Business Development Manager – Los Angeles

Help shape the future of London's relationship with North America.

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in connecting some of the most exciting businesses, investors and innovators in North America with London.

As Business Development Manager, you will develop relationships with ambitious US companies considering international expansion, helping them see why London is the ideal gateway to European and global markets. At the same time, you will help innovative UK businesses secure new customers, investment and strategic partnerships in North America through our Grow London Global program.

This is a highly external-facing, commercially focused role for someone who enjoys opening doors, building influential networks and turning relationships into tangible business opportunities. You will represent London & Partners across the Southwest, engaging directly with founders, senior executives, venture capital investors and corporate leaders. The Southwest region covers key business hubs in Southern California, Texas, Utah, and Colorado.

You will have the opportunity to take ownership of key sectors, relationships and market-development initiatives, while working closely with colleagues in New York City, San Francisco, Toronto and London. The role also offers exposure to senior business leaders and government representatives, including the Mayor of London and Deputy Mayor for Business & Growth.

Key Tasks

1. Win international business for London
- Identify and engage high-growth North American companies considering expansion into the UK and Europe, positioning London as their ideal launchpad.
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of investment opportunities across our priority sectors: Creative; Enterprise & Deeptech; Fintech & Cyber; Green Innovation and Life Sciences.
- Develop a deep understanding of the regional business landscape, identifying emerging opportunities, influential players and companies with the potential to create jobs and investment in London.

2. Help London's most ambitious businesses grow internationally
- Support London-based scale-ups through our Grow London Global program, connecting them with potential customers, investors, mentors and strategic partners across North America.
- Build relationships with major US corporates interested in working with innovative London companies, creating commercial opportunities and facilitating introductions.
- Develop and engage a network of venture capital investors, entrepreneurs, industry experts and mentors to support London's business community.
- Help design and deliver trade missions, business delegations and high-profile networking events, bringing London companies directly to potential customers and investors across the Southwest.

3. Build an influential network
- Develop lasting relationships with senior executives, founders, investors, corporates and other influential stakeholders across the Southwest.
- Represent London & Partners at industry conferences, investor events and business forums, confidently communicating London's strengths as a global business hub.
- Work with UK Government representatives, economic development organizations, industry associations and other strategic partners to strengthen UK-US commercial relationships.
- Develop a strong understanding of the economic, political and policy developments shaping international investment and trade.

4. Take ownership and make an impact
- Own and drive key initiatives within the Southwest territory, working under the direction of the Vice President to shape priorities and deliver ambitious annual targets.
- Lead specific sector, geographic or program responsibilities, taking ideas from initial concept through to delivery.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across North America and London, including teams in business development, marketing, research and program delivery.
- Track your pipeline, relationships and commercial outcomes, ensuring activity translates into measurable investment, business growth and jobs.

You’ll have/bring

We're looking for an ambitious, commercially minded business development professional who enjoys working with people, spotting opportunities and making things happen.

You'll ideally bring:
- Commercial experience: At least five years' experience in business development, sales, marketing, investment promotion or a related commercial environment, with a track record of delivering against targets.
- Relationship building: The ability to develop trusted relationships with senior decision-makers, business leaders, investors and other influential stakeholders.
- Business development: Experience generating new leads, developing pipelines and converting opportunities through proactive outreach, networking and relationship management.
- Sector understanding: Experience or familiarity with one or more of our priority sectors.
- Strategic thinking: The ability to identify market opportunities, develop initiatives and translate strategic priorities into practical activity and measurable results.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to pitch ideas, present to senior audiences and represent an internationally recognised organization.
- Initiative and drive: An entrepreneurial mindset, positive attitude and willingness to take ownership, work independently and deliver results.
- Collaboration: The ability to work effectively within a small, ambitious team and build strong relationships with colleagues across different functions and time zones.
- Organization: Strong project management skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Digital skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using CRM systems (Salesforce experience is an advantage).

What would make you stand out?
- Experience working with high-growth technology companies, scale-ups, venture capital or corporate innovation teams.
- A strong network across the Southwest business and investment community.
- Knowledge of the UK and London business environment, or experience working across international markets.
- An understanding of the economic and policy environment influencing US-UK trade and investment.
- Experience developing and delivering business events, trade missions or international growth programs.
- An interest in emerging technologies and the companies shaping the future of their industries.

Additional requirements: The role involves occasional travel across the US, Canada and UK.

You’ll Get

- 🌴 30 Days Annual Leave: Generous paid time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
- 💰 Competitive Salary: We value your contributions and ensure you are rewarded accordingly.
- 📚 Learning & Development Opportunities: Continuous growth is at the heart of our culture, with ample opportunities for professional development.
- 🤝 Strong Culture of Belonging: We foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and supported.
- 🌐 Various Networks for Staff: Connect with like-minded colleagues through our numerous staff networks.
- 🏦 Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan.
- 🔗 Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network within your chosen field.
- 🌍 Geopolitical Insights: Gain unique perspectives on global economic and political trends.
- 🏠 Hybrid Working Arrangement: Enjoy the flexibility of working both remotely and in-office.
- ✈️ WorkFlex: Take advantage of opportunities to work abroad and experience different cultures.
London's diversity is its biggest asset. At London & Partners, we aim to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of the city that we promote. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or assignment, faith or disability. We also appreciate that many people require flexibility in their working patterns and encourage you to talk to us at interview about any flexibility you may need, be it full-time, job-share, or part-time. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.