Business Design Consultant at Rentokil Initial Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Business Design Consultant

Company: Rentokil Initial Group (Urban Planters)

Location: Poole, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Business Development Operations / GTM Support

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Drive revenue growth through strategic client engagement and sales target achievement within a defined territory.
Design and implement innovative interior landscaping, floral, and Christmas displays, integrating biophilic design principles.
Cultivate and manage a diverse portfolio of new and existing client relationships, ensuring exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
Leverage horticultural expertise and design acumen to enhance occupant well-being and bring nature into indoor environments.
Proactively generate leads and identify new business opportunities within the field sales environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While titled "Business Design Consultant," this role heavily leans into a field sales and client management capacity, with a strong emphasis on creative design and horticultural application. The "consultant" aspect refers to advising clients on biophilic design and improving indoor environments through greenery, rather than traditional business strategy consulting. The operations focus is on the execution of sales processes, client relationship management, and the delivery of landscape design services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Consistently deliver sales performance against agreed targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Actively work in the field to generate new leads and identify potential business opportunities.
Nurture and strengthen relationships with both new and existing customers through proactive engagement.
Provide outstanding customer service to ensure client satisfaction and retention.
Design and implement interior landscapes, floral arrangements, and seasonal displays (e.g., Christmas designs) tailored to client needs.
Combine horticultural knowledge with design principles to create aesthetically pleasing and functional indoor environments.
Oversee the installation of plant displays and develop comprehensive maintenance plans.
Stay abreast of the latest trends in interior landscaping, biophilic design, and sustainability.
Manage project budgets and timelines effectively to ensure profitable and timely project completion.
Communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients and internal teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of sales execution and creative service delivery. For operations professionals, this translates to managing the sales pipeline, client onboarding processes, project execution workflows, and ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met. The emphasis on field work and client interaction suggests a need for strong operational planning and time management skills to cover the designated territory effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or demonstrated interest in Horticulture, Landscape Design, Interior Design, or a related field would be advantageous.

Experience:

A minimum of 2 years of experience in a client-facing role, preferably within retail or sales, is required.
Experience in managing a client portfolio and driving new business development is highly desirable.
Prior exposure to interior landscaping, floral design, or similar creative fields is a significant plus. Required Skills:
Full UK driving licence held for more than two years, with no more than six penalty points.
Self-motivated and highly target-driven, with a proven ability to achieve sales goals.
Excellent problem-solving skills to address client needs and operational challenges.
Demonstrable excellence in customer service and interpersonal communication.
Proven ability to work independently and manage one's own schedule effectively.
Naturally creative individual with an outgoing personality and strong presentation skills.
Competent IT skills, including proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and potentially CRM systems. Preferred Skills:
Experience with biophilic design principles and their application in commercial spaces.
Knowledge of plant species suitable for various indoor environments and their care requirements.
Familiarity with design software or tools for creating visual proposals.
Experience in grounds maintenance or landscaping project management.
Understanding of sustainability initiatives and biodiversity consulting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is listed as 0-2 years, indicating that while prior sales or retail experience is key, the company is willing to train candidates on specific horticultural and design aspects. For operations candidates, the "Competent IT skills" should be interpreted as the ability to use CRM, scheduling, and reporting tools efficiently, which are critical for managing a territory and client base.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Client Case Studies: Showcase successful client projects, detailing the initial brief, design process, implementation, and client outcomes (e.g., improved well-being, aesthetic enhancement).
Design Visualizations: Include examples of interior landscape designs, floral arrangements, and seasonal displays, potentially with sketches, mood boards, or digital renderings.
Sales Performance Metrics: If available, present quantifiable achievements from previous sales roles, such as revenue growth, client acquisition numbers, or conversion rates.
Customer Service Examples: Illustrate instances where exceptional customer service led to client retention or resolution of complex issues.

Process Documentation:

Sales Process Workflow: Outline your approach to lead generation, client qualification, proposal development, negotiation, and closing, demonstrating an understanding of a structured sales funnel.
Client Management Strategy: Describe how you manage client relationships, including communication frequency, service delivery planning, and issue resolution protocols.
Design & Implementation Process: Detail the steps involved in designing and implementing interior landscapes, from initial client consultation and site assessment to plant selection, installation, and ongoing maintenance planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on field sales and design, a traditional "operations" portfolio might not be expected. However, candidates should prepare to demonstrate their sales process, client management approach, and creative design capabilities through case studies or visual examples. The ability to articulate how they would manage their territory and client portfolio operationally is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Starting Salary: £27,053 per annum.
Potential Salary through Grading: Up to £36,000 per annum, linked to performance and career development.
Expected On-Target Earnings (OTE): £40,000 per annum, inclusive of commission.

Benefits:

Company vehicle and fuel card, facilitating efficient territory coverage.
Commission scheme to reward sales performance and drive earnings.
Mobile phone and tablet provided for communication and client management.
Uniform provided for a professional appearance.
Discount scheme offering savings at over 3,000 retailers (RI Rewards).
Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering 24/7 confidential support.
Long service recognition, including an additional five days of annual leave after five years of service.
Refer a Friend scheme, with potential earnings up to £1,000.

Working Hours: Full-time, permanent role, Monday to Friday, with a 37.5-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary structure includes a base, a performance-based grading system, and a commission component, indicating a strong emphasis on performance-driven compensation. The OTE of £40,000 suggests that consistent achievement of sales targets and commission opportunities are realistic and expected. The benefits package is comprehensive, supporting both professional fieldwork and personal well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Business Services (specifically Interior Landscaping, Pest Control, Hygiene Services). Urban Planters operates within the broader Rentokil Initial Group, a global leader in pest control and hygiene services, with Ambius specializing in plant and scenting services.

Company Size: Rentokil Initial Group is a large, global organization (FTSE 50) operating in over 90 countries. Urban Planters functions as a specialized division, likely with a dedicated regional team structure.

Founded: Urban Planters began trading in 1965, establishing a long history in interior landscaping. Rentokil Initial has a much longer history, founded in 1925.

Team Structure:

This role operates within the Urban Planters division, covering Dorset, Devon & Cornwall.
The team likely includes other Business Design Consultants, potentially a Sales Manager or Regional Manager, and support staff for design, installation, and maintenance.
Collaboration will be crucial with operations teams responsible for plant care, installation, and logistics. Methodology:
Biophilic Design & Biodiversity Consulting: A core methodology focused on integrating nature into indoor environments to improve well-being, productivity, sustainability, and overall health.
Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasizes understanding client needs and delivering personalized service, from design to ongoing maintenance.
Data-Driven Service Delivery: While not explicitly stated for this role, Rentokil Initial's broader operations likely involve data analysis for efficiency, sales performance tracking, and service optimization.

Company Website: https://www.rentokil.com/gb/ (Rentokil Initial Group) and likely a dedicated Urban Planters site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "People First," with a strong investment in training and development. The integration into the larger Rentokil Initial Group provides stability and resources, while Urban Planters offers a specialized, creative service. For operations professionals, understanding how the company prioritizes people, invests in training, and fosters a customer-centric approach is key to cultural alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level Business Design Consultant. It requires a blend of sales acumen, design creativity, and client management skills. The "consultant" title implies a degree of autonomy and client advisory capacity.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Sales Manager or Regional Manager responsible for the Dorset, Devon & Cornwall territory. Direct collaboration with installation and horticultural teams will also be integral to operational success.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue generation through sales and client acquisition. It also influences client satisfaction and retention by delivering high-quality design and horticultural solutions, thereby contributing to the company's reputation and market position in interior landscaping.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression within Grading Scheme: The salary grading system offers a clear path for advancement based on performance, allowing consultants to increase their earning potential and take on more complex projects or larger client portfolios.
Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in biophilic design, sustainability consulting, or specific plant types, becoming a subject matter expert.
Leadership Roles: Potential to move into senior consultant roles, team leadership, or management positions within Urban Planters or the wider Rentokil Initial Group.
Cross-Functional Development: Possibility to gain exposure to other areas of Rentokil Initial, such as pest control or hygiene services, if career interests evolve.

📝 Enhancement Note: The defined salary grading system and the company's emphasis on training suggest a structured approach to career development. For operations professionals, understanding this growth path is crucial for long-term career planning. The role offers a solid foundation in client-facing operations, sales execution, and service delivery within a specialized industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily field-based, with the company vehicle serving as a mobile office and the home as a base. Occasional visits to regional offices or client sites for meetings, training, or specific project needs.

Office Location(s): The primary operational territory is Dorset, Devon & Cornwall. While there might be a central depot or office for stock or administrative purposes, the role is predominantly mobile.

Workspace Context:

Mobile Workspace: The company vehicle, mobile phone, and tablet are essential tools for managing daily operations, client interactions, and administrative tasks while on the go.
Client Environments: Work will take place in diverse indoor settings such as offices, hotels, shopping centers, and other commercial spaces, requiring adaptability and professionalism.
Collaborative Opportunities: While largely independent, opportunities for collaboration will arise during team meetings, training sessions, and when working on larger or more complex projects requiring input from horticultural or installation specialists.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (37.5 per week) from Monday to Friday. While the schedule is generally fixed, managing client appointments and territory coverage may require some flexibility in daily planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The field-based nature of the role emphasizes self-management and efficient operational planning. Candidates should be comfortable working autonomously and managing their time effectively across a designated geographical area. The "workspace" is dynamic, requiring adaptability to various client environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruitment team review of applications, focusing on meeting the basic requirements (driving licence, sales/retail background, self-motivation).
First Interview: May be with a Sales Manager or Regional Manager. This stage will assess sales aptitude, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your sales approach and customer service philosophy.
Practical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing design work, sales achievements, or a case study of a client engagement. This could also involve a role-play scenario simulating a client consultation.
Final Interview: Potentially with a senior manager or department head, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term career aspirations, and final confirmation of fit.
DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required, depending on the specific client sites visited.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Quantify Achievements: For sales experience, use numbers to demonstrate success (e.g., "Exceeded sales targets by 15% for three consecutive quarters," "Acquired 25 new B2B clients in one year").
Showcase Design Process: If presenting design work, explain your thought process, from understanding client needs to selecting plants and finalizing the design. Use visuals effectively.
Client-Centric Storytelling: Frame your experience around how you've solved client problems or enhanced their environments.
Demonstrate Adaptability: Highlight your ability to work in different environments and tailor solutions to unique client requirements.
Prepare for a Role-Play: Be ready to demonstrate your consultation and sales skills in a simulated client meeting.

Challenge Preparation:

Sales Pitch Practice: Prepare to deliver a concise and compelling pitch for Urban Planters' services.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would handle common sales objections or client issues (e.g., budget constraints, maintenance concerns, design disagreements).
Territory Management Strategy: Be ready to discuss how you would plan your week to cover your territory efficiently, prioritize leads, and manage your time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely geared towards assessing both sales capability and creative aptitude. Candidates should prepare to articulate their understanding of biophilic design and its benefits, alongside their sales strategies and client management skills. A strong portfolio, even if it includes personal projects or academic work, can significantly enhance an application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Company Vehicle: Essential for territory coverage and mobile operations.
Mobile Phone & Tablet: For communication, scheduling, CRM access, and potentially design visualization tools.
CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or proprietary): To manage leads, track customer interactions, monitor sales pipeline, and record client data.
Design Software (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD LT, or specialized landscape design tools): Potentially used for creating visualizations and proposals, though manual sketching might also be acceptable.

Analytics & Reporting:

Sales Reporting Tools: To track performance against targets, analyze sales data, and identify trends.
KPI Dashboards: To monitor key performance indicators related to sales, customer acquisition, and client satisfaction.

CRM & Automation:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Crucial for managing client data, sales activities, and communication history.
Scheduling & Calendar Tools: For efficient management of appointments and territory coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a CRM system is highly probable and essential for managing a sales territory effectively. While advanced design software might be a plus, the ability to use technology for organization, communication, and data tracking is fundamental to the operational success of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

People First: A core value emphasizing the importance of colleagues, customers, and community. This translates to supportive team dynamics, excellent customer service, and a focus on well-being.
Efficiency & Performance: Driven by the need to meet sales targets and deliver services effectively, supported by a performance-based grading system and KPIs.
Innovation & Creativity: Encouraged through the design and implementation of unique interior landscapes and biophilic solutions.
Sustainability & Well-being: A fundamental aspect of the Urban Planters' mission, promoting environmentally conscious practices and enhancing human well-being through nature.

Collaboration Style:

Field-Centric Collaboration: While much of the work is individual, collaboration is essential for sharing best practices, seeking advice on complex designs or horticultural challenges, and coordinating installations.
Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with horticultural experts, installation teams, and potentially administrative or sales support staff are vital for seamless service delivery.
Customer-Focused Communication: A collaborative approach to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring that design, sales, and service delivery are aligned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "People First" ethos suggests a supportive and team-oriented environment, even for a field-based role. Operations professionals should be prepared to contribute to a culture that values both individual performance and collective success, with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and well-being.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Territory Management: Effectively covering a broad geographical area (Dorset, Devon & Cornwall) requires excellent time management and logistical planning.
Sales Target Achievement: Meeting demanding sales targets and earning commissions requires consistent effort, strong sales skills, and adaptability.
Balancing Design and Sales: Juggling creative design responsibilities with the demands of field sales and client acquisition can be challenging.
Seasonal Fluctuations: Demand for certain services (e.g., Christmas displays) may vary seasonally, requiring adaptability in workload and focus.
Competition: The interior landscaping market may have various competitors, requiring differentiation through service quality and innovative design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Horticultural & Design Training: Access to industry-leading training to enhance expertise in plant care, design principles, and biophilic applications.
Sales Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to refine sales techniques, negotiation skills, and client management strategies.
Biophilic Design Certification: Potential to pursue specialized certifications in biophilic design, enhancing professional credibility.
Leadership Development: Through the performance grading system and potential for advancement, opportunities to develop leadership and management skills.
Industry Exposure: Working within a large group like Rentokil Initial provides exposure to various business services and operational models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for field sales and client-facing roles. The company's investment in training and development provides a strong framework for overcoming these challenges and fostering professional growth. For operations candidates, viewing these challenges as opportunities for skill development is key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"How would you approach developing a sales strategy for the Dorset, Devon & Cornwall territory, considering the specific market and potential client types?" (Focus on territory planning, lead generation methods, and prioritization.)
"Describe your process for consulting with a new client who wants to enhance their office environment with plants. What questions would you ask, and how would you tailor your recommendations?" (Demonstrate client engagement, needs assessment, and solution-oriented thinking.)
"How do you balance the creative demands of design with the operational requirements of sales and client management?" (Showcase organizational skills, time management, and ability to prioritize.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about Urban Planters and Rentokil Initial, and how do you see yourself contributing to our 'People First' culture?" (Research company values, mission, and recent news.)
"How do you stay updated on trends in interior landscaping, biophilic design, and sustainability?" (Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.)
"Describe a time you had to overcome a significant challenge in a client-facing role. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer demonstrating problem-solving and resilience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure Your Narrative: For each case study or project, clearly outline the problem, your solution (design and sales approach), and the positive outcome for the client and the business.
Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the tangible results of your work (e.g., increased client satisfaction, revenue generated, successful project completion).
Visual Appeal: Ensure any visual elements (photos, designs) are high-quality and effectively communicate your creative capabilities.
Conciseness: Be mindful of time; present your strongest examples efficiently and be prepared for follow-up questions.
Enthusiasm for Biophilic Design: Articulate your passion for bringing nature into indoor spaces and its benefits for people and businesses.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of sales drive, creative flair, and operational efficiency. Candidates should be ready to articulate their understanding of biophilic design and its business benefits, alongside their ability to manage a territory and client portfolio effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the application link provided on Workable.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your sales experience, customer service achievements, any design-related projects (even personal ones), and your ability to manage your own workload and targets. Use keywords from the job description, such as "sales," "lead generation," "customer service," "design," and "client management."
Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your work that showcase your design sensibilities, any client success stories, or evidence of your sales achievements. If you don't have formal design work, consider creating a few conceptual designs for interior spaces.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Urban Planters' services, the Rentokil Initial Group, and their commitment to biophilic design and sustainability. Understand their values and market position.
Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate why you are a strong candidate, focusing on your ability to drive sales, create beautiful spaces, and provide excellent customer service in a field-based role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Business Design Consultant