Business Development Executive

A bit about us

The Sawdays group is a collection of travel brands all centred on a passion for special places to stay. Since 2017 the company has been 52% employee-owned with the rest made up of a Charitable Trust and the founding family. Were proud to be B Corp certified and recognised by them as one of the top 5% places in the world for employees.

We are leaders in sustainable and ethical travel and every team in our business plays a vital role in achieving our impact goals. Our Impact Report outlines our five-year strategy and annual objectives which form the foundation of our company-wide approach. These goals drive every decision we make and we expect all team members to contribute to their success as part of our shared mission.

This role involves working for Paws & Stay the UKs only dog-first travel website created by animal lovers to take the frustration out of finding genuinely dog-friendly places to stay. Its run on the same solid principles but with a focus on dogs in everything from the places chosen to the walks and pubs recommended.

Your role Business Development Executive

Calling all dog lovers! We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven Part-Time Business Development Executive to join our friendly dog-filled company and help us discover even more of our special places. If youre ambitious hands-on and have a sharp eye for quality dog-friendly and detail wed love to hear from you.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is looking for a flexible meaningful role with a purpose-led company. Ideally you will be able to commute to our Bristol office at least once a month however this is a remote role.

As our Business Development Executive youll play a key role in identifying and developing new property partnerships for our collection. Youll be the first point of contact for many of our property owners helping to build meaningful long-term relationships while contributing to our continued growth.

Reports to

Senior Business Development Executive

Works closely with

Operations & Account Manager

Commercial Manager

Marketing team

Guest Experience Team

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Identify assess and propose new dog-friendly properties and partnerships to the Senior Business Development Executive
• Generate new business opportunities using a range of B2B sales techniques
• Research new dog-friendly properties using digital platforms and conduct outbound lead generation to qualify and manage leads through the sales funnel
• Craft personalised communication to property owners to generate new interest in joining our collection
• Build initial strong trusting relationships with property owners ensuring they receive an outstanding experience from first contact
• Work closely with the Senior Business Development Executive to convert leads and hand over professionally
• Sustainability & Ethics Guardianship: We are leaders in sustainable and ethical travel and every team in our business plays a vital role in achieving our impact goals. Our Impact Report outlines our five-year strategy and annual objectives which form the foundation of our company-wide this role youll be responsible for considering these goals with every decision we make as a business whilst supporting initiatives which contribute to the success of our shared mission

Necessary

• Proven experience in sales or business development with a record of meeting or exceeding targets
• Experience working within a small growing business or start-up environment
• Able to handle multiple tasks prioritise effectively and meet deadlines in a dynamic but supportive environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Able to build relationships naturally with a diverse range of property owners

Desirable

• A team player with a collaborative spirit who brings clarity motivation and energy
• Experience with using systems such as Salesforce or similar CRM Trello and Microsoft Suite
• Ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of or empathy with the needs of dog owners when travelling. If you are a dog owner thats just a bonus!

Salary & Benefits

• 28000 FTE pro rata per annum
• Part-time role 20 hours a week (flexible working pattern available)
• 26 days holiday per year bank holidays (pro rata)

• An employee-owned company: after your introductory period you will be eligible to a share of any dividends
• Company pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions at 4% and an optional salary sacrifice scheme.

• 290 annual stay credit for our special places (pro rata)
• Employee discounts:
  • 20% on UK Canopy & Stars breaks ( 10% family & friends)
  • 15% on EU Canopy & Stars breaks
  • 15% on Paws & Stay breaks (10% family & friends)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• 1 volunteering day per year
• 15 wellbeing hours per year (pro rata)
• Climate Journey Day policy: earn up to 2 paid days to travel using low-carbon transport
• Vibrant harbourside office colourful creative and very dog-friendly
• Social and wellbeing events throughout the year
• DEIBA Team driving inclusion and diversity initiatives

Applications

• Applicants need to be within a commutable distance of Bristol for in office working
• Closing date for applications: 27 November 2025

Our Behaviours and Values

How we work is just as important as the success we achieve at Sawdays. During your time with us you will be expected to treasure protect and embody our behaviours and values every day.

We celebrate quirkiness and difference

• We dance to the beat of our own drum
• We encourage curiosity and creativity
• We champion individuality and the special

We follow head and heart

• Were solidly commercial while remaining flexible and human
• We act with empathy generosity and integrity
• We make long-term ethical decisions

We do important things brilliantly

• We use business as a force for social environmental and economic good
• Were committed to our craft and purpose
• We play our part in sustaining a happy healthy world

We bring positive energy

• We foster togetherness and team spirit
• We delight and empower others
• Were driven to learn grow and contribute

Finally

We place a strong emphasis on ethics people and the environment and it is important to us that you understand strongly identify with and are able to develop the company ethos.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive company where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued and where everyone can bring their full authentic selves to work.

As a Disability Confident Employer we offer a guaranteed interview to any disabled candidate who meets all the Necessary skills listed above and is a commutable distance from the office.

If you need any further assistance with your application or require the application form in a different format please email Charlotte on or call 0.