Business Development (Design) Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Business Development (Design) Consultant

Company: Rentokil Initial Group (Urban Planters)

Location: Chelmsford, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Business Development & Design Operations

Date Posted: March 24, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive new business development and client acquisition within designated East London, Essex, and Cambridgeshire territories, focusing on interior landscaping and design solutions.

• Leverage a blend of sales acumen, creative design thinking, and horticultural knowledge to propose and implement biophilic design strategies for commercial clients.

• Manage a portfolio of existing clients, fostering strong relationships to ensure repeat business and identify upsell opportunities in plant displays, green walls, and seasonal décor.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with installation and maintenance teams to ensure seamless project delivery and exceptional customer satisfaction.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through proactive lead generation, effective client engagement, and superior customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Business Development (Design) Consultant," the core responsibilities heavily lean into sales and client management within a specialized niche. The "design" aspect refers to the application of biophilic principles and interior landscaping, rather than pure graphic or architectural design. This role requires a blend of sales execution, consultative selling, and a foundational understanding of horticultural and design concepts for indoor environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Sales Target Achievement: Consistently meet and exceed agreed-upon sales targets and KPIs through proactive lead generation and effective client engagement.

• Client Portfolio Management: Nurture relationships with new and existing customers, providing exceptional customer service and identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling services like plant displays, grounds maintenance, green walls, and Christmas décor.

• New Business Generation: Actively work in the field to generate new leads and develop a robust pipeline of potential clients within the assigned territory.

• Design Consultation & Proposal Development: Combine horticultural expertise with design principles to create and present compelling interior landscape, floral, and Christmas designs that enhance occupant well-being and align with client objectives.

• Project Oversight: Oversee the initial stages of project implementation, from design conceptualization through to installation handover, ensuring client specifications and quality standards are met.

• Market Trend Analysis: Stay informed about the latest trends in biophilic design, interior landscaping, and sustainable practices to provide innovative solutions to clients.

• Reporting and Administration: Maintain accurate records of sales activities, client interactions, and progress towards targets using company IT systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on, field-based sales approach with a consultative element. The "design" component is practical and solution-oriented, focused on applying horticultural and biophilic principles to client spaces to improve well-being and aesthetics, rather than abstract creative design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2-5 years of proven experience in a sales or business development role, preferably in a field-based capacity.

• Demonstrated success in achieving and exceeding sales targets and KPIs.

Required Skills:

• Sales Acumen: Proven ability to generate leads, conduct sales presentations, negotiate, and close deals.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at various levels.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address client needs and overcome sales obstacles.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage multiple client engagements, timelines, and deliverables effectively.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to client proposals, site assessments, and administrative tasks.

• Self-Motivation & Drive: Highly self-motivated, target-driven, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Customer Service Excellence: Commitment to providing outstanding service to both new and existing clients.

• IT Competence: Proficient in using standard IT systems for reporting, communication, and client management.

• Full UK Driving License: Held for more than two years with no more than six penalty points.

Preferred Skills:

• Horticultural Knowledge: Understanding of various plant types, their care requirements, and suitability for different indoor environments.

• Design Principles: Familiarity with interior design principles, biophilic design concepts, and spatial planning.

• Sustainable Practices: Awareness of environmental sustainability and its application in landscaping and design.

• CRM Software Proficiency: Experience with CRM systems for managing leads, contacts, and sales pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Essential skills" listed in the raw job description ("Sales background, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, project management, and attention to detail") are integrated into the "Required Skills" section. The "Preferred but not essential skills" are incorporated into the "Preferred Skills" section, with additional context tailored to operations and business development roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Case Studies: Documented examples of successful sales cycles, highlighting client challenges, proposed solutions, and achieved outcomes (e.g., revenue growth, client retention).

• Client Relationship Examples: Demonstrations of how you have nurtured client relationships, managed portfolios, and identified opportunities for expansion or upsell.

• Design Proposal Examples: Mock-ups or actual examples of interior landscape, floral, or Christmas designs presented to clients, showcasing creativity and understanding of client needs.

• Performance Metrics: Evidence of meeting and exceeding sales targets, KPIs, and revenue goals.

Process Documentation:

• Lead Generation Methodologies: Showcase strategies and processes used for identifying and qualifying new business leads in a territory.

• Sales Process Walkthrough: Ability to articulate your typical sales process from initial contact through to closing and handover, emphasizing efficiency and customer focus.

• Client Management Framework: Outline your approach to managing a client portfolio, including communication cadence, service delivery oversight, and retention strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a Business Development role with a design element, a traditional "operations portfolio" might not be expected. However, for a competitive application, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their sales process, client management strategies, and examples of proposal development. The focus is on showcasing business impact and client-centric solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Performance-Linked Salary Grading: Opportunities for salary increases tied directly to performance and career development.

• Commission & Bonus Schemes: Regular opportunities to earn additional income based on sales performance.

• Company Vehicle: Access to a company vehicle for business use.

• Fuel Card: Provided to cover fuel expenses for the company vehicle.

• Mobile Phone & Tablet: Company-provided devices for communication and work management.

• Uniform: Provided for professional representation.

• Discount Scheme: Access to a discount scheme with over 3,000 retailers (RI Rewards).

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Free, 24/7 confidential support for employees and their families.

• Long Service Recognition: Additional annual leave entitlement (five days after five years of service).

• Refer a Friend Bonus: Financial incentive for referring successful candidates.

Working Hours:

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary information is an estimate based on typical UK market rates for similar roles and experience levels. The company explicitly mentions a performance-linked salary grading system, implying that base salary may vary and is supplemented significantly by performance incentives. The working hours are clearly stated as 37.5 hours per week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

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

Company Size: Rentokil Initial Group is a large, FTSE 50 company operating in over 90 countries, indicating a stable and resourced corporate environment. Urban Planters, as part of this group, benefits from national resources while maintaining a local service model.

Founded: Urban Planters began trading in 1965, signifying a long-standing presence and deep expertise in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Core Team: This role operates within the Urban Planters division, likely reporting to a Sales Manager or Regional Manager.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Regular interaction with installation teams, maintenance crews, design specialists, and customer service departments within Urban Planters.

• Group Integration: As part of Rentokil Initial, there may be opportunities to connect with broader company initiatives and shared services.

Methodology:

• Biophilic Design Focus: A strong emphasis on integrating nature into indoor environments to improve well-being, productivity, and sustainability.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering personalized service through a network of local branches.

• Performance-Driven Culture: Encouragement of career development linked to performance, with clear targets and incentives.

Company Website: https://www.rentokil-initial.com/ and https://urbanplanters.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a blend of established corporate structure (Rentokil Initial) with a specialized, customer-facing division (Urban Planters). The "people first" ethos and focus on development are key cultural indicators.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Business Development. This role is positioned as a key contributor responsible for revenue generation and client relationship management within a defined territory. It requires a blend of sales execution and consultative expertise.

Reporting Structure: Typically, this role would report to a Sales Manager or a Head of Business Development within the Urban Planters division. The structure allows for direct sales management and performance tracking.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is direct revenue generation, client acquisition, and retention, which are critical drivers of the Urban Planters business unit's success and contribute significantly to the overall financial performance of Rentokil Initial. By promoting biophilic design, the role also contributes to enhanced client environments, potentially impacting employee well-being and productivity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Business Development/Account Management: Progression to managing larger, more strategic accounts or overseeing a broader sales territory.

• Sales Management: Opportunity to move into a leadership role, managing a team of Business Development Consultants.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like biophilic design consultation, large-scale project management, or national account management.

• Cross-Divisional Opportunities: Potential to explore roles within other Rentokil Initial divisions based on skills and interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined within sales and business development leadership. The emphasis on performance-linked progression suggests that ambitious individuals can advance within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a field-based role, requiring significant time spent at client sites across East London, Essex, and Cambridgeshire. There will likely be a home-based administrative component, utilizing company-provided IT equipment.

Office Location(s): While the role is field-based, the operational hub or administrative support might be located at a regional Urban Planters branch or a Rentokil Initial office within the served territory. The primary focus is on client locations within the specified regions.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomous Work: The role demands a high degree of autonomy, with the consultant managing their own schedule and daily activities.

• Client-Facing Interaction: Extensive interaction with clients in their professional environments (offices, hotels, shopping centers, etc.).

• Technology Enabled: Reliance on mobile phone, tablet, and potentially a CRM system for effective communication, proposal generation, and reporting.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (37.5 per week) are expected, Monday to Friday. However, client demands may occasionally require flexibility in scheduling appointments or site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is predominantly field-based, emphasizing independence and client interaction. The use of technology is crucial for managing this dynamic, mobile work setup.

📄 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, motivation, and cultural fit.

• Field/Sales Assessment: An interview focusing on sales experience, client management strategies, and problem-solving abilities. This may involve role-playing scenarios.

• Design & Horticulture Discussion: A segment to evaluate understanding of design principles, plant knowledge, and ability to translate client needs into practical, nature-based solutions.

• Practical/On-Site Assessment (Potential): May involve a visit to a client site or a presentation of a mock proposal to demonstrate practical application of skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations and confirm alignment with the company's values and performance expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Sales Success: Prepare specific examples of deals closed, revenue generated, and client retention successes. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Demonstrate Client Management: Be ready to discuss how you build and maintain long-term client relationships, handle objections, and upsell services.

• Present Design Concepts: If possible, include examples of proposals or mood boards that illustrate your ability to conceptualize interior landscaping and biophilic designs. Highlight how these designs met client objectives.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Prepare a case study on a challenging sales situation you navigated successfully, emphasizing your thought process and resolution.

• Curate for Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to highlight experiences most relevant to B2B sales, client consulting, and ideally, any exposure to design or environmental services.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Pitch Practice: Be prepared to deliver a concise, compelling sales pitch for Urban Planters' services, targeting a hypothetical client.

• Client Scenario Response: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common client objections or specific needs related to interior landscaping or biophilic design.

• Territory Management Strategy: Discuss how you would approach developing a new sales territory like East London/Essex/Cambridgeshire, including lead generation tactics and prioritization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely balance traditional sales assessment with evaluation of creative and consultative skills related to design and biophilic principles. A strong portfolio should emphasize quantifiable sales achievements and demonstrate client-centric problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Proficiency with a CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system) for lead tracking, pipeline management, customer data, and sales reporting.

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: Essential for proposal creation, email communication, presentations, and data analysis (Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides).

• Mobile Communication Devices: Company-provided mobile phone and tablet for on-the-go communication, access to systems, and client engagement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Familiarity with interpreting sales data and performance metrics, potentially using CRM-integrated reporting tools or spreadsheets.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales Automation Tools (Potential): While not explicitly stated, understanding of how CRM can be leveraged for sales automation (e.g., email sequencing, task management) would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is standard for a field-based sales role, with a strong emphasis on CRM and mobile productivity tools. The ability to effectively use these tools for client management and reporting is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People First: Acknowledgment of the importance of colleagues, customers, and community well-being, aligning with Rentokil Initial's ethos.

• Performance Driven: A culture that rewards achievement through performance-linked grading, bonuses, and commissions, encouraging continuous improvement.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to providing excellent service and building lasting relationships with clients.

• Innovation & Sustainability: A commitment to finding new ways to incorporate greenery and promote sustainable practices, particularly through biophilic design.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and effective communication across departments to ensure seamless service delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Field-to-Office Integration: Effective communication between field-based consultants and internal support teams (design, operations, customer service) is vital.

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Requires working closely with installation and maintenance teams to ensure client projects are delivered to specification and satisfaction.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong working relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and acting as their primary point of contact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to balance a strong corporate structure with a people-centric, performance-oriented approach within the Urban Planters division. Collaboration is key, especially between the field sales team and operational delivery teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Territory Development: Establishing a strong presence and consistent sales pipeline in a new or existing territory requires persistent effort and strategic planning.

• Balancing Sales & Design: Effectively integrating sales targets with the consultative aspect of design and biophilic principles can be demanding.

• Client Expectation Management: Ensuring client expectations regarding plant health, design impact, and maintenance are realistic and met.

• Seasonal Fluctuations: Potential for seasonal variations in demand, particularly around Christmas displays and grounds maintenance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Training: Access to industry-leading training to enhance knowledge in horticulture, design, and sales techniques.

• Performance Coaching: Regular feedback and coaching from sales management to refine skills and drive performance.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced sales professionals and leaders within Rentokil Initial.

• Product/Service Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific Urban Planters offerings like Green Walls or Biophilic Design consultancy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a business development role, with added complexity from the design and horticultural elements. Growth opportunities are clearly linked to performance and skill development within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Strategy: "How would you approach developing a sales strategy for the East London/Essex/Cambridgeshire territory to meet your targets?" (Focus on lead generation, client segmentation, and outreach methods).

• Client Objection Handling: "A potential client says they have a low-light office and are concerned about plant maintenance. How would you address this?" (Demonstrate product knowledge and problem-solving).

• Biophilic Design Value Proposition: "Explain the business benefits of biophilic design for an office environment and how you would articulate this to a skeptical client." (Show understanding of the core offering and its impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in this Business Development role with Urban Planters, specifically?" (Connect your skills and aspirations to the company's mission and offerings).

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with an operational team (e.g., installation, maintenance) to ensure client satisfaction. What was the outcome?" (Highlight collaboration and problem-solving).

• Performance: "How do you stay motivated and ensure you meet your sales targets, especially when working independently?" (Showcase self-discipline and drive).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Success: For each case study, clearly state the sales target, the actual result, and the client's perceived benefit (e.g., increased client retention by X%, secured Y new contracts worth Z revenue).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project or client engagement, present a clear story: the challenge, your solution/approach, the execution, and the outcome.

• Highlight Design Integration: If presenting design concepts, explain the rationale behind your choices and how they addressed the client's specific needs and environment.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your sales process, CRM usage, and how you manage your time and territory effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong sales aptitude, a consultative approach, and an understanding of the unique value proposition of interior landscaping and biophilic design. Preparing specific examples for behavioral questions and having a clear strategy for presenting your sales achievements will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Business Development position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight quantifiable sales achievements, client management experience, and any relevant design or horticultural background. Use keywords from the job description such as "Business Development," "Sales," "Client Management," "Lead Generation," and "Design."

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing your top 2-3 sales achievements, a client relationship management example, and a sample proposal or design concept if available. Be ready to discuss your sales process and how you approach new business development.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Urban Planters' services, case studies, and the broader Rentokil Initial group. Understand their approach to biophilic design and sustainability.

• Practice Your Pitch: Prepare a brief, compelling introduction about yourself and why you are a strong candidate for this role, focusing on your ability to drive sales and enhance client environments.

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