Strategic Business Development Manager

Novuna; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading finance solutions provider in the UK is seeking a Strategic Business Development Manager to drive outbound sales and achieve new business targets. The role focuses on building strategic partnerships with retailers while managing the sales pipeline through Salesforce. The ideal candidate will possess strong commercial acumen and a proven track record in national-level sales. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Company car or cash alternative

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Full wellbeing package including BUPA

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in national-level sales or partnerships.
• Ability to influence at C-suite level.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to leverage data.
• Proficient in administration and client onboarding.

Responsibilities

• Manage inbound leads and drive outbound sales.
• Oversee client onboarding for a seamless experience.
• Represent the company at industry events.
• Collaborate to develop innovative products and solutions.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Relationship building

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Data utilisation

Tools

Salesforce CRM

Job description

Are you commercially minded with a passion for building strategic relationships and business growth? Do you have a proven track record of driving national sales and expanding market presence? Are you ready to use your industry expertise to proactively generate new business for Novuna?

Want to know a little about us?

At Novuna Consumer Finance, we provide fast, flexible finance solutions for some of the UK's biggest retail brands. Whether customers are buying furniture for their new home, an important piece of jewellery, or home electrical goods, we're passionate about delivering phenomenal customer experiences.

We're proud to be a Top 50 Inclusive employer. We're a signatory of the Women in Finance and the Race at Work Charter and we're Disability Confident Committed.

What does the role involve?

We are seeking a results-driven Strategic Business Development Manager to take full ownership of achieving new business targets and driving outbound sales. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering on key performance metrics while effectively managing the sales pipeline through Salesforce CRM. You will lead the onboarding, retention, and development of both assigned and self-generated opportunities, ensuring a seamless experience. This role requires a proven ability to build and nurture strong C-suite relationships, driving new business growth and long‑term partnerships with retailers.

Our office is based in Leeds but we're passionate about the benefits of hybrid working, all we ask is for a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Some of Your Key Duties Will Include

• Manage inbound leads and proactively drive outbound sales using industry expertise to generate new business opportunities for Novuna
• Oversee client onboarding, ensuring a seamless handover to the Relationship Manager
• Represent Novuna at industry events through meetings, presentations, and networking to drive engagement
• Collaborate across teams to develop innovative, customer-focused products and solutions

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a subject matter expert with deep industry knowledge across business, finance, products, services, and the competitive landscape. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial acumen, with the ability to make sound business decisions and think strategically. You will be skilled in negotiating pricing and contracts, collaborating effectively with senior colleagues, interpreting industry trends, and implementing innovative solutions for our retail partners.

Also, We're Looking For The Following

• Demonstrated success in national-level sales or partnerships
• Ability to influence at C‑suite level
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to utilise data and statistics to drive results
• Proficient in administration and client onboarding, leveraging knowledge of the full journey to drive smoother sales outcomes

What can we offer you?

At Novuna we take our people promise seriously. If you join us, you'll have a chance to make a difference, opportunities to learn, and time to shine.

In addition to a market-benchmarked salary and excellent bonus scheme, our offer to you includes:

• Company car or cash alternative – with fantastic EV incentives
• Flexible hybrid working
• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays and the option to buy/sell 5 days
• Full wellbeing package including BUPA, digital GP service, 24/7 employee assistance, plus wellbeing events throughout the year

What's the next step?

Interested? Start your application today and see what Novuna can offer you.

Novuna has been named one of the top 50 most inclusive employers for the fourth year running and this is also reflected in our recruitment process. We are committed to ensuring our application process is inclusive and accessible to all candidates.

We're Disability Confident Committed, so if you're a person with a disability, if you're neurodivergent, or if you have a condition that you believe may affect your performance during our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to our processes for you.