The posting
Location: Birmingham
Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours)
Salary: Dependent on experience
PKF Smith Cooper is one of the Midlands’ leading firms of accountants and business advisers. As the home of PKF in the Midlands, we combine local expertise with the strength of a national and global network, bringing broader specialist resource, market insight and international reach to the benefit of our clients.
We have ambitious plans for the future, including a goal to double in size over the next few years. Business Development will play a central role in that journey by strengthening our market presence, deepening relationships and converting opportunity into sustainable growth across Birmingham.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile growth agenda within a highly respected firm. You will work closely with senior leadership, with the autonomy to shape activity, build influential relationships and turn market engagement into measurable commercial results.
At PKF Smith Cooper, you will join a firm with strong ambition, a collaborative culture and the platform to make a visible impact. Our values of empower, engage and excel shape how we work with clients and each other, creating an environment where people are trusted to take ownership, contribute ideas and build successful careers.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Director to lead the Business Development agenda for our Birmingham office. This is a senior, relationship focused role with responsibility for driving pipeline growth, revenue generation, market profile and the conversion of opportunities into new work. You will take ownership of the office Business Development budget, CRM, campaigns and events, working closely with Partners and Directors to deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
This role will suit someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and building strong relationships in the market. You will work closely with our team to generate and progress opportunities, further enhance the firm’s profile in the West Midlands and maintain a disciplined approach to follow-up, pipeline management and conversion.
The important work you will be doing:
- Leading and owning the Business Development strategy for the Birmingham office, aligned with firmwide growth plans
- Taking ownership of the office Business Development budget, CRM, campaigns and events programme
- Driving pipeline growth, revenue generation and the conversion of opportunities into new work
- Proactively identifying, pursuing and converting new business opportunities across key sectors and service lines
- Building, managing and nurturing strong relationships with clients, prospects and professional introducers
- Working closely with Partners and Directors to support cross-selling, account development and follow-up activity on priority opportunities
- Planning and delivering targeted campaigns and events that raise the firm's market profile and generate commercial opportunities
- Maintaining accurate pipeline visibility through CRM and using insight to improve focus, activity and conversion
- Increasing the firm's visibility and reputation within the Birmingham market through consistent external engagement and relationship building
- Overseeing and contributing to pitches, proposals and presentation activity
- Providing insight into market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities
- Acting as a visible ambassador for the firm's brand, values and culture
The skills and experience you will bring:
- Proven experience in a senior Business Development role within accountancy, banking, professional services or a similarly relationship-led environment
- A strong track record of driving pipeline growth, winning new work and converting opportunities into revenue
- Experience building credibility and influencing effectively with senior stakeholders, including Partners and Directors
- Commercially astute, with the ability to translate market activity into measurable business outcomes
- Experience owning and managing Business Development activity such as CRM, campaigns, events and budget accountability
- Strong relationship-building skills, with the confidence to represent the firm externally and develop trusted connections with clients, prospects and introducers
- Highly organised, with a disciplined approach to follow-up, pipeline management and opportunity conversion
- Strategic in outlook but hands-on in delivery, with the energy and credibility to make things happen
- A self-starter who is comfortable operating independently in a senior role without line management responsibility
- Excellent communication, influencing and presentation skills
Why join us
This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead the Business Development agenda for one of the Midlands’ most respected accountancy and advisory firms. You will have the autonomy to make a genuine commercial impact, the visibility to work closely with senior leadership and the platform to build profile, pipeline and long-term growth in one of our most important markets.
If you are a commercially minded Business Development leader who enjoys combining strategy, relationship building and hands-on delivery, this role offers the chance to be part of an ambitious firm where your contribution will be recognised and valued.
PKF International
As an active member of PKF International, we are part of a large global network of legally independent accounting firms.
Located in the 5 fastest growing global markets, we have ground presence in 150 countries and span across many jurisdictions.
PKF is an ambitious and future-focused network that offers a wide array of services. By collaborating with member firms worldwide, we can share ideas, expertise, and specialised resources to enhance our client service. This enables us to deliver personalized services and global connectivity, all rooted in our client-centric culture.
What's in it for you?
Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values. As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:
- A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme. Hybrid working during your probation period is subject to the manager's discretion
- Time to do what matters to you – 30 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the option to reduce annual hours for additional annual leave, and your birthday off, on us. Long-serving employees can also request a sabbatical, giving you the chance to make truly unforgettable memories
- Rewards for those who actively embrace and embody our values and culture through our Kudos Reward Scheme
- Regular social events and annual, company-wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm
- Bonus referral schemes for introducing new talent or clients so that when we benefit, you do too
- Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We also offer life assurance, private medical, discounts on a huge variety of retailers through the PKF Smith Cooper Rewards Scheme, and cashback on healthcare (including dental visits, physiotherapy etc) through Simply Health
How to apply?
Apply now if you believe you have what we are looking for! Even if you do not tick 100% of the boxes, we would encourage you to apply. To do so, please upload a copy of your CV and a covering letter to our job portal.
Should you have any questions, please contact a member of the People team - email [email protected] or call 01332 332021.
Please note that whilst we welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for our vacancies, we are unfortunately unable to accept applications from candidates requiring a visa to work in the UK.
Please, no agencies unless we have contacted you directly.
