Business Development Manager
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently. Possible if it's SOC 3552
£60,000 – £100,000 / year
Salary
Within the market range
£55,200
Going rate
Offer clears by 1.1×
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3556 (78% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £55,200, and VMA Group is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
We pick the code from the advert's text, so it is our best guess, not the employer's. Each code it could be has its own likelihood:
- Likely 3556 (Sales accounts and business development managers) · 78% match
- Possible 3552 (Business sales executives) · 20% match
Ask VMA Group what the duties are.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3556 Sales accounts and business development managers Most likely code | £38,600 Clears | £55,200 Clears | £55,200 Clears | £55,200 Clears |
3552 Business sales executives Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Based: London, WC1A 2SL (Hybrid Working: 3 x Office Days)
OTE: £60,000 - £100,000+
This opportunity would suit: marketing and comms agency professionals with experience in business development, or business development professionals with experience of working in recruitment, talent management, or business consulting and professional services organisations.
About VMA Group
Established in 1978, VMA Group is a longstanding leader in communications, marketing, digital, and change recruitment and executive search, supporting organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally. For over 45 years, VMA Group has built its business on strong, lasting relationships working as a trusted talent partner across permanent, interim and executive search assignments.
For more than 45 years, the firm has partnered with organisations ranging from independent start‑ups to large multinational corporations and public sector bodies. As a result of this longevity, VMA Group is recognised for its deep sector expertise and its ability to deliver high calibre professionals within corporate communications, marketing, digital and related disciplines.
VMA Group is a market leader in its field, but we aren’t planning on standing still. We have ambitious growth plans for the years ahead, and we’re now seeking great people to join our team.
Role Overview
- Reporting to VMA Group’s CEO, as a Business Development Manager, you will drive growth across VMA Group’s specialist recruitment, executive search and advisory services.
- You will identify new commercial opportunities, build strategic client relationships, and partner with our consulting and search teams to ensure VMA Group continues to be the industry’s trusted talent solutions provider.
- This role is ideal for a commercially minded professional who thrives in a consultative, people‑centric environment and understands the value of long‑term relationship‑building.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Growth
- Identify, target, and convert new business opportunities across communications, marketing, digital, sales and change recruitment markets.
- Develop and implement strategic plans to expand VMA Group’s client base, including multinational corporations, scale‑ups, agencies, public sector and non‑profit organisations.
- Lead client pitches, presentations and proposal development for retained, permanent, interim and executive search assignments.
Client Relationship Management
- Build and maintain long‑term relationships with senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on talent strategy and market insights.
- Collaborate closely with consultants and practice leads to deliver high‑quality recruitment and talent advisory solutions.
- Monitor client satisfaction and ensure consistent delivery excellence across services including executive search, recruitment and advisory support.
Market Insight & Brand Positioning
- Stay informed about market trends across communications, marketing, digital and change sectors to advise clients effectively.
- Represent VMA Group at events, networking forums and industry conferences, promoting the company’s brand and thought leadership.
- Identify emerging sectors and growth opportunities that align with VMA Group’s specialist expertise.
Internal Collaboration
- Partner with internal teams to align business development activities with broader company objectives.
- Contribute commercially informed insights to support service development, including recruitment, organisation design, ED&I consulting, and executive coaching offerings.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience in business development, client management or commercial roles - ideally within a marketing or comms agency, a recruitment or talent management business or in consulting or professional services organisation.
Why Join VMA Group?
- Work with a respected international brand known for deep sector expertise and long‑standing industry relationships.
- Be part of a collaborative team with access to an international client network.
- Opportunity to shape growth in a specialist, high‑impact role at a firm with more than four decades of proven success.
- Significant opportunities for career progression.
Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to respond to everyone. We will get in touch if you are successful in your application.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with VMA Group, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Sales accounts and business development managers (SOC 3556) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~448k in sample- Offer £60,000–100,000
- Middle half £40,144–71,448
- Median £53,820
- Going rate £55,200
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,600–49,680
The range sits inside the market's middle half (£40,144–71,448), so this is typical pay for the occupation.
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About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. VMA Group holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 3556 going rate of £55,200. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.