Fabrics - Commercial - Business Development Administrator

We're seeking a Business Development Administrator who will play a vital role in supporting the business development team, ensuring smooth operations, and contributing to the company’s growth. The role offers day-to-day support to the Sales and Planning teams, with responsibilities including co-ordination of information and data transfer. Excellent organisation and communication skills are essential in ensuring timings and Critical Paths are met and conform to the agreed requirements of the customer and the business. Providing the planning and production teams with all information required for bulk production and supporting sales and Design in securing new business and retaining our current customer base.
Controlling the process of intake of initial prints by creating sample instructions for the Design team, creating and managing Critical Paths, and liaising with customers directly to ensure good communication and frequent updates.
Key Responsibilities:

Raising sample instructions and controlling the intake of initial prints for the Design and Sales teams, to ensure a smooth transition into the business.
Control the Critical Path process by determining timings with the Design team and communicating this with the planning team to ensure accurate and best delivery dates are attained.
Liaise with the Sales team and customers regarding Critical Path deadlines and ensure that these are kept on track.
Keep all customer collection sheets up to date with all relevant information and visual aids.
Co-ordinate the archive reservations process to ensure accuracy, and that records are kept up to date.
Design and implement a new process for licencing agreements and use of archive documents. Keep records and contact customers regarding the end of life of designs to ensure artwork returns to the S&B and Anstey archive.
Co-ordinate and control the Design charge out process, ensuring all quotes are documented and sales orders are applied and invoiced through the NOW system.
Attend weekly Design, Planning and Critical Path meetings.
Writing disposal agreements and updating contracts with customers.
Following and updating department SOPs.
CFA submission on all initial prints and follow these up on approval.
Opening entry-level accounts.
Support on all relevant ERP data entry for the planning, sales and design teams.
Controlling the documentation of research and innovative ideas.
Support the Design and Creative Marketing teams through market research and insight and suggestions of potential new customers.
Dealing with customer enquiries and quality issues and providing solutions or points of contact for these.
Filing systems to be kept organised and all SOPs are followed.
To comply with all Health and Safety requirements.
To carry out all other reasonable duties as requested.

Measures of Success.

Maintain and nurture long-term relationships with clients and prospects
Handling issues or challenges clients may face and provide appropriate solutions
Business documents, contracts and meeting notes are prepared and maintained
Ensure data, reports, and communications are accurate and well-prepared
The sales team have all documents and data needed for travelling to business meetings
All department SOPs are followed
Deadlines are met and Critical Path systems are monitored, controlled and kept on track

Connecting with others:

High standards of communication with customers in person and via email, Teams and phone
Keeping very good levels of communication between departments throughout the business, to ensure workflow is efficient
Ability to communicate with others at all levels of the business and across departments
Clear and concise meeting notes
Professional manner is always kept

Skills & Experience

Proven experience in an administrative, customer service or business development role is highly desirable
Prior experience in a customer facing role
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Sheets
Strong time-management skills and multi-tasking abilities
Aptitude for learning new software and skills quickly
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of different fabric bases and print methods
Good knowledge of manufacturing processes
Familiarity with ERP software and business development tools

Values & Behaviours

Intrepid: Take responsibility and learning from both success and challenges.
Imaginative: Proactively seek solutions, make thoughtful decisions quickly and step forward with confidence.
Respectful: Create a space for open conversations where everyone can share ideas and challenge each other with respect and care.