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Job Opportunity: Business Development Manager – Commercial & Industrial
Company: Rexel
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Professional Job Summary
The Business Development Manager (BDM) – Commercial & Industrial is a strategic sales leadership role centered within Rexel’s Leeds cluster. This position is tasked with capturing market share through the identification of new revenue streams and the strengthening of existing high-value partnerships. Unlike a traditional transactional sales role, this position requires a data-driven approach to map out long-term growth trajectories, manage regional pricing governance, and integrate multichannel solutions to enhance the customer experience. The successful candidate will act as a bridge between branch-level operations and high-level strategic accounts.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Market Mapping: Utilize advanced data analytics to identify underserved segments within the Leeds geography, developing a roadmap for sustainable market share expansion.
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High-Value Pipeline Management: Prospect, qualify, and convert long-term business opportunities, ensuring a consistent flow of industrial and commercial contracts.
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Stakeholder & Partnership Cultivation: Establish multi-dimensional relationships with key brands and businesses, moving beyond vendor status to become a strategic partner.
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Solution Engineering: Develop tailored value propositions in collaboration with preferred suppliers to address specific technical or logistical challenges for clients.
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Financial Governance: Oversee regional pricing strategies and margins to ensure all contracts remain profitable while maintaining competitive positioning.
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Cross-Functional Leadership: Upskill internal branch teams on account ownership and implementation processes to ensure “On Time In Full” (OTIF) delivery.
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Multichannel Integration: Drive the adoption of digital and multichannel platforms to streamline the procurement process for industrial partners.
Required Qualifications & Skills
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Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of P&L management, margin protection, and “cost to serve” metrics.
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Strategic Sales Experience: Proven track record in a dedicated business development capacity, specifically within the B2B industrial or electrical wholesale sector.
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Data Literacy: Ability to interpret market data and internal KPIs to inform strategic pivots and growth plans.
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Negotiation Excellence: Advanced ability to navigate complex procurement processes and influence senior decision-makers.
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Collaborative Mindset: Experience working cross-functionally with logistics, branch management, and supply chain experts.
About Rexel
Rexel is a global leader in the distribution of electrical supplies and services, operating as a vital link in the energy value chain. In the United Kingdom, Rexel supports the construction, industrial, and commercial sectors through a vast network of branches and specialized hubs. The company is currently spearheading the transition toward sustainable energy solutions and digitalized supply chains. With a focus on Leeds—a powerhouse of the Northern Powerhouse economy—Rexel provides a robust infrastructure for professionals looking to influence the regional industrial landscape.
Market & Industry Context
Leeds serves as a critical industrial hub in the North of England, characterized by a diverse mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and commercial redevelopment projects. As the UK pushes toward “Net Zero” and smarter building infrastructure, the demand for sophisticated electrical distribution and energy management is surging. This role matters because it sits at the intersection of this industrial evolution, helping Leeds-based businesses modernize their operations while optimizing their supply chain efficiency.
Career Growth & Progression Path
A Business Development Manager at Rexel is positioned for significant upward mobility. Successful performance in this role typically leads to:
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Senior Regional Business Development Manager: Overseeing multiple clusters or larger geographical territories.
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Sector Specialist Head: Leading national strategy for specific industries like Renewable Energy or Automation.
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National Account Management: Managing the highest-tier corporate contracts at a UK-wide level.
Rexel’s commitment to “Extensive learning opportunities” includes leadership tracks and technical certifications that facilitate these transitions.
Interview Preparation Insights
Candidates should prepare to discuss specific instances where they used data to identify a market gap. Expect questions on:
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Conflict Resolution: How you manage internal stakeholders (like branch managers) when implementing a new strategic partnership.
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Financial Literacy: Be ready to walk through how you calculate and protect margins during a complex negotiation.
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Prospecting Methodology: How do you qualify a “long-term partner” versus a one-off transactional lead?
Estimated Salary Insight
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Market Estimate Based on Similar Roles: £45,000 – £60,000 per annum (Base), plus performance-related bonuses and a company car/allowance. Note: Actual compensation is determined by experience and performance history.
Recommended Qualifications & Professional Development
| Qualification/Course | Relevance to Role |
| ISM Level 5 Diploma in Sales & Marketing | Enhances strategic planning and high-level negotiation skills. |
| Project Management (Prince2 or Agile) | Useful for managing the implementation of large-scale industrial contracts. |
| Data Analysis for Business | Critical for the “Strategic Roadmap” and data-driven aspects of the role. |
| Electrical Wholesale Certifications | Provides technical credibility when discussing product specialisms. |
Job Interview Tips
| Stage | Focus Area | Pro-Tip |
| First Interview | Cultural Fit & Motivation | Highlight your “Collaboration” and “Accountability” behaviors. |
| Case Study/Presentation | Strategic Vision | Use a SWOT analysis for the Leeds C&I market to show local knowledge. |
| Final Interview | Commercial Competency | Be specific about P&L impacts you have personally influenced in past roles. |
Work Environment & Location Insights (Leeds, UK)
The role is based in the Leeds Cluster, requiring a mix of office-based strategy sessions, branch visits, and on-site client meetings. Leeds offers a high quality of professional life with a competitive cost of living compared to London. As a BDM, you will navigate the M62 corridor and the vibrant industrial estates of West Yorkshire, requiring a candidate who is comfortable with regional travel and has a strong grasp of the local economic climate.
Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note
Rexel is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, or disability. The company prioritizes behavioral potential and diversity of thought to drive innovation.
| Category | Advanced Core Data & Specifications |
| Organization | Rexel UK (Electrical Distribution) |
| Location | Leeds, United Kingdom (Cluster-based) |
| Focus Segment | Commercial & Industrial (C&I) |
| Key Performance Indicators | Profitable Growth, Market Share, and OTIF (On-Time In-Full) |
| Annual Leave | 33 Days (Includes Bank Holidays; Buy/Sell options) |
| Core Benefits | Company Car, Private Medical, Performance Bonus, Pension |
| Learning Culture | Extensive development from Day 1; “Healthy Mind” support |
Strategic & Commercial Accountability Matrix
| Function | Key Deliverables & Actionable Data |
| Market Strategy | Use data-driven insights to create roadmaps for market share increase. |
| Financial Governance | Manage regional pricing, margins, and P&L (contract profitability). |
| Pipeline Mgmt | Prospect, qualify, and close new business while maintaining a robust lead flow. |
| Value Proposition | Leverage preferred suppliers to drive innovation and tailored solutions. |
| Cross-Functional | Collaborate with branch-based teams and upskill internal staff. |
| Multichannel | Promote digital/multichannel adoption to improve customer experience. |
Candidate Competency & Behavioral Profile
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Commercial Expertise: Deep understanding of margin, cost-to-serve, and profitable revenue streams.
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Relationship Architecture: Ability to build formal and informal networks both inside and outside the organization.
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Negotiation Mastery: Using compelling arguments and influencing skills to gain stakeholder commitment.
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Market Agility: Capacity to adapt long-term strategies based on shifting segment trends or product specialisms.
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Accountability: Holding self and others to commitments even under “tough circumstances.”