Business Development and Marketing Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Business Development and Marketing Manager

🔹 Company: BLUE Communications

🔹 Location: Oxford or London with worldwide travel

🔹 Job Type: Full-time (Hybrid)

🔹 Category: Business Development, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 28, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days per week in office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Identifying new business opportunities across commercial maritime, renewable energy, and leisure marine segments
• Leading strategy and managing the marketing team
• Managing event planning for BLUE and Saltwater
• Generating leads and managing the new business pipeline using Hubspot CRM
• Leading negotiations and planning for trade media advertising

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong commercial mindset, marketing experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. It also involves international travel.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Build knowledge of BLUE's three core segments: commercial maritime, renewable energy, and leisure marine

✅ Build and retain long-lasting relationships and partnerships

✅ Identify new client opportunities and support upselling/cross-selling on existing accounts

✅ Generate leads through prospecting, cold calling, lead generation campaigns, and initial meetings

✅ Manage the pipeline of new business prospects and accounts using Hubspot CRM

✅ Implement new strategies or tools to manage new business opportunities

✅ Organize events for BLUE and Saltwater, including promotion and logistics

✅ Lead negotiations and planning for trade media advertising

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and strategic thinking. It also involves working closely with the senior team and motivating the wider team.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

Experience: Proven experience in business development and/or sales, with a keen interest in building long-term relationships. Marketing experience is also required to lead strategy and the team.

Required Skills:

• Commercial mindset
• Marketing experience
• Highly organized
• Excellent relationship-building skills
• Confidence in handling initial engagements and meetings
• Hustle mindset and self-starter attitude
• Team player and leadership skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strategic thinking
• Marketing knowledge
• New business development knowledge
• Project management skills
• B2B experience, preferably in an agency setting
• Ability to travel

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a business development role for an agency
• Sector experience within maritime, renewable energy, or leisure maritime sectors
• Driving license

ASSUMPTION: Preferred skills are not required but would be beneficial for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £50,000 - £70,000+ (uncapped commission)

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday per annum, plus Bank Holidays and additional accrual opportunities after two years’ service
• Additional day of holiday on your birthday or the Friday before should it fall on a weekend
• Loyalty bonus scheme from 3 years of employment
• Auto enrolment pension
• Rewards and perks through Perkbox
• Finders fee paid for colleague referrals
• Donation to charity on your birthday
• Regular office and company-wide get togethers
• Employee of the Quarter gift vouchers
• 4pm Friday finish encouraged

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for a Business Development and Marketing Manager role with 5-10 years of experience. The benefits package is comprehensive and includes various perks and wellness support.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: BLUE Communications is the leading brand, PR, communications, and marketing consultancy for the marine and renewable energy markets. The company specializes in government and industry body relations, issues and crisis management, investor and financial relations, CSR and sustainability, event management and speaker platforms, and employee engagement.

Company Size: BLUE Communications is a small company with 11-50 employees. This size allows for close collaboration and growth opportunities for employees.

Founded: The company was founded in 2008 and has since grown to become a global leader in its industry.

Company Description:

• BLUE is the world’s leading integrated brand, PR & communications, and digital marketing agency for the marine and renewable energy markets.
• The company brings deep industry expertise, global networks, and the very best brand, PR & communications, digital marketing, and research capabilities to create compelling strategies that deliver.
• BLUE guides its clients in building powerful brands and reputations on a global scale, growing revenue, pioneering innovation, influencing policy, and igniting meaningful transformation.

Company Specialties:

• Government and Industry Body Relations
• Issues and Crisis Management
• Investor and Financial Relations
• CSR and Sustainability
• Event Management and Speaker Platforms
• Employee engagement

Company Website: http://www.blue-comms.com

ASSUMPTION: BLUE Communications is a well-established company with a strong reputation in its industry. It offers significant opportunities for international travel and long-term career development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced professional with 5-10 years of experience in business development and marketing.

Reporting Structure: The Business Development and Marketing Manager will report directly to the senior team and work closely with them. They will also lead and motivate the wider team.

Work Arrangement: This role is a hybrid position, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week in the office (3 days during the probation period).

Growth Opportunities:

• As an entrepreneurial, agile, and growing company, BLUE offers significant opportunities for international travel and long-term career development.
• The role involves working with a wide-casting network and retaining long-lasting relationships, which can lead to career progression.
• The company encourages a 4pm Friday finish, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers excellent growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to progress within the company and take on more responsibilities.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: BLUE Communications has offices in Oxford and London, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Office Location(s): Oxford and London

Geographic Context:

• Oxford and London are major cities in the United Kingdom, offering a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and dining options.
• The offices are located in convenient areas with good transportation links.
• The company encourages a flexible work arrangement, allowing employees to balance their personal and professional lives.

Work Schedule: The working hours are 37.5 hours per week, with a flexible work arrangement that allows for remote work.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible work schedule make this role an attractive option for candidates seeking a good work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the senior team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Commercial mindset and business acumen
• Marketing experience and strategic thinking
• Organizational skills and project management
• Relationship-building skills and communication
• Adaptability and cultural fit

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the marine and renewable energy markets and BLUE Communications' services.
• Prepare examples of your past achievements in business development and marketing to discuss during the interview.
• Research the company and its clients to show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

ATS Keywords: Business development, marketing, commercial mindset, relationship building, project management, hybrid work, international travel

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is straightforward, with a typical interview process for a mid-level position. The company uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can improve your chances of being shortlisted.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Hubspot CRM
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Hootsuite)

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard for a business development and marketing position. Familiarity with these tools is expected, and training will be provided if necessary.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Expertise
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Results-driven

Work Style:

• Entrepreneurial and agile
• Growth-oriented
• Collaborative and supportive
• Flexible and adaptable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of building long-term relationships in a business development role?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment and managing multiple projects and deadlines?
• Do you have a strong commercial mindset and a hustle mindset?
• Are you results-driven and committed to delivering excellence?

ASSUMPTION: BLUE Communications values a strong cultural fit and looks for candidates who align with its core values and work style. Self-assessment questions can help candidates determine if they are a good fit for the company and the role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires a strong commercial mindset and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, which can be challenging at times.
• The role involves international travel, which may require flexibility and adaptability.
• The company is growing and evolving, which can present unique challenges and opportunities.
• The role requires a strong understanding of the marine and renewable energy markets, which may require additional learning and development.

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges of this role are outweighed by the opportunities for growth and development. Candidates should be prepared to take on new challenges and adapt to a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Business Development Manager or Marketing Manager position in an agency setting, with a focus on the marine and renewable energy markets.
• Unlike other roles, this position offers significant opportunities for international travel and long-term career development.
• Career progression in this role may lead to a senior management position or a more specialized role within the company.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for career growth and development within the company. Candidates should consider their long-term career goals and how this role can support their growth.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a new business strategy for the commercial maritime segment
• Managing the planning and execution of a major industry event, including promotion and logistics
• Leading negotiations and planning for a significant trade media advertising campaign

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the types of projects a Business Development and Marketing Manager might work on at BLUE Communications. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how they can contribute to similar projects.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the company's long-term growth plans?
• What opportunities are there for career progression within the company?
• How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the company's approach to professional development and training?

ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the company. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about the company's culture and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare examples of your past achievements in business development and marketing to discuss during the interview.
• Research the company and its clients to show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.