About the Role
ERA Group is looking for a confident, commercially minded Business Development Manager to support the continued growth of our franchise network.
This is a UK-based role working primarily remotely, although you will be required to attend our Kent office for training days, team meetings and other key business sessions when needed.
You will play an important role at the beginning of the franchise candidate journey, speaking with prospective franchise partners who have expressed an interest in learning more about ERA Group.
Your focus will be on conducting high-quality initial calls, understanding each candidate's
background and motivations, introducing them to the ERA Group business model and progressing suitable prospects to the next stage of the process — our online Discovery Webinar.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys speaking with senior professionals, building rapport quickly and moving opportunities through a structured sales process.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct high-quality introductory calls with prospective ERA Group franchise candidates.
- Explain the ERA Group franchise opportunity and business model clearly and confidently.
- Understand each candidate's experience, motivations, financial position and reasons for considering business ownership.
- Qualify prospects and assess their suitability for the ERA Group franchise model.
- Build strong relationships with candidates and maintain momentum throughout the early stages of the franchise journey.
- Progress qualified candidates to our online Discovery Webinar.
- Maintain regular follow-up with prospects to maximise conversion through the pipeline.
- Keep candidate information, call notes and activity accurately updated within our CRM and franchise management systems.
- Work closely with the wider Franchise Growth team to ensure a smooth candidate experience and effective handover between stages.
- Manage a structured pipeline of prospective franchise partners and consistently work towards agreed activity and conversion targets.
- Provide feedback on candidate conversations, market trends and common questions or objections.
- Attend occasional training days, meetings and team sessions at our Kent office.
What We're Looking For
- Must currently be based in the UK with the right to work in the UK.
- Previous experience in business development, sales, recruitment, franchise development, account management or a similar consultative role.
- Confident conducting professional telephone and video conversations with senior-level candidates.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Comfortable explaining a detailed business proposition in a clear and engaging way.
- Commercially aware with the ability to qualify opportunities effectively.
- Confident handling questions and objections while maintaining a consultative approach.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple candidates and follow-up activities.
- Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a primarily remote environment.
- Experience using CRM systems and maintaining an accurate sales pipeline.
- A proactive approach with the confidence to take ownership of candidate progression.
Experience within franchising is beneficial but not essential, as full training on the ERA Group franchise model and candidate journey will be provided.
What Success Looks Like
You will be successful in this role if you are able to:
- Deliver consistently high-quality first conversations with prospective franchise candidates.
- Build trust and credibility quickly with senior professionals.
- Identify candidates who are genuinely suited to the ERA Group opportunity.
- Generate a strong and consistent flow of qualified candidates into our Discovery Webinar.
- Maintain strong follow-up activity and minimise candidate drop-off.
- Contribute towards the overall growth of ERA Group's franchise network.
What We Offer
- £35,000 Basic Salary
- Performance-related bonus scheme
- Predominantly remote working.
- Full training and ongoing support.
- Opportunity to work within an international franchise organisation.
- A collaborative and supportive Franchise Growth team.
- Career development opportunities as the team and franchise network continue to grow.
- Occasional office-based training and team days at our Kent office.
About ERA Group
ERA Group is an international business consultancy franchise helping organisations improve their financial and operational performance.
Our franchise partners come from a wide range of senior professional and commercial backgrounds and use their experience, alongside ERA Group's established methodology, tools and global network, to build their own consulting businesses.
As part of our Franchise Growth team, you will help prospective franchise partners understand the opportunity, assess whether it is right for them and guide suitable candidates through the first stages of their journey with ERA Group.