Trainee Business Development Manager

Enjoys talking to people and building relationships

Curious about how businesses grow and how deals are made

Organised, proactive, and willing to learn quickly

Comfortable being out of their comfort zone while developing commercial confidence

About Us

93FT is an award-winning, multi‑disciplinary creative agency based in Sheffield. Our studio brings together Brand, Interior and Digital teams to create meaningful experiences with lasting impact for our clients. As an Employee Ownership Trust, everyone at 93FT plays a part in shaping the future of the business. We value collaboration, curiosity, and long‑term relationships with our clients and partners. We’re looking to bring in a Trainee Business Development Manager to support and develop within our growing commercial team.

The Role

This is an entry-level, development-focused role designed for someone who wants to build a career in business development within a creative agency environment.

You will work closely with the Business Development team to learn how we identify, approach, and convert new opportunities. Over time, you’ll take on increasing ownership of outreach, client conversations, and pipeline activity.

You’ll be supported with hands‑on training, mentoring, and exposure to live opportunities, helping you develop both commercial awareness and confidence in client‑facing situations.

This role is ideal for someone early in their career who is motivated by growth, people, and the commercial side of creative work.

Business Development Support & Learning

• Support the team in identifying and researching potential new business opportunities
• Assist in building and maintaining the sales pipeline
• Learn how to qualify leads and understand client needs
• Support the preparation of proposals, credentials, and supporting documentation
• Gradually begin leading initial outreach and early‑stage conversations

Relationship & Networking Development

• Support client and partner relationship activity
• Attend meetings, events, and networking opportunities alongside senior team members
• Learn how to represent the business professionally in external settings
• Begin developing your own network over time

Strategic Exposure

• Gain exposure to business development strategy and sector focus
• Learn how commercial opportunities are evaluated and prioritised
• Support competitor and market research activity
• Contribute ideas and observations as you develop commercial understanding

Marketing & Brand Support

• Support outbound marketing and LinkedIn activity
• Help maintain visibility of the business through digital channels
• Learn how thought leadership and positioning are developed

Ways of Working

37.5 hours per week, flexible between 8am–6pm

Studio-based in Sheffield with hybrid flexibility (2–3 days in studio minimum)

Occasional UK travel for events and meetings (some out-of-hours required for events)

What We’re Looking For

• Strong interest in business, sales, people, or commercial roles
• Confident communicator who enjoys speaking with others
• Willingness to learn and take feedback quickly
• Organised and reliable with good follow-through
• Comfortable working in a fast‑moving, creative environment
• Degree or equivalent experience in business, marketing, communications or similar
• Any experience in customer-facing roles (retail, hospitality, sales, recruitment, etc.)
• Exposure to networking, events, or outreach activity

What We Offer

• £28,000–£32,000 per annum base salary (entry‑level aligned)
• Clear progression pathway into BDM role with salary growth
• Performance-based commission opportunity as development milestones are met
• EOT employee profit share scheme (tax‑free bonus based on company performance)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Office closed over Christmas (3 days taken from allowance)
• Christmas Eve off (if it falls on a weekday)
• Company sick pay
• Company pension (3% employee / 2% employer)
• All business expenses covered for work-related travel
• Structured mentoring and development plan
• Permanent role
• 6‑month probation period with 1-week notice during probation and 1-month notice after successful completion

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