London BD associate

JOB DESCRIPTION

Client Relations & Business Development Associate

Department: Business Development & Client Relations

Location: London, United Kingdom

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Experience Required: 2–3 Years

Role Overview

We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Client Relations & Business Development Associate to be based at our London office. This is a dynamic, hybrid role that sits at the intersection of client engagement, business development, and operational support. The successful candidate will be the first point of contact for clients, support the growth of existing and new business relationships.

We seek a reliable, self-motivated operator that can complete assignments under solo task management and collaborate well with diverse teams locally and across a global spread.

A key dimension of this role is representation and business development across Europe. The incumbent will be expected to travel to EU markets to support client engagement, attend industry events, and assist in growing the company's presence in the region. Some exposure to or understanding of the commodity trading space is advantageous, as the role interfaces with stakeholders operating in this sector.

This position is ideal for an ambitious early-career professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building relationships, and is driven to deliver above expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Client Liaison & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for existing clients, managing queries and maintaining strong, professional relationships.
• Coordinate client meetings, calls, and presentations — preparing agendas, briefing materials, and follow-up correspondence.
• Track and respond to client communications promptly, ensuring a high standard of service
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records within the CRM system.
• Prepare client-facing reports, updates, and summary documents as required.

Business Development Support

• Support the BD team in identifying and researching business opportunities, market trends, and prospective clients.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals, pitch decks, capability statements, and tender documents.
• Assist in the development of social media presentations and SM platform engagements.
• Coordinate and track the BD pipeline, maintaining up-to-date records of leads, opportunities, and conversion status.
• Assist with the planning and execution of networking events, industry conferences, and client entertainment activities.
• Draft and distribute targeted outreach communications under the direction of senior BD staff.

European Representation & Travel

• Represent the company at client meetings, industry events, and networking forums across European markets.
• Undertake regular travel to EU countries to support BD activity, client relationship management, and on-the-ground representation.
• Build and maintain relationships with European counterparts, partners, and prospective clients on behalf of the business.
• Provide post-travel briefings and reporting to DG and the HM, capturing key insights, leads, and action points.
• Stay informed of relevant regulatory, market, and sector developments across EU jurisdictions that may affect business operations or opportunities.

Office Administration & Operational Support

• Manage diary scheduling, travel arrangements, and logistics for client visits.
• Coordinate office supplies, vendor relationships, and general office management tasks to ensure efficient daily operations.
• Process and track invoices, expense claims, and purchase orders in accordance with company policy.
• Maintain and organise filing systems, contracts, and documentation — both digital and physical.
• Provide administrative support to the wider team.
• Liaise with IT, facilities, and other support functions to resolve office-related issues as they arise.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• 2–3 years of experience in a client-facing, business development support, or administrative role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills with a professional and confident manner.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• High level of attention to detail and organisational ability.
• Right to work in the United Kingdom.
• International passport held without travel restrictions, and willingness to travel for business purposes.

Desirable

• Experience with CRM platforms (e.g. Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar).
• Exposure to or understanding of the commodity trading sector or related industries (e.g. mining, energy, metals, or agricultural commodities).
• Exposure to professional services, financial services, or risk/security sectors.
• Experience supporting BD or sales functions, including proposal writing or pitch preparation.
• Experience in social media content development.
• Prior experience working across European markets or in a role involving international travel.
• Familiarity with London business culture and professional networks.
• Reasonable command of French language (written and spoken).

Key Competencies

• Client Focus — Builds rapport easily and delivers consistently high levels of service.
• Initiative & Drive — Proactively identifies what needs to be done and follows through without being prompted.
• Communication — Articulates ideas clearly in writing and in person; tailors style to the audience.
• Organisation & Planning — Juggles competing demands effectively and meets deadlines reliably.
• Collaboration — Works well within a team and across functions, contributing positively to team culture.
• Adaptability — Comfortable with ambiguity and able to pivot quickly as business needs evolve.
• Integrity & Discretion — Handles sensitive client and business information with professionalism and confidentiality.