Customer Development Specialist

Role Purpose: Responsible for driving customer development by proactively identifying, engaging, and qualifying new business opportunities in collaboration with the Account Manager. This role plays a key part in building strong customer relationships, fostering trust in our products and services, and ensuring accurate and up-to-date customer and project information within the CRM system. The Customer Development Specialist acts as a trusted first point of contact, cultivating long-term customer confidence and loyalty.

Accountabilities

Collaborate closely with Account Managers to support the achievement of annual sales targets by assisting in project development and identifying key stakeholders and decision-makers.

Proactively build and nurture relationships with Architects, End Users, Fit -out Main Contractors, Flooring Contractors OR Anyone who could influence a project to enhance customer engagement and uncover new business opportunities.

Generate qualified leads and coordinate sales appointments for Account Managers to ensure a steady pipeline of opportunities.

Conduct continuous research to identify relevant and viable projects through sources such as project databases, trade publications, and industry networks. Pre-qualify leads for inclusion in the sales funnel.

Execute targeted outreach campaigns to engage potential customers, raise brand awareness, and introduce Interface's value proposition to new audiences.

Gather and analyze customer insights to recommend appropriate products or services to management and Senior Account Managers, aligning solutions with customer needs.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date account records in the CRM system, ensuring complete and relevant contact and project information is available.

Establish and manage new customer accounts by inputting project and client data and supporting the sales cycle from initial contact to proposal.

Participate in regular strategy calls with Account Managers to align on weekly priorities, review research findings, and determine high-potential projects for active pursuit.

Manage a portfolio of existing, new, and re-engaged customers by developing strong relationships, identifying needs, and positioning Interface solutions to drive growth.

Assist in planning, hosting, and supporting showroom events, meetings, and customer visits, delivering a premium experience for both clients and internal stakeholders.

Engage with local community groups and industry networks to strengthen Interface's presence within the architecture and design community.

Scale & Scope of the role

• Reporting to the Customer Development Manager.
• Role located in the Birmingham
• Supporting 3-4 Account Managers.
• Supporting Account Managers with client visits and meetings
• Requirement to attend and host daytime and evening events (adhoc)
• Network with community and customer groups (adhoc)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in supporting complex B2B sales processes involving multiple stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Skilled in the use of CRM systems-preferably Salesforce-for managing customer relationships and sales pipelines
• building rapport and communicating effectively across all levels of an organisation, from staff to senior management.
• Strong passion for driving sales growth and fostering long-term customer relationships through strategic promotion of products and services.
• Exceptional organisational abilities, with a keen aptitude for prioritising tasks in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrates a professional and collaborative approach in both team settings and client engagements.
• Resilient and composed when working under pressure, maintaining focus and productivity.
• Results-oriented, with strong sales acumen, interpersonal skills, and analytical thinking-consistently achieving or surpassing performance targets.
• Experienced in planning, leading, and coordinating customer engagement events to strengthen client relationships and enhance brand visibility.