Business Development Manager – SME Sales Full Time NEW

International Card Services (ICS) brings together our International Consumer and Small & Medium Size Enterprises (SME) issuing activities, as well as our Commercial Large Market sales and account development teams. ICS issues Cards in 27 countries, and is responsible for two Joint Ventures covering around a dozen countries. The leaders in these countries are empowered to make decisions at a local level, in partnership with other local business leaders. Local teams are supported by two cross-market teams – the Centre of Excellence, and Risk & Control Management.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent one of the most significant growth opportunities for UK Card Services. Our commercial payment solutions play a critical role in helping UK businesses manage cash flow, unlock value, and scale effectively.

As a Business Development Manager, you will drive growth within the SME segment by engaging senior decision-makers in high-quality consultative sales conversations. This is a high-performance, telephone-based role where your ability to generate pipeline, convert opportunities, and deliver profitable spend will directly contribute to the expansion of American Express within this priority market.

Success in this role is defined by your ability to:

• Consistently achieve and exceed acquisition and spend targets
• Build, manage, and convert a high-quality outbound sales pipeline
• Influence and close senior decision-makers in a competitive environment
• Deliver profitable, sustainable growth for the SME portfolio

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Build and continuously replenish a robust prospect pipeline of UK-based companies with revenues between £1m–£50m
• Proactively engage Finance Directors, CFOs, CEOs, and other senior decision-makers through high-volume outbound calling and targeted email outreach
• Apply a consultative sales approach to understand client needs and position American Express Business and Corporate products effectively
• Own the full end-to-end sales cycle — from prospecting and qualification through to close and initial onboarding
• Consistently meet or exceed monthly and quarterly acquisition and spend targets
• Maintain accurate pipeline management and forecasting using CRM and sales enablement tools
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure a seamless and positive client onboarding experience
• Maintain strong knowledge of American Express products, competitive offerings, financial services trends, and relevant industry developments
• Adhere strictly to sales policies, procedures, and conduct & compliance requirements

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success in a target-driven role, with a track record of meeting or exceeding performance goals
• Strong consultative selling skills, with experience influencing senior stakeholders, ideally in a B2B environment
• Proven ability to manage and convert an outbound sales pipeline in a high-performance setting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confidence engaging decision-makers
• High levels of resilience, self-motivation, and personal accountability
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in B2B telesales, financial services, or commercial payments
• Experience selling to SME decision-makers (FDs, CFOs, Directors, Business Owners)
• Consistent overachievement of revenue, acquisition, or spend-based targets

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the UK is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.

About Us

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.

About The Team

We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones’ physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.