How to be a Business Development Executive
‘The most enjoyable part of my job is that I can run my territory as my own business.’

Lee Thomas
Job title
Business Development Executive
What area of Sky do you work in?
Sky Business
What’s your career journey been like up until now?
Upon graduating from university with a business degree I started my career journey working in the leisure industry.I worked in the health club sector for 6 years, initially as a sales consultant and then moving into a sales manager position. I have also worked for a football centre as a general manger.More recently I moved into a field sales executive role with a brewery and 10 months ago started with Sky Business as a business development executive.
What does a typical day working here look like for you?
The morning consists of admin work which is varied but typically involves advanced journey planning, researching accounts and planning objectives for visits.I also have a team conference call most mornings for things such as forecasting, updates and comms sharing. Calls to prospects to book appointments with licensees and business owners is also a key part of a working day.When out doing my journey plan the types of accounts I will be visiting could vary from pubs, bars, hotels and sports clubs. A visit could involve having a consultative meeting with a licensee demonstrating how Sky Sports can complement their business, or to gather as much information about a venue for a repeat visit. A working day could also involve developing your network strategy by having meetings with partner businesses to unlock new business opportunities
If you’ve been here over one year, how have you made a difference in your role?
Although I have only been in role 10 months I have really enjoyed assisting with the induction and development of new starters into the business.I have spent time with them in trade sharing the knowledge that I have gained in role to help coach them to be the best they can be.
What’s been your proudest moment since working here?
At one of our team meetings my line manager asked me to lead a session on how to drive activity on a territory due to being a high performer in this area.It was great to be able to share my knowledge of this aspect of the role to the wider team so they could implement this into their ways of working to make their activity more effective and efficient
What’s the most enjoyable thing about your job?
That I can run my territory as my own business. Building and maintaining solid, effective relationships with internal and external partners and providing solutions for business needs by having a consultative relationship led approach. I really enjoy being able to showcase what great content Sky Sports had to offer a business. I also enjoy working in a great team that supports, encourages and celebrates success together
Describe your work/life balance?
Due to industry changes and business needs the more flexible I can be with my working hours then more opportunity I have to meet my objectives.I am still able to maintain a healthy social life and partake in my interests and hobbies outside of work.Staying well organised and good forward planning enables me to maintain a healthy work life balance
What advice would you give to others trying to develop their career?
Take on board all feedback both motivational and developmental and always have the mindset of continuous learning.Have a willingness and desire to develop and grow.There are loads of resources out there for people to use to develop themselves here which is really encouraging as they are a company that puts their people first and want to invest in them
An interesting fact/something no one else knows about you?
When I was 9 I won a disco dancing competition at Pontins Holiday Park…I don’t know how though, these days I can just about pull off a side step.