Business Design Consultant at Rentokil Initial Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Business Design Consultant

Company: Rentokil Initial Group (Urban Planters)

Location: Falmouth, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / Business Development / GTM Consulting

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level to Mid-Level (0-2 years indicated, but role scope suggests potential for growth)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Drive revenue growth by identifying and converting new business opportunities within a defined territory, focusing on interior landscaping and biophilic design solutions.
Manage and nurture a portfolio of existing client relationships, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and identifying upselling opportunities.
Leverage a blend of horticultural expertise and design principles to create and implement tailored interior landscape, floral, and Christmas designs for commercial clients.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver end-to-end project management for design and installation initiatives, ensuring project success and client delight.
Contribute to the Go-To-Market strategy by providing market insights and feedback from field-based client interactions to inform product development and service offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided experience level is 0-2 years, the responsibilities of managing a client portfolio, developing new business, and combining horticulture with design principles suggest that candidates with strong sales acumen and a passion for design, even with less direct experience, could be a good fit. The emphasis on "grading scheme" linked to performance also indicates a clear path for career advancement within the role. This role bridges sales, consulting, and operational execution within a niche market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Sales Target Achievement: Consistently meet and exceed agreed-upon sales targets through proactive lead generation and effective client management.
Business Development: Actively work in the field to generate new leads, identify potential clients, and develop new business opportunities within the assigned territory (Dorset, Devon & Cornwall).
Client Relationship Management: Nurture and strengthen relationships with both new and existing customers by providing exceptional service, understanding their needs, and offering tailored solutions.
Design & Implementation: Create, design, and implement interior landscapes, floral arrangements, and seasonal (e.g., Christmas) displays that align with client requirements and urban planter's expertise.
Horticultural & Design Consultation: Combine horticultural knowledge with design principles to advise clients on how to enhance their indoor environments for well-being, productivity, and sustainability.
Project Oversight: Oversee the installation of designed landscapes and manage maintenance plans to ensure ongoing client satisfaction and plant health.
Market Intelligence: Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and evolving customer needs in biophilic design and interior landscaping.
Budget & Timeline Management: Manage project budgets and timelines effectively to ensure profitable and timely project completion.
Stakeholder Communication: Clearly communicate project plans, progress, and outcomes to clients and internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong blend of sales, client management, and project execution. For operations professionals, understanding how to translate client needs into actionable design and maintenance plans, manage project timelines, and contribute to a sales pipeline are key takeaways. The role requires a consultative sales approach, where understanding client environments and proposing solutions is paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

While no specific degree is listed, a background in Horticulture, Landscape Design, Business, Marketing, or a related field would be advantageous.
Demonstrated understanding of design principles and their application in commercial spaces. Experience:
0-2 years of experience in a client-facing role, preferably within sales, retail, or customer service.
Experience in generating leads and managing client relationships is highly valued.
Familiarity with horticulture or interior landscaping is a significant plus. Required Skills:
Full UK Driving Licence: Held for more than two years with no more than six penalty points.
Sales Acumen: Proven ability to meet and exceed sales targets, with a self-motivated and target-driven mindset.
Problem-Solving: Excellent ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions for clients and projects.
Customer Service Excellence: Demonstrated ability to provide outstanding service and build strong customer rapport.
Communication Skills: Articulate and persuasive in both written and verbal communication, capable of engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders.
IT Proficiency: Competent in using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) for reporting, communication, and basic data management.
Creativity & Design Sensibility: An outgoing, naturally creative individual with an aptitude for design and visual aesthetics.
Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and drive personal performance without constant supervision.

Preferred Skills:

Horticulture Knowledge: In-depth understanding of plant types, care, and their suitability for various indoor environments.
Design Software Proficiency: Familiarity with design or CAD software for creating visual proposals.
Biophilic Design Understanding: Knowledge of the principles and benefits of biophilic design.
CRM System Experience: Experience using Customer Relationship Management software for lead tracking and client management.
Project Management Fundamentals: Basic understanding of project lifecycles and task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, skills in data analysis (interpreting sales data, KPIs), process optimization (streamlining client onboarding or design processes), and system utilization (CRM, basic reporting tools) are transferable. Emphasize how your analytical skills can support sales targets and client satisfaction metrics. The "competent IT skills" should be interpreted broadly, implying comfort with technology for reporting and client interaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Sales Performance Metrics: Quantifiable achievements in sales targets, lead conversion rates, and revenue generation. This should include examples of how you contributed to or exceeded KPIs.
Client Case Studies: Detailed examples of successful client engagements, showcasing your ability to understand client needs, propose solutions (designs, installations), and deliver positive outcomes. Highlight the impact on the client's space and well-being.
Design Concepts & Mock-ups: Visual representations of interior landscape designs, floral arrangements, or seasonal displays you have conceptualized or implemented. This could include mood boards, sketches, or digital renderings.
Client Relationship Management Examples: Evidence of how you have nurtured client relationships, managed feedback, and driven repeat business or upselling opportunities.
Process Improvement Contributions (if applicable): Any instances where you identified and implemented improvements to sales processes, client onboarding, or project execution workflows.

Process Documentation:

Showcase an understanding of workflow design for sales and client engagement processes.
Evidence of how you document client requirements, design specifications, and project plans.
Demonstrate how you track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sales and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a traditional "operations portfolio" might not be expected in the same way as for a pure Ops analyst. However, demonstrating a structured approach to sales, client management, and project delivery through case studies and quantifiable results is crucial. Operations candidates should frame their experience in terms of process efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and measurable impact on sales and client satisfaction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

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

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 performance.
Mobile Phone: For business communication.
Tablet: For work-related tasks and client interactions.
Uniform: Provided for a professional appearance.
Discount Scheme: Access to a discount scheme with over 3,000 retailers (RI Rewards).
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Free, 24/7 confidential support service for employees and their families.
Long Service Recognition: Additional five days of annual leave after five years of service.
Refer a Friend Scheme: Opportunity to earn up to £1,000 for successful referrals.

Working Hours:

Full-time, permanent role.
37.5 hours per week.
Monday to Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary structure combines a base salary with performance-based commission and a grading system for career progression. This indicates a strong emphasis on achieving targets. The OTE of £40k is achievable with successful commission earnings. For operations professionals, understanding how commission structures work and how to forecast earnings based on performance metrics is valuable. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering tools for the job and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Business Services (specifically Interior Landscaping, Biophilic Design, Grounds Maintenance, and related services).

Company Size: Part of Rentokil Initial, a large, FTSE50 listed global organization with operations in over 90 countries. Urban Planters itself operates as a national organization with a network of branches, implying a significant operational footprint.

Founded: Urban Planters began trading in 1965, with a long history in interior landscaping. Rentokil Initial has a much longer history, founded in 1906.

Team Structure:

The role is field-based, implying a degree of autonomy but also a need for strong communication with a local or regional sales team and potentially operations/installation support.
You will be part of the Urban Planters brand, which is itself part of the larger Rentokil Initial family (including Ambius for plants and scenting).
The reporting structure likely involves a Sales Manager or Regional Manager who oversees performance and development.
Cross-functional collaboration will be essential with installation teams, horticulturalists, designers, and potentially marketing. Methodology:
Data-Driven Approach: The emphasis on sales targets, KPIs, and a performance-linked grading system suggests a data-driven approach to performance management.
Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on delivering excellent customer service and building long-term relationships.
Innovation & Design: Commitment to Biophilic Design & Biodiversity consulting, indicating a forward-thinking approach to incorporating nature into built environments.
Sustainability Focus: Promoting services that help nature, improve sustainability, and enhance well-being.

Company Website: https://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/ (and overall Rentokil Initial Group website)

📝 Enhancement Note: Rentokil Initial's global presence and the "Right People, Doing the Right Things, in the Right Way" ethos suggest a structured, professional environment. For operations professionals, understanding how a large, established company manages its field-based sales and service teams, and how local branches integrate with national strategy, is key. The focus on sustainability and well-being aligns with modern GTM strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Business Design Consultant," indicating a client-facing, revenue-generating position with a consultative element. It's an excellent entry point into GTM roles, sales, and client management within a specialized service industry.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Sales Manager or Regional Manager within the Urban Planters division. This provides direct mentorship and performance oversight.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue through sales and client retention. The consultative aspect means influencing client decisions regarding their physical spaces, which in turn affects employee well-being, productivity, and brand perception. This aligns with GTM strategy by expanding market reach and service adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Advancement: The "salary grading system" directly supports career progression based on performance, offering a clear path to higher earning potential and potentially more senior roles within sales or business development.
Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in horticulture, interior landscaping design, biophilic principles, and consultative sales techniques.
Leadership Potential: Successful performance could lead to opportunities in team leadership, managing a larger territory, or specializing in specific service areas (e.g., Green Walls, Biophilic Consulting).
Cross-Functional Moves: Experience gained could open doors to roles in operations management, account management, or client success within Rentokil Initial's broader service offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals looking to transition into GTM roles can leverage their analytical and process-oriented skills to excel. Demonstrating how you can improve sales efficiency, client onboarding processes, or data reporting can be a strong differentiator for growth. The emphasis on performance-based progression is a significant indicator of a meritocratic environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a field-based role, meaning the "office" is largely the company vehicle and the client's premises. There will be a need for home-based administrative work and potential regional hub meetings.

Office Location(s): The role covers Dorset, Devon & Cornwall. While there isn't a fixed office location for daily attendance, the company operates a network of branches, and specific locations for Rentokil Initial Group can be found across the UK.

Workspace Context:

Autonomous Work: High degree of independence in managing your daily schedule and client visits.
Client Interaction: Frequent face-to-face interactions with a diverse range of clients in various commercial settings (offices, hotels, shopping centers, etc.).
Tools & Technology: Equipped with a company vehicle, fuel card, mobile phone, and tablet to facilitate remote work and client engagement.
Team Collaboration: While largely autonomous, regular communication with sales management and potentially site teams for installations is expected.

Work Schedule:

Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
While structured, the field-based nature may require flexibility to accommodate client appointments and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates accustomed to structured office environments, this role requires adaptability and strong self-management. The ability to create efficient daily routes, manage time between client visits and administrative tasks, and utilize provided technology effectively will be key to success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, sales aptitude, and cultural fit.
Field Visit/Assessment: May involve a practical assessment or a day shadowing a current consultant to understand the role's demands.
Formal Interview: A more in-depth interview with a hiring manager, potentially covering sales strategies, client management scenarios, and design concepts.
Skills/Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions related to problem-solving, customer service, and how you would approach specific sales or design challenges.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Quantify Achievements: For any sales or client management experience, use numbers and metrics (e.g., increased sales by X%, improved client retention by Y%, managed a portfolio of Z clients).
Showcase Design Thinking: Present visual examples of your design ideas, even if conceptual. Highlight your understanding of how plants and greenery can enhance a space.
Client-Centric Approach: Frame your experience around understanding client needs and delivering solutions that meet those needs and add value.
Process Orientation: Briefly explain how you approach lead generation, client qualification, proposal development, and follow-up.
Tailor to Urban Planters: Research Urban Planters' projects and clients. Highlight how your skills and interests align with their specific services (interior landscaping, biophilic design, etc.).

Challenge Preparation:

Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common sales challenges, such as dealing with objections, finding new leads, or managing difficult client relationships.
Design Challenge: You might be asked to conceptualize a simple interior landscape for a given scenario (e.g., a reception area, a small office). Focus on practicality, aesthetics, and client needs.
Motivation & Drive: Articulate why you are passionate about sales, design, and horticulture, and how you stay motivated in a field-based role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals should emphasize their ability to analyze performance data, identify process improvements, and manage projects efficiently. Frame your experience in terms of driving measurable results and contributing to business objectives, even if your background isn't directly in sales.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Company Vehicle: Essential for territory coverage.
Mobile Phone & Tablet: For communication, scheduling, accessing client information, and potentially CRM/reporting.
Microsoft Office Suite (or similar): For email, word processing, spreadsheets (reporting, proposals), and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM System (likely): While not explicitly named, a CRM would be standard for managing leads, clients, and sales pipelines. Candidates should be comfortable learning and using such systems.
Sales Reporting Tools: Internal tools for tracking KPIs, sales performance, and commission calculations.

CRM & Automation:

Internal Sales/CRM Software: To manage client interactions, track sales progress, and forecast revenue.
Potentially Design Software: For creating visual proposals, though may be less critical for entry-level if conceptual skills are strong.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, highlight your proficiency with CRM systems, data analysis tools, and any experience with sales enablement platforms. Understanding how technology supports sales processes and client management is a key strength.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

"People First": Rentokil Initial emphasizes investing in colleagues, training, and development, suggesting a supportive and growth-oriented environment.
"Right People, Doing the Right Things, in the Right Way": This core value points to a focus on integrity, performance, and operational excellence.
Customer Focus: Delivering high-quality services and building lasting client relationships is paramount.
Efficiency & Productivity: The performance-driven culture and focus on targets imply a value placed on efficient work practices and achieving results.
Innovation: The company's evolution into Biophilic Design and Biodiversity consulting showcases a willingness to innovate and adapt to market needs.

Collaboration Style:

Field Autonomy with Support: While working independently in the field, there's an expectation of collaboration with sales management and potentially operational teams for installations.
Cross-Functional Integration: Effective collaboration with installation crews, horticulturalists, and administrative support is crucial for seamless client service delivery.
Feedback Loop: Openness to feedback from clients and colleagues to continuously improve service and designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals can highlight their experience in fostering collaborative environments, implementing efficient communication protocols, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Territory Management: Effectively covering a broad geographical area (Dorset, Devon & Cornwall) while maximizing client engagement.
Lead Generation & Conversion: Consistently finding and closing new business in a competitive market.
Balancing Sales & Design: Juggling the demands of client acquisition with the creative and technical requirements of design and consultation.
Seasonal Fluctuations: Potential for variations in demand based on seasons (e.g., Christmas displays).
Client Expectations: Managing diverse client needs and expectations for aesthetics, budget, and plant care.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Horticulture & Design Expertise: Deepen knowledge in plant science, interior landscaping techniques, and biophilic design principles.
Sales & Business Development Skills: Enhance consultative selling, negotiation, and client relationship management skills.
Project Management Fundamentals: Gain practical experience in managing projects from conception to completion.
Industry Trends: Stay abreast of innovations in green design, sustainability, and workplace well-being.
Career Progression: Clear pathway for advancement through performance-based grading within Rentokil Initial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates can frame challenges in terms of process optimization, risk management, and resource allocation. For growth, emphasize how analytical skills can be applied to identify market opportunities or improve sales process efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"How would you approach building a sales pipeline in a new territory like Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall?" (Focus on research, networking, proactive outreach)
"Describe a time you had to balance multiple client demands or projects simultaneously. How did you prioritize?" (Highlight time management, organizational skills, and communication)
"Imagine a client wants a low-maintenance, visually striking interior landscape for their modern office reception. What would be your initial design considerations and plant suggestions?" (Demon

Business Design Consultant