Job Description

Job title

: Business Development Manager

Reporting to:

Director of Partnership and Engagement

Direct Reports:

None

Working Hours

: 35 hours per week

Location:

Central Edinburgh

Who We Are

Chambers of Commerce are at the heart of local business communities throughout the country. Using our respected voice and influence, and strong cross-sectoral network, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce champions the interests our 850+ members, supporting them to thrive and grow. The Chamber's stated purpose is to use our respected position and influence to help make Edinburgh the best place for 'businesses'.

We take an active role in collaborating with businesses and policymakers to help create the economic climate that will ensure the City's and the Region's prosperity. We are apolitical as an organisation, but regularly engage with government at all levels on behalf of our members to ensure their views are heard.

Chamber members have access to a range of benefits to help them succeed in business. This includes access to over 100 networking events each year, support with raising brand awareness in the city, information and insights on key business issues, advocacy and policy support and opportunities to upskill employees through our training programme. We lead, represent, advocate, inform and collaborate.

The Role

The Business Development Manager is a new role at Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and plays a vital role in driving new commercial revenue for the organisation. This includes securing new members, particularly corporate and partner members, and sponsorship opportunities across events, marketing, and policy work. The role also involves generating income through activities such as bespoke event management opportunities, and bespoke training contracts. The successful candidate will be commercially focused, well-connected, and confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels of seniority.

This is a high-impact role requiring a strong understanding of the Edinburgh business landscape, current business trends, and a proven track record of meeting and exceeding revenue targets.

Responsibilities

Revenue Generation: Drive new commercial income across membership, sponsorship, training, events, and bespoke services. Business Development: Leverage market insights, research, and data sources such as Beauhurst to identify and pursue strategic opportunities with prospective members, corporate partners, and sponsors. Relationship Building: Engage with senior stakeholders across sectors to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Market Awareness: Maintain a strong understanding of the Edinburgh business landscape and emerging trends to inform outreach and strategy. Event & Publication Sponsorship: Secure sponsorship for Chamber events, publications, and policy initiatives. Training & Bespoke Services: Promote and sell training programmes and tailored services to businesses across the region. Sales Strategy: Contribute to the development and delivery of sales strategies to meet commercial targets. CRM Management: Ensure accurate tracking of leads, opportunities, and outcomes within the Chamber's CRM system. Reporting: Provide regular updates on performance against targets and pipeline development. Collaboration: Work closely with the wider Chamber team to align commercial activity with strategic priorities.

Additional Duties

Attend networking events and represent the Chamber externally. Contribute to strategic planning and delivery as part of the wider team. Support cross-functional projects and initiatives as required. Participate in team meetings and training sessions. Uphold the Chamber's values and professional standards in all interactions.

Requirements

Proven track record in business development or sales, with consistent achievement of revenue targets. Strong understanding of the Edinburgh business landscape and key sectors. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently at all levels. Commercially minded with a proactive, results-driven approach. Ability to identify and convert opportunities into long-term partnerships. Experience in securing sponsorship and selling services or products. Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Familiarity with CRM systems and sales reporting tools.

Person Specification

Personable and confident, with a natural ability to build rapport. Well-connected within the Edinburgh business community or able to quickly establish networks. Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset. Resilient and adaptable, with a positive attitude toward challenges. Professional and credible, representing the Chamber with integrity. Enthusiastic about contributing to the Chamber's growth and impact.

Hours

This role is 35 hours per week.

Core office hours are Mon - Thu 9am - 5pm and Fri 9am - 3.45pm. Flexibility and occasional out-of-hours working will be required.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Health & wellbeing programme Sick pay Work from home
Experience:

Business development: 5 years (required)
Location:

Edinburgh EH2 2JG (preferred)
Work Location: In person