Business Design Consultant at Rentokil Initial Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Business Design Consultant

Company: Rentokil Initial Group

Location: Exeter, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Sales Operations / GTM Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-09-17

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Drive revenue growth through proactive field sales activities and client portfolio management within the interior landscaping sector.
Leverage biophilic design principles and horticultural expertise to create and implement innovative interior landscape solutions that enhance customer spaces and well-being.
Develop and nurture client relationships, ensuring exceptional customer service and achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) and sales targets.
Combine creative design skills with a business-oriented approach to identify new leads and opportunities for Urban Planters, a part of the Rentokil Initial Family.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Business Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements strongly align with a field-based sales or business development role focused on GTM strategy execution within the B2B services sector, specifically interior landscaping. The "design" aspect refers to the creative application of horticultural and biophilic principles to customer solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Execute sales strategies to achieve and exceed agreed-upon sales targets, focusing on increasing revenue within the designated territory (Dorset, Devon & Cornwall).
Actively generate new business leads through proactive field work, networking, and identifying opportunities within commercial spaces (offices, hotels, shopping centers, etc.).
Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with new and existing clients by providing outstanding customer service and tailored interior landscaping solutions.
Design, propose, and implement interior landscapes, floral arrangements, and seasonal displays (including Christmas designs) that meet client needs and align with biophilic design and sustainability goals.
Combine horticultural expertise with an understanding of design principles to create aesthetically pleasing and functional indoor environments that improve occupant well-being and productivity.
Manage a portfolio of assigned clients, ensuring consistent engagement, upselling opportunities, and client retention.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless project delivery, from initial design and consultation through to installation and ongoing maintenance plans.
Stay abreast of industry trends in interior landscaping, biophilic design, and sustainability to offer innovative solutions and maintain a competitive edge.
Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and sales metrics, providing insights for continuous improvement and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of sales execution, client relationship management, and creative design application. For operations professionals, understanding how to translate client needs into actionable design and service plans, while managing a sales pipeline and achieving revenue targets, is crucial.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Horticulture, Landscape Design, Business, Marketing, or a related field would be advantageous.
Continuous learning in biophilic design, sustainability, and sales methodologies is expected. Experience:
0-2 years of experience in a client-facing role, preferably within retail sales, business development, or a consultative sales environment.
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets is highly desirable.
Experience in managing a client portfolio and nurturing customer relationships. Required Skills:
Full UK Driving Licence: Held for more than two years with no more than six penalty points. This is essential for field-based client interactions.
Sales Acumen: Demonstrated ability to generate leads, close deals, and achieve sales targets.
Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to deliver outstanding service and build strong client rapport.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify client needs and propose creative, effective solutions.
IT Proficiency: Competent in using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) for reporting, communication, and potentially CRM systems.
Self-Motivation & Target-Driven: Proactive approach to work, with a strong internal drive to achieve goals.
Creativity & Design Sensibility: An outgoing and naturally creative individual with an eye for design and an understanding of aesthetic principles.

Preferred Skills:

Horticultural Knowledge: A foundational understanding of plants, their care, and suitability for interior environments.
Biophilic Design Principles: Familiarity with how nature can be integrated into built environments to improve well-being and productivity.
CRM Software: Experience with customer relationship management tools for lead tracking and client management.
Design Software: Basic proficiency in design or visualization tools could be beneficial for client presentations.
Business Development: Experience in identifying and pursuing new market opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a driving license and direct customer interaction signifies a field sales role. For operations professionals, this translates to managing operational territories, ensuring service delivery consistency, and potentially optimizing routes or client visit schedules. The "design" aspect implies a consultative sales approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Sales Case Studies: Documented examples of successful sales engagements, highlighting client challenges, solutions provided, and quantifiable results (e.g., revenue growth, client retention).
Client Relationship Management: Evidence of managing a client portfolio, including examples of client communication, problem resolution, and nurturing long-term partnerships.
Design & Implementation Examples: Visual documentation of interior landscape designs, floral arrangements, or Christmas displays, showcasing creativity, horticultural suitability, and aesthetic appeal. Include before-and-after scenarios if possible.
Performance Metrics: Demonstrated ability to track and report on sales targets, KPIs, and other relevant business metrics.

Process Documentation:

Sales Process Walkthrough: Ability to articulate the end-to-end sales process, from lead generation and qualification to proposal, closing, and post-sale follow-up.
Client Onboarding & Service Delivery: Documentation outlining how new clients are onboarded and how ongoing services (e.g., maintenance, design updates) are managed to ensure client satisfaction.
Territory Management Strategy: A clear understanding of how to effectively manage a geographic territory, optimize travel routes, and prioritize client visits for maximum efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal "portfolio" requirement, candidates are expected to demonstrate their capabilities through their experience and interview responses. Operations professionals should be prepared to discuss their approach to managing client relationships, sales processes, and territory operations, potentially using past projects as examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

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

Benefits:

Company Vehicle: Provided for business use.
Fuel Card: To cover fuel expenses for the company vehicle.
Commission Scheme: Opportunity to earn additional income based on sales performance.
Mobile Phone: Provided for business communication.
Tablet: For managing schedules, client information, and potentially design tools.
Uniform: Provided to maintain professional appearance.
Discount Scheme: Access to a discount scheme with offers from over 3,000 retailers.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Free, 24/7 confidential support for employees and their families.
Long Service Recognition: Additional annual leave entitlement after five years of service.
Refer a Friend Scheme: Potential to earn up to £1,000 for successful referrals.

Working Hours:

Full-time, Permanent: 37.5 hours per week.
Schedule: Monday to Friday.
Flexibility: The role involves managing one's own schedule within the working week, typical for field-based positions.

📝 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. For operations professionals, understanding how commission structures are calculated and how they align with service delivery and client satisfaction can be valuable. The OTE of £40k is a key target for high performers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Business Services (specifically Interior Landscaping, Pest Control, Hygiene Services). Urban Planters operates within the B2B service sector, focusing on enhancing commercial environments.

Company Size: Part of Rentokil Initial, a large, FTSE50 company operating in over 90 countries, employing thousands of people globally. Urban Planters itself functions as a network of operating branches.

Founded: Urban Planters began trading in 1965, with Rentokil Initial having a much longer history. This indicates a stable, established organization with deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

Urban Planters Division: Operates as a national organization with local branch presence, implying a decentralized yet coordinated team structure.
Field-Based Roles: The Business Design Consultant role is field-centric, working independently but likely supported by regional managers or sales leadership within the Urban Planters network.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily a sales role, collaboration with installation teams, maintenance staff, and potentially design specialists within Urban Planters or the broader Rentokil Initial group is probable.

Methodology:

Biophilic Design & Biodiversity Consulting: A key methodology is helping businesses understand and implement the positive impact of nature on customers and staff, focusing on productivity, sustainability, and well-being.
Data-Driven Insights: Implied through the focus on sales targets, KPIs, and performance-based grading systems, suggesting a data-informed approach to business operations and sales strategy.
Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on personalized service, understanding customer needs, and delivering tailored solutions.

Company Website: https://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/ (assumed based on context) and https://www.rentokil-initial.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Business Design Consultant" title is a strategic branding choice. From an operations perspective, it signifies a role that blends consultative sales with the practical application of design and service delivery within a large, established corporate structure. Understanding the parent company's values ("Right People, Doing the Right Things, in the Right Way") is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry to mid-level (0-2 years experience), focusing on execution and client-facing activities. It serves as a foundational role within the sales and GTM functions of Urban Planters.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Sales Manager or Regional Manager within the Urban Planters division, who oversees a team of field-based consultants.

Operations Impact: The Business Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales generation and client acquisition. Their success in designing and implementing effective interior landscapes also contributes to client satisfaction, retention, and the company's reputation for delivering high-quality, biophilic solutions. This role supports the broader GTM strategy by expanding market reach and customer base.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: The "salary grading system linked to performance" explicitly points to a structured career path. High performers can advance through higher grading levels within the Business Design Consultant role, leading to increased salary and responsibility.
Specialization: Potential to develop deeper expertise in specific areas such as biophilic design, large-scale project management, or key industry verticals (e.g., hospitality, corporate offices).
Leadership Potential: Successful consultants may progress into roles such as Senior Business Design Consultant, Sales Team Lead, or Regional Sales Management positions.
Broader Rentokil Initial: Opportunities may exist within other divisions of Rentokil Initial (e.g., Pest Control, Hygiene) for individuals demonstrating strong transferable skills in sales, operations, and client management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a salary grading system tied to performance is a significant indicator of a structured career development path. For operations professionals, this suggests a meritocratic environment where consistent performance and skill development can lead to tangible career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a field-based role. While there isn't a traditional office desk job, consultants will operate from their home base and spend the majority of their time visiting client sites across Dorset, Devon & Cornwall.

Office Location(s): The territory covers Exeter and surrounding areas in England, United Kingdom. Consultants will be expected to travel within this region.

Workspace Context:

Mobile Workspace: The consultant's primary workspace will be their company vehicle, equipped with a tablet and mobile phone for managing business operations on the go.
Client Environments: Work will take place in diverse indoor settings such as offices, hotels, shopping centers, and other commercial establishments.
Collaborative Environment: While often working independently in the field, there will be opportunities for team interaction during regional meetings, training sessions, or collaborative project work with colleagues and management.

Work Schedule:

Standard Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
Flexibility: Consultants are responsible for managing their own daily schedule, planning client visits and administrative tasks efficiently to meet targets. This requires strong time management and self-discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The field-based nature of this role requires a high degree of autonomy and self-management. Operations professionals will appreciate the emphasis on managing one's own territory and schedule, which is a common characteristic of effective field operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your sales experience and motivation.
Field Assessment/Ride-Along: Potentially a session where the candidate accompanies an experienced consultant to observe and participate in client interactions, demonstrating practical sales and design application skills.
In-Depth Interview: A more comprehensive interview, possibly with a senior sales leader, focusing on sales methodology, problem-solving abilities, understanding of biophilic design, and career aspirations.
Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions about how you would handle specific sales scenarios, client objections, or design challenges.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Quantify Achievements: For any past sales or project roles, be ready to present specific metrics and results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.
Visual Examples: If you have any personal or professional examples of design work, even from retail or creative projects, have them ready to showcase your creative aptitude.
Client Management Approach: Be prepared to discuss how you build and maintain client relationships, handle difficult customers, and ensure client satisfaction.
Understanding of the Role: Clearly articulate why you are interested in interior landscaping and biophilic design, and how your skills align with the company's mission.

Challenge Preparation:

Sales Pitch Practice: Rehearse a concise sales pitch for Urban Planters' services, highlighting key benefits like improved well-being, productivity, and sustainability.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach a client who is hesitant about the cost of interior landscaping or has specific aesthetic requirements.
Territory Management: Be ready to discuss how you would plan your week to cover the designated territory efficiently, prioritizing leads and client visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" isn't explicitly requested, candidates should prepare to articulate their experience and capabilities through concrete examples, particularly focusing on sales achievements, client management, and creative problem-solving. This is crucial for demonstrating readiness for a field sales and design consultancy role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Company Vehicle: Essential for territory coverage and client visits.
Mobile Phone & Tablet: Provided for communication, scheduling, CRM access, and potentially design-related applications.
Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for business communication, reporting, and data management.
CRM System (Likely): While not specified, Rentokil Initial likely uses a CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for lead tracking, client management, and sales pipeline visibility. Familiarity with CRM principles is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

Sales Performance Dashboards: Access to internal dashboards or reports to monitor personal sales targets, KPIs, and commission earnings.
Territory Performance Metrics: Understanding of how to analyze performance within a specific geographic area.

CRM & Automation:

Client Data Management: The tablet and potential CRM system will be used to manage client contact information, service history, and sales opportunities.
Scheduling & Route Optimization: Tools or manual planning methods to efficiently schedule client visits across the territory.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with mobile technology and any CRM system used by the company is critical for success in this field-based role. Operations professionals should highlight their experience with field service management tools or any technology that aids in efficient territory coverage and client interaction.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

"Right People, Doing the Right Things, in the Right Way": This core Rentokil Initial value emphasizes integrity, performance, and ethical conduct. For this role, it means being a reliable, driven, and customer-focused individual who represents the company professionally.
Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and exceeding customer expectations through excellent service and tailored solutions.
Performance & Growth: A culture that rewards high performance through its grading system and encourages career development.
Sustainability & Well-being: A commitment to promoting environmental responsibility and enhancing the well-being of people through biophilic design.
Innovation: Encouragement to find new ways of incorporating greenery and improving workplace environments.

Collaboration Style:

Independent Field Work: The role requires significant autonomy and self-management in the field.
Team Support: While independent, consultants are part of a larger team and will collaborate with managers and potentially other departments for project execution and problem-solving.
Client Collaboration: The core of the role involves close collaboration with clients to understand their needs and co-create effective interior landscape solutions.
Feedback Culture: The performance-based grading system suggests an environment where feedback is given and received to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Rentokil Initial's core values is crucial for demonstrating cultural fit. For operations, this translates to a commitment to service excellence, ethical practices, and a results-oriented mindset, all while working autonomously in the field.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Territory Management: Effectively covering a large geographic area (Dorset, Devon & Cornwall) and balancing new business development with existing client management.
Sales Target Pressure: Meeting ambitious sales targets and commission expectations requires consistent high performance and effective sales strategies.
Design vs. Practicality: Balancing creative design aspirations with client budgets, site constraints, and horticultural realities.
Market Competition: Differentiating Urban Planters' services in a competitive market for interior landscaping and design.
Seasonal Demand: Managing fluctuating demand, particularly around peak periods like Christmas displays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Horticulture & Design Training: Comprehensive training provided by Urban Planters to build expertise in interior landscaping, plant care, and biophilic design.
Sales & Business Development Skills: Development opportunities in consultative selling, negotiation, client relationship management, and territory planning.
Performance Coaching: Access to managers and senior colleagues for guidance, feedback, and support in achieving career and performance goals.
Industry Trends: Staying updated on best practices in sustainability, biophilic design, and workplace well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing and preparing for the inherent challenges of a field sales role, such as territory management and sales pressure, is key. The company's investment in training and development offers significant opportunities for individuals to grow their expertise in both sales and specialized design fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Sales Strategy: "How would you approach developing new business in a new territory like Dorset, Devon & Cornwall?" "Describe your process for qualifying leads and prioritizing your sales efforts."
Client Management: "How do you build rapport and long-term relationships with clients?" "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult client or resolve a customer service issue."
Design & Problem Solving: "How would you approach designing an interior landscape for an office space with low natural light?" "If a client requests a plant that is known to be difficult to maintain, how would you advise them?"

Company & Culture Questions:

"Why are you interested in interior landscaping and biophilic design?"
"What do you know about Rentokil Initial and Urban Planters?"
"How do you align with Rentokil Initial's values of 'Right People, Doing the Right Things, in the Right Way'?"
"How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working independently?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Quantify Your Sales Success: Be ready to discuss specific sales figures, revenue growth achieved, or client acquisition numbers from previous roles.
Showcase Client Relationship Skills: Prepare examples of how you have successfully managed client accounts, resolved issues, and fostered loyalty.
Illustrate Your Creative Aptitude: If you have any visual examples of design work (even personal projects), be prepared to share them to demonstrate your design sensibility.
Articulate Your Understanding of Biophilic Design: Explain what biophilic design means to you and how it can benefit businesses.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of sales drive, customer service skills, creative thinking, and an understanding of the company's mission. Prepare to speak confidently about your sales process, client management techniques, and your vision for applying design principles in a commercial context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Business Design Consultant position:

Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant sales experience, customer service achievements, any design-related projects, and your ability to work independently and manage a territory. Use keywords like "sales," "business development," "client relationship management," "interior landscaping," and "biophilic design."
Prepare Your "Portfolio" Narrative: Mentally prepare to discuss specific examples of your sales successes, client management strategies, and any creative problem-solving or design-thinking experiences using the STAR method.
Research Urban Planters & Rentokil Initial: Familiarize yourself with their services, company values, and the benefits of interior landscaping and biophilic design. Understand the territory you would be covering.
Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate why you are a strong candidate and how you can contribute to the success of Urban Planters.

⚠️ 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