Business Development Associate

About The RolePurpose of the roleWorking with the SME external sales team, to proactively attract, negotiate and convert customer proposals into new business to Paragon. To support the wider SME external sales team, develop and manage specific allocated introducers / prospects / customers. Deliver an accurate, consistent, efficient & knowledgeable service to our SME External Sales channel customers / External sales team. To support and drive change delivery initiatives to achieve improved business performance which maximises business opportunities. Duties and responsibilitiesSupport SME External sales Build and maintain new and existing relationships with introductory sources for example Financial brokers, Accountants, Vendors, Client referral, other lenders or directSupport SME External sales to achieve an increase in the performance of the allocated portfolio of Introducer accounts in partnership with the assigned External Sale teamComplete risk templates for sanction of the facility, chase outstanding enquires and paperwork on deals, maintain CRM system, attend sales team meetingsDevelop knowledge and understanding of the asset-based finance industry including Paragon products and services, competitors, introducers, risks, client industry, market and sectorsProviding and establishing calculated contact strategies to ensure effective communications are delivered in line with customer feedbackProactively support and contribute to the wider performance of the Internal Sales TeamEnsure all interactions and behaviors are in line with the group competency frameworkEnsure work and quality achieve the Quality Assurance standards underpinned by ‘Right First Time’ deliveryAbout YouEssential criteriaUnderstanding of Asset Finance productsExperience in a Financial Services or Internal Sales environmentGood communication skillsGood organisational skillsGood time management skillsDesirable criteriaGood teamworking and interpersonal skillsBasic fluency with credit analysisBasic numerical skills and fluency with financial analysisBasic business analytical skillsWill have already attained or be willing to attain Paragon Credit Accreditation Level 1. Interpersonal skills will be every bit as important as formal qualifications and the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate and articulate the benefits of both.Even if you don’t meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply. At Paragon, we value diversity and we’re excited to hear from passionate individuals like you! If you’re ready to contribute to the team, please apply. Further information on the role can be found in the Purpose and Performance Profile (PPP), which is downloadable on this page.Please note, applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We do not offer visa sponsorship.Working hours 37.5 hours a week, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Hybrid working with 2 days per week in the office.Training Relevant training will be provided. Inclusion As a Disability Confident Employer, we want to ensure that our vacancies are accessible for everyone. If you have a disability, long term health condition or are neurodiverse and need us to adjust our recruitment process please get in touch with our recruitment team.About Us What can we offer you?Generous Holiday Allowance: Starting from 25 days and climbing to 30, you also get to enjoy a day off for your birthday, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. You can also buy or sell up to a week’s leaveShare Save Scheme: Annually, you have the opportunity to buy shares in Paragon at a discounted rateProfit Related Pay: We share some of our annual profit with our eligible employeesPension Plan: We contribute up to 10% of your annual salary towards your pensionFamily Friendly policies: We offer enhanced parental pay and paid time off for fertility treatmentEmployee Discounts: Enjoy exclusive discounts on entertainment, travel, shopping, motoring and moreVolunteering Day: Contribute to causes you care about with one volunteering day per yearLife Assurance and Personal Accident CoverBe flexibleWe promote flexibility around how and where we work so that you can achieve a healthier work-life balance. We operate hybrid working, splitting our week between the office and home. Be yourselfAs an equal opportunities employer, we welcome diversity and care about inclusion. That’s why we want you to be your whole self at work. We believe an inclusive workplace is good for each of us, great for our customers and better for our business. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network meets regularly to share challenges, experience, and ideas to build a more equal, diverse, and inclusive business.Be heardWe listen to your point of view, with our People Forum and regular employee surveys making sure you can use your voice and influence our future.Be wellWe will give you access to a range of tools and resources to support your wellbeing. This will include a digital GP service via our free Employee Assistance Programme, access to our Wellbeing team to connect you with the help you need to get more out of life and our Vitality at Work programme to provide you with discounted gym membership, fitness equipment and another multitude of wellbeing services.Be betterWe want you to reach your potential and, as a Platinum Investors in People employer, we’ll encourage you to learn and develop by building a personalised development plan together with your manager.LocationSouthamptonDepartmentSME SalesAdvertising SalaryDependent upon experienceVacancy TypePermanentFull Time/Part TimeFull Time