Our mission at Smartbox is to ensure no one is left without a voice. We create assistive technology for people with disabilities who experience speech difficulties to help them communicate and live more independent lives. A big part of our culture is our passion, which drives us to continuously improve our products, services and ways of working, so the people who use our technology can achieve their ambitions.
Based in the UK, US, France, Germany, Netherlands and Australia, with partners in over 40 countries, we are a leading supplier in the global augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) community. We don’t take this for granted, and every person in our team is key to ensuring more people who would benefit from assistive technology can access it.
As the Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for defining and driving the business strategy for our Sensory Bloom product range. This includes interactive sensory products, music and projection systems, AAC content, training services, and bespoke multisensory room (MSR) installations. You will work across education, healthcare, and care settings, building partnerships with third-party providers, and ensuring that our sensory solutions enhance the lives of children and adults with additional needs.
Duties will include:
· Develop and execute the growth strategy and KPIs for Sensory Bloom within education and care markets.
· Build partnerships with suppliers and third-party providers to expand the product portfolio.
· Generate new sales opportunities, building the quote pipeline, presenting product demo’s alongside pricing options to customers, with the aim of reaching more people who could benefit from sensory solutions.
· Collaborate with AAC Specialists, Product Managers, and Marketing to develop compelling packages and campaigns.
· Create business models for bundles, pricing, and customer quotations.
· Represent Sensory Bloom at industry events, conferences, and exhibitions.
· Oversee delivery of bespoke projects, from initial consultation to implementation.
Organisational Responsibilities
· Uphold and actively support Smartbox's Quality Management System (QMS), contributing to continuous quality improvement, regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
· Support the company’s sustainability goals through responsible working practices and consideration of environmental impacts in our day-to-day activities.
· Actively support Smartbox’s purpose of empowering people with disabilities through assistive technology, ensuring that all work contributes to improving user experience and accessibility.
· Handle personal and sensitive information in line with company policies, GDPR, HIPAA and data protection regulations.
· Follow all health and safety policies and promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace for team members and customers.
· Maintain high standards of conduct, professionalism, and integrity in all internal and external interactions.
· Contribute to an inclusive culture that values every individual’s contribution and upholds equality and respect.
Team Leadership and Development
· Lead by example in upholding Smartbox’s Quality Management System (QMS) and sustainability goals, ensuring your team’s work aligns with company standards and contributes to continuous improvement in quality and environmental performance.
· Hold regular 1:1s to check in with team members, offer support, and celebrate successes.
· Lead and inspire new team members through effective supervision and completing monthly job chats during their probation.
· Conduct team performance appraisals and development reviews, giving constructive feedback and helping team members grow.
· Set clear objectives and support development plans to help individuals reach their potential.
· Managing the team’s well-being, annual leave, absences, and sickness in line with company policies.
· Collaborate with the People team to support effective recruitment, selection, and onboarding of new team members for your department.
· Encourage open communication and a positive, collaborative team environment.
· Align team goals and development with wider business priorities.
You will also be asked to perform other duties on an ad-hoc basis and will need a proactive attitude to this.
· 5+ Years experience in business development or sales leadership in assistive technology, education, or healthcare.
· Strong knowledge of sensory environments, AAC, and assistive therapies.
· Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills.
· Strategic thinker with the ability to execute plans and deliver growth.
· Passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and improving quality of life.
· Commercial mindset.
· Up to date on CRM tools, forecasting, and business planning.
· Proven experience in people or team management, with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop others.
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships at all levels.
· Skilled in providing constructive feedback, conducting performance reviews, and supporting staff development.
· Proven ability to foster high-performing, engaged, and collaborative teams.
· Hands-on experience working in therapeutic settings, education, or adult care.
· Experience managing recruitment, onboarding, and other people processes in collaboration with the People/HR team.
· Understanding of performance management and continuous improvement principles.
· Formal training or qualification in leadership, management, or coaching.
· We work in a hybrid way, so you’ll have the flexibility to split your time between home and our Malvern or Bristol offices. You’ll need to be in the Bristol/Malvern office at least one day a week to stay connected with the team and collaborate in person.
· A Basic Disclosure DBS check will be required.
· Full UK driving licence essential.
Smartbox offers comprehensive benefits, including:
· Company Pension.
· Group Life Assurance.
· Income Protection.
· Private Medical Insurance.
· 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
· Onsite parking (Malvern)
· Flexible working.
· Cycle scheme.
· Office snacks.
· Benefit and Wellbeing app Yulife, with store discounts and wellbeing services available.
· Annual Charity Day.
· Long Service Award.
· Training and development opportunities.
· Complimentary theatre and cinema tickets to Malvern Theatres.
· EV car scheme through salary sacrifice after 2 years’ service.
· Corporate gym membership discount.
· We are passionate about our people and offer many social events, including team outings and get-togethers.
We welcome applications from all communities and those from diverse backgrounds and groups. Please outline your experience and ability to excel in this role within your cover letter.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and one of the sponsors for Purple Tuesday- the #1 brand working to improve the experiences of disabled people as customers 365 days a year. We are fully committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. Should you require further assistance or require any reasonable adjustments to be put in place to better support your application process, please do not hesitate to contact us via email: [email protected] or call 01684213075.
At our company, we are driven by a passion for making a positive impact on society, minimising our environmental footprint, and meeting the needs of our stakeholders. We have been actively working towards becoming B-Corp certified, aligning ourselves with a global movement dedicated to eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and fostering lasting prosperity for all. To learn more about our commitment to sustainability, please visit this link: Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.