Business Development Apprentice

You’ll gain hands-on experience in customer service and business development, supporting the team in building and maintaining strong customer relationships, identifying new opportunities, and helping ensure excellent service delivery across the business.

For the first three months, you’ll spend time rotating across key departments (e.g. operations, warehouse, purchasing, credit control, transport). This will give you a strong understanding of how the business works and how each function supports the customer journey, equipping you with the knowledge to succeed in a future sales role.

After this rotation, you’ll move into the commercial team, initially focusing on re-engaging non-spend customer accounts, learning how to build relationships, promote products, and drive new business.

Key Responsibilities:

Take part in a structured 3-month rotation across departments to build core business knowledge Re-engage and manage a portfolio of non-spend customers, with support from the sales team Learn how to identify, research, and qualify new sales opportunities Build and maintain accurate customer contact records using our internal systems Assist in contacting customers via phone and email to promote relevant products and services Follow up on quotations and track progress of opportunities Support order processing and work closely with internal teams to deliver a seamless customer experience Learn about our full product range and value-added services like processing Gather customer and market feedback to inform the team of new opportunities or challenges Respond to internal and external communications professionally and promptly Occasionally accompany experienced sales colleagues on customer visits Complete all training modules and assessments as required by the apprenticeship provider

What You'll Learn:

How the business operates across different functions.
Sales fundamentals, including relationship-building and lead conversion In-depth product knowledge, with a focus on steel types, grades, and specifications to confidently advise customers Product knowledge and how to identify customer needs Commercial systems and order processing How to manage and grow a customer ledger Key soft skills such as communication, organisation, and time management

What We’re Looking For:

Confident and professional communicator Willingness to learn and take on new challenges Strong attention to detail and organisation Positive attitude and team spirit GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and English at grade 4/C or above Interest in a long-term career in sales and commercial development

Training:
You will achieve the Level 3 Customer Service Specialist Apprenticeship Standard There are workshops you will need to attend via Teams You will have a mentor for one to one teaching and learning To include off the job training In-house training will be given to support specifics of the role

Training Outcome:
There will be ongoing opportunities for career progression and development for the right candidate upon completion of the apprenticeship

Employer Description:
Established in 1955, BM Group is one of the largest steel stockholders and processors in the UK, with nearly 500 employees across our divisions – BM Steel, BM Architectural, SPS, IMS, and AFG. As part of Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc., we operate nationwide, offering a dynamic and fast-paced working environment where no two days are the same. Whether you're based at one of our busy depots, service centres or head office, you’ll be part of a company that values innovation and continuous improvement. At BM Group, our people are our greatest strength. We’re proud to foster a culture built on our core values of Innovation, Inspiration, Collaboration, Integrity, and Excellence. We invest in our teams and provide opportunities for growth, development, and progression. If you're looking to join a business where your contribution matters and you're encouraged to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm (1 hour lunch)

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative