Are you a commercially driven relationship builder who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-led environment? Do you combine strategic thinking with a "roll up your sleeves" attitude? If so, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the growth of a national organisation that champions one of the most influential yet under-recognised business communities in the country.

They are a small, ambitious, and rapidly growing organisation with a big mission: to ensure the voice and impact of family-owned and privately-owned businesses are understood, valued, and supported across the UK. These businesses form the backbone of their economy and communities, but they aren't always given the platform they deserve. Hence, they are now looking for a Business Development Manager who wants to be part of that movement.

The Role

As Business Development Manager, you'll lead the charge in expanding the company's membership by designing and executing a high-performing business development strategy that attracts senior leaders from some of the most significant businesses in the UK. This is a hands-on role where you'll identify opportunities, create tailored outreach plans, build relationships with key decision-makers, and convert prospects into long-term members.

You'll work closely with the Membership Manager to ensure new members experience a seamless and high-value onboarding journey, and you'll collaborate with marketing, programmes, and external partners to increase visibility, generate leads, and strengthen our position in the market.

What You'll Be Doing

Leading the full sales cycle, from prospecting and pitching to conversion and handover
Building and managing a strong membership pipeline, with clear targets and KPIs
Developing creative, targeted outreach strategies to engage high-potential organisations
Representing the organisation at events, forums, and meetings with senior leaders
Feeding insight back into the business to shape our value proposition and member offerKey Experience

Proven success in business development, sales, or partnerships in a B2B or membership environment
Strong communication and relationship-building skills, especially with senior stakeholders
Commercial acumen and the ability to articulate value clearly and confidently
Experience managing pipelines and CRM systems
A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the confidence to work both strategically and hands-on
A collaborative team player who is motivated by impact, growth, and purposeIf you're excited by the idea of helping to build something with national influence, where your ideas matter, your work has a visible impact, and the mission genuinely makes a difference, we'd love to hear from you. This is a hybrid role, with travel required to the London-based office at least twice a week. Due to the nature of the role, a full UK driver's license will be required.

Zero Surplus is one of the UK's premier recruitment agencies, based just outside Cambridge our recruiters source staff for small and international businesses across Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Northants, Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire, and the rest of the UK.

For registration purposes, please let us know where you are currently based or which locations you are considering as well as your required salary and notice period.

Please upload a Microsoft Word version of your CV where possible, excluding text boxes or images. Any data we collect from you will be stored and processed in accordance with Zero Surplus' Privacy Policy