
• Deliver against agreed new business and revenue targets.

Proposals and Commercials

• Lead commercial discussions with prospective clients
• Work with the Head of Research and research team to scope and price projects
• Prepare clear, well-structured proposals
• Manage negotiations and confirm agreed terms for new clients

Marketing and Social Media

• Support Swift Research’s marketing activity to raise awareness and credibility
• Contribute regular content across LinkedIn and other social media platforms
• Promote case studies, insight pieces, and company updates
• Work with the Head of Research to turn research outputs into external-facing content
• Support campaigns that generate inbound enquiries

Collaboration and Handover

• Ensure a smooth handover of new clients to the Head of Research
• Clearly brief internal teams on client objectives and agreed scope
• Work collaboratively to ensure a positive client experience from the outset
• Represent Swift Research professionally at meetings and industry events
• Keep up to date with market developments and competitor activity
• Share market insight internally to support service and proposition development
• Ongoing account management and development of existing clients sit with the Head of Research
• This role is focused on new business generation and marketing activity, with limited involvement once clients are established

Skills and Experience

• A strong track record of winning new business within a B2B professional services environment (typically 5+ years’ experience).
• Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills
• Strategic mindset with a hands‑on approach to winning business
• Experience in B2B business development or sales
• Proven ability to win new clients
• Experience selling professional services (market research, insights, consultancy, or similar)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commercially aware and comfortable discussing pricing and scope
• Able to contribute confidently to marketing and social media activity
• Experience in the market research or insight sector
• Experience contributing to marketing content or campaigns
• Familiarity with CRM systems

Personal Qualities

• Professional and credible with clients
• Organised and able to manage multiple opportunities
• Confident, proactive, and self‑motivated
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a small team
• Practical and solutions‑focused
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + up to 5 additional loyalty days
• Company profit share scheme
• Employee‑owned; automatically become a company partner after 12 months’ continuous service
• Choice of 4 or 5‑day week after successful completion of probation
• Hybrid working (after initial probation period)
• Birthday holiday
• Christmas Closure - an additional 3 days holiday
• Health cash plan (claim back the cost of treatments eg: dental, optical etc.)
• Flexible benefits portal with instant access to 100's of perks, benefits & discounts
• Two off‑site social events a year
• Great location just off the A1(M) offering an easy commute without public transport
• Free on‑site parking for all staff

Location & hours

• This role is based at our office in Wetherby, an element of remote working will be available after successful completion of the probation period.