Executive Search - Business Development Consultant
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
The pay only meets a lower rate
£55,200
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
Anyone can use the standard rate, but the pay clears it only if the Home Office classes the job as SOC 3552. We think SOC 3556 is more likely, and the pay is too low for that code. If you are a new entrant or a PhD holder, you can use a lower rate, and the pay clears the new entrant rate for SOC 3556. On the jobs board, Standard and the new entrant rate both show roles like this as Possible at most.
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:
- Possible 3571 (Human resources and industrial relations officers) · 5% match
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 Misses | £55,200 Misses | £55,200 Misses |
3552 Business sales executives Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears |
3571 Human resources and industrial relations officers 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
Base Salary: £35,000 - £45,000
OTE: £55,000 - £75,000+
Based: London, SE1 7TY (Hybrid Working: 3 x Days In Office)
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. Our future plans for growth centre around the development of our international executive search service, underpinned by the support of exceptional executive search consultants. And because of these ambitious plans, we’re now seeking great people to join our team.
Role Overview
- Reporting to VMA Group’s CEO - as an 'Executive Search Business Development Consultant' at VMA Group, you will take a lead role in winning senior‑level recruitment and executive search mandates across communications, marketing, digital, sales and change.
- You will play a critical part in shaping and executing VMA Group’s commercial strategy, including winning new business, leading client pitches, and developing strategic sales plans targeted at specific industries and practice areas.
- This role requires strong commercial acumen, highly effective sales skills and the ability to develop and nurture relationships with senior level client stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Client Acquisition
- Identify, pursue and convert executive search opportunities, leveraging VMA Group’s longstanding brand reputation.
- Focus on selling other VMA Group service propositions including our Organisational Design service and Partnership Programmes.
- Lead and deliver compelling client pitches and proposals, articulating VMA Group’s value proposition, methodology and sector expertise.
- Build deep, strategic relationships with senior stakeholders across communications, marketing, digital, sales and change communities.
- Drive revenue growth through disciplined pipeline management, proactive outreach and consultative selling.
- Represent VMA Group at industry events, conferences, professional bodies and networking forums to increase visibility and commercial opportunities.
Strategic Sales & Market Development
- Develop and implement strategic business development plans, focusing on high-potential industries (e.g., financial services, technology, consumer, public sector, not‑for‑profit) and specialist disciplines across communications, marketing, sales, digital and change.
- Work with the CEO to identify priority markets, emerging trends, and opportunities for productised solutions, advisory offerings or new search specialisms.
- Use market intelligence and insight to advise clients on talent availability, compensation trends, organisational design and succession readiness.
Client Partnership & Advisory
- Act as an advisor to senior leadership teams, boards and C‑suite stakeholders, offering insights on market dynamics, candidate profiles and talent strategy.
Executive Search Delivery
- Work in partnership with Delivery Consultants and oversee successful search assignments, whilst managing client relationships and providing advice and support to Delivery Consultants as required.
Skills & Experience
- Some proven experience in recruitment, business development or sales, ideally with exposure to communications, marketing, digital, sales or corporate functions.
- Proven track record of delivering and winning client sales pitches and converting high‑value opportunities.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to build and execute sales plans.
- High credibility when engaging with C‑suite and senior leadership.
- Excellent research, assessment and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple complex assignments simultaneously.
- Strong written communication, proposal creation and verbal influencing skills.
Personal Attributes
- Commercially ambitious, persuasive and strategically minded.
- Confident communicator.
- Collaborative yet autonomous.
- Driven by delivering exceptional client outcomes and building long-lasting relationships.
What VMA Group Offers
- A chance to represent one of the most respected and established brands in communications and marketing recruitment, founded in 1978.
- Access to a global network of clients and industry communities.
- The opportunity to shape and influence the firm’s executive search growth strategy
- A mature working environment and a competitive remuneration package.
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- Middle half £40,144–71,448
- Median £53,820
- Going rate £55,200
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,600–49,680
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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.