Business Development Executive

Newsquest; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media company is seeking a Business Development Executive to drive B2B sales and deliver tailored digital marketing solutions. In this hybrid role based in Southampton, you will engage with local businesses, ensuring exceptional service and fostering client relationships. Ideal candidates will have experience in sales, a strong understanding of digital products, and the ability to work consultatively. This position offers a competitive salary with uncapped commission potential and numerous employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Uncapped commission OTE £45,000 Y1

25 days holiday

Holiday buy scheme

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business-to-business (B2B) sales.
• Solid understanding of digital marketing products.
• Confident in securing new business over the phone.

Responsibilities

• Drive business-to-business sales through calls and meetings.
• Deliver consultative selling to identify customer needs.
• Maintain strong customer relationships through account management.

Skills

B2B sales experience

Digital marketing products understanding

Outbound cold calling success

Client-focused sales approach

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Business Development Executive

Application Deadline: 27 February 2026

Department: Sales and Commercial

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Southampton

Reporting To: Damon Cousins

Compensation: £30,000 - £35,000 / year

Description

At LOCALiQ, part of Newsquest Media Group, we’re passionate about helping local businesses grow through smart, data-driven digital marketing. As part of the digital sales team, you’ll be at the heart of that mission, working closely with SMEs to elevate their online presence and connect with the audiences that matter most.

This is a hybrid role that combines remote working with face-to-face client meetings, so it’s important that you live within or near your designated territory and have access to a vehicle for business use, along with a full UK driving licence. You’ll be out and about, building relationships, uncovering business needs, and recommending tailored solutions from our suite of digital products, including paid social, digital display, video, and websites. We will expect to see you in our local office to keep up to date on your progress and help develop your career and earning potential.

We’re looking for someone who’s digitally confident, commercially minded, and passionate about helping businesses succeed. If you thrive in a consultative sales environment, can demonstrate expertise in B2B sales, and want to be part of a forward-thinking team that’s driving real impact in the local marketplace, we’d love to hear from you. Any prior experience selling digital marketing services or SaaS is advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive business-to-business sales through a mix of telephone, video, and face-to-face meetings with prospective clients across your territory.
• Deliver consultative selling by identifying customer needs through effective questioning and discovery, then recommending the most suitable digitally-led solutions.
• Conduct thorough research into each client’s business or industry vertical to ensure tailored and relevant proposals.
• Maximise marketing spend within your category or territory by continuously sourcing new and lapsed business opportunities.
• Maintain a high standard of account management, ensuring strong customer relationships and excellent service at every stage.
• Grow your unique customer base through strategic territory planning and proactive competitor awareness.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities from a variety of sources, including inbound leads, referrals, and self-sourced prospects.
• Consistently meet and exceed key performance indicators (KPIs), including call volumes, meaningful conversations, booked meetings, and timely follow-ups.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Proven experience in business-to-business (B2B) sales, ideally within a consultative or solution-based environment.
• Solid understanding of digital marketing products, such as paid social, digital display, video, and websites.
• Demonstrated success in outbound cold calling and lead generation.
• Confident and persuasive in securing new business over the phone and through virtual or in-person meetings.
• Ability to grow and nurture existing client accounts, driving long-term value and retention.
• Committed to delivering exceptional customer service with a proactive and responsive approach.
• Knowledge of multimedia advertising is advantageous but not essential.
• A consultative, client-focused approach to sales, with strong listening and problem-solving skills.
• Passionate about local media and motivated by helping businesses succeed.
• Able to commute to the office and travel within the territory for client meetings.
• Access to a vehicle for business use and holds a full UK driving licence.

Benefits and D&I Statement

• Competitive salary + uncapped commission OTE £45,000 Y1
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
• Structured career progression & ongoing training
• Pension plan & mental health support
• Perks & discounts including:
  • Gym membership
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses)
  • Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity day

Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment process will consist of various stages and activities. As part of our commitment to fairness to all applicants, we will take into account any adjustments that could help you.