Business Development Manager – Media Sales & Partnerships Across the North
We’re looking for a Business Development Manager to join our team, working across Yorkshire, Manchester and the wider North of England. This is a senior media sales and partnerships role focused on winning new business for branded content, native advertising and regional marketing campaigns
Key information
Salary:Base £39,000–£44,000
Salary: On-target £46,000–£49,000 uncapped
Region: Yorkshire, Manchester and the wider North of England
Base: Leeds, with flexible hybrid working for candidates travelling from Manchester and further afield
Holiday: 28 days, plus bank holidays and your birthday
We’re looking for a Business Development Manager to join our team, working across Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and the wider North of England. This senior media sales and partnerships role is focused on winning new business for branded content, native advertising and regional marketing campaigns.
We’d especially welcome applications from experienced media sales and business development candidates in Manchester and surrounding areas who want to sell stronger marketing solutions than standard ad inventory.
You Platforms is the group behind Leeds-List, Yorkshire-List and Manchester-List — trusted regional publishing brands with engaged audiences across the North. We offer a flexible hybrid pattern for candidates commuting from Manchester or further afield.
What we’re looking for in a Business Development Manager
At least 5 years of experience in business development, media sales, advertising sales, sponsorship or commercial partnerships
A proven track record of winning new business through proactive outbound sales
Confidence selling consultatively rather than relying on commodity media inventory
Strong understanding of how branded content, native advertising and multi-channel campaigns support client objectives
Experience building and managing a healthy pipeline of qualified prospects
Strong presentation and proposal skills
The ability to build relationships with decision-makers across Yorkshire, Manchester and the wider North
Good CRM discipline and experience using platforms such as HubSpot
A proactive, resilient and self-directed approach to business development
Why this role is different
If you’re working in Yorkshire or Manchester media sales and feel frustrated by selling low-attention formats, generic inventory or products that are difficult to differentiate, this role offers a stronger proposition.
What you’ll be doing as a Business Development Manager
Building a robust pipeline of qualified prospects across the North of England
Identifying businesses that would benefit from branded content, native advertising and regional audience partnerships
Creating opportunities through phone, email, LinkedIn, networking and relationship-led outreach
Understanding client goals and turning them into compelling campaign ideas
Building persuasive proposals and presenting them confidently to prospects
Working with the wider team to shape commercially strong solutions that are right for the audience
Managing your pipeline and activity through our CRM
Negotiating and closing new business opportunities
Developing long-term commercial relationships that lead to repeat business and strategic partnerships
What to expect in the application process
We want to see evidence that you can generate, shape and win commercial opportunities — not just talk about sales in general terms.
As part of the application process, shortlisted candidates will be expected to demonstrate how they approach prospecting, qualification, solution selling and commercial conversations in practice.
Think about the way to share the evidence of your track record, talking through deals you have won.
There’s a short practical task pitch exercise designed to show how you would turn a prospect brief into a credible commercial opportunity.
Apply now
To apply, send your CV and demonstrate your sales track record and career achievements in your application. Email: jobs@youplatforms.com
Additional information
Generative AI notice: you may use AI, but be mindful that your application might end up exactly the same as everyone else that uses AI. We believe in original content and talent, and that’s what we’re looking for here.
Speculative applications from representatives, recruiters or other third parties that aren’t direct applicants aren’t accepted.
You Platforms does not enter into contract with any party not on our preferred supplier list.