Business Development Manager (Defence background required)

Job Introduction

As part of our growing sales team, we are looking for a highly professional & experienced candidate to come on board to contribute to the Defence & Government Service’s Growth and Diversification Strategy through design, development and delivery of business solutions that lead to winning profitable contracts. 

Role Responsibility

• Lead on designated bids associated with the segment strategic growth and diversification strategy as defined by the team Directorate; primarily focusing on the Defence marketplace
• Co-ordinate and manage bid preparation activity – design and development of service solutions in line with Commissioning Authority requirements and solutions that are congruent with Sodexo Sales Cycle and bidding requirements: Right Client, Right Terms
• Develop effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
• Undertake research and analysis of areas within your responsibility, publish and communicate findings within Defence & Government Services as appropriate
• Keep updated on operational developments; business development and sales activity including personal development strategies that will maintain excellent level of output and bid success
• Undertake project activity as designated by line manager – pertinent to enhancing our segment knowledge & understanding of the industry, our corporate profile and in increasing opportunities for winning new business
• Maintain excellent working relationships with Business Support Team, SMEs, Service Operations and Operational colleagues

The Ideal Candidate

• Graduate calibre and/or related industry, professional qualification
• Knowledge of the Defence marketplace required
• Experience of designing and implementing business solutions that inform delivery models for new and existing areas of our business
• Demonstrate and evidence Sodexo’s positive management behaviours
• Good working knowledge of office platforms and general database and software packages e.g. CRM systems
• Outstanding writing, editing and verbal communication
• Ability to lead and co-ordinate the activity of others in achieving end goal in an inclusive and coaching manner
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines; adapting flexibly to bid timeframes and business priorities
• Participate in all learning and development opportunities to enhance skills and overall contribution to the organisation
• Work on own initiative, optimising time and efforts to develop self and business; flexing operating hours as required to meet business needs
• Show high level of commitment and initiative to ensure winning submissions, and in developing relationships with others; networking and creation of new relationships, optimising existing
• Maximise specialisms to the benefit of the business through working with others, building their capacity and skillset in your area of expertise
• Ability to work flexibly to best achieve growth for the segment
• Meet, or where necessary work towards personal development plan aligned to Sodexo’s sales competency framework

Package Description

Competitive salary plus benefits including pension, bonus and a flexible benefits fund of £1,300.

As part of our commitment to improving the quality of life for our employees, Sodexo offers a flexible benefits scheme, allowing you to tailor a reward package to suit your needs which includes a technology scheme, private dental insurance, travel insurance, gym membership, Gourmet card, private medical insurance and the ability to purchase or sell annual leave to name but a few.

We also offer Sodexo Discounts site promoting discounted mobile phone tariffs, savings across restaurant chains and days out, where you and your family can save money on everything from your weekly food shop to the latest cinema blockbuster.

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to further engage ex-forces personnel and reservists.  Those applying for roles with us who meet the essential criteria advertised under the ‘ideal candidate’ on the vacancy advertised are guaranteed to progress within the selection process.