Join a market leader in industrial automation. HepcoMotion is a leading manufacturer and innovator in linear motion technology, supplying advanced automation solutions to customers across the globe. With operations across the globe and a strong reputation in precision engineering, Hepco is continuing to grow — investing in new products, markets, and talent to support long-term international expansion. They are now seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Business Development Executive to join their team in Tiverton, Devon. This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate who is looking to develop core skills in sales, marketing, and customer engagement within a technical environment.
This role is part of the Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme and offers a full-time contract (35 hours per week, Mon-Fri) based in the Tiverton office to begin with. You will be able to work remotely 2-3 times per week once your training is complete.
Key Dates:
Closing Date: 6/7/25
Interview Date: TBC
Start Date: ASAP after interview (Flexible)
This is a permanent role
Salary: £28,000-£34,000 plus bonus.
Purpose of the Role
You’ll be supporting the promotion and sales of HepcoDirect products — including linear guides, ball bushings, shafts, and bushings — by generating enquiries and building customer relationships.
Your engineering ability will be used to engage with buyers and decision makers to provide confidence on the technical capability of our products, troubleshoot customer issues and highlight value differentiation within your proposals.
This is a newly created role within a growing part of the business. As one of the early members of the HepcoDirect team, you’ll have the chance to shape key processes and help define how this function operates. For the right candidate, there is genuine potential to support the expansion of this service into European markets as we grow.
Key Responsibilities
* Proactively identify and research new business opportunities using databases, directories, and LinkedIn
* Follow up incoming leads and existing quotations to support the sales pipeline
* Prepare new quotations and assist with order progression
* Liaise with the sales team to support customer requirements and ensure smooth handover
* Maintain accurate records in the CRM system
* Support targeted marketing campaigns in collaboration with the Marketing team
Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?
* Full training and mentoring will be provided.
* You will have the opportunity to gain broad commercial experience within a well-established engineering company.
Support Available
* Regular meetings with your line manager
* On the job training/shadowing
* You will be offered 1:1 support from the Internships Team during your first year.
The Benefits
* Be part of a new and growing area of the business
* Autonomy to help shape processes and make a tangible impact
* Real prospects for progression — including international market development
* Friendly, collaborative team environment
* Competitive Salary plus commission
* Hybrid working
* You will be invited to quarterly networking and professional development events through ‘The Graduate Network’.
* All Graduates are offered a ‘how to make the most of your internship’ guide.
* You will have access to the University’s Career Mentor Scheme .
About You (Person Specification)
* Degree-qualified (ideally in mechanical engineering or a related discipline).
* Open to all graduates who have graduated from a UK-based university in the last 3 years.
* International graduates with a Graduate Visa are welcome to apply.
* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
* Confident working with people at all levels, both internally and externally
* Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities
* Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
* CRM and LinkedIn experience is beneficial, though training will be provided
* Any previous sales or customer-facing experience is an advantage
About the Company
HepcoMotion is a leading manufacturer and innovator in linear motion technology, supplying advanced automation solutions to customers across the globe. With operations across the globe and a strong reputation in precision engineering, Hepco is continuing to grow — investing in new products, markets, and talent to support long-term international expansion. Our employees are the key to our success. Since we established over 50 years ago, many things have changed in the engineering industry. Our commitment to our people hasn't. That's why we invest time and money making sure we find and keep the very best in our industry.
Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) Scheme Requirements
* To undertake a graduate role through the GBP scheme, you must have either achieved your degree or be in your final year at any UK-based university.
* If you are in your final year, your working hours may be reduced to 15 hours per week (for undergraduates) or 6 hours per week (for postgraduates) to ensure you have the capacity to successfully complete your degree. More hours can be completed if your academic agrees and provides written confirmation.
* If you do not pass your degree, the GBP role will end early.
* You must have graduated in the UK within the last 3 years of your most recent degree (we will consider extenuating circumstances of potential applicants that may have prevented them from undertaking a graduate role within 3 years of graduation).
* The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity.
* We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion)
* Learn about the university’s commitment to the Disability Confident scheme here
* At the time of starting employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK and evidence must be provided in advance of the appointment. Examples of suitable evidence can be found here. Candidates should continue to have permission for the duration of the GBP contract. This includes British citizens, individuals with an EU Pre-Settlement or EU-Settlement Status; and those with a Graduate Route Visa.
* All graduates need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.
How to Apply
* Download and complete the attached 2024-25 Internship Application Form. CVs cannot be accepted. Please make sure you have downloaded the latest copy of the Internship Application Form.
* Guidance and useful tips for completing your application are found on the Internship Application Form.
* Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement.
* Use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification.
* You should insert the correct reference code on the application form: GBP 7761
* Please save your Internship Application Form as ‘your name - GBP 7761’
* The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through GBP Scheme. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria.
* Please also include details of any reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role.
* You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.
* Send your completed application (not by OneDrive) to internships@exeter.ac.uk, with the reference code: GBP 7761 in the subject bar of your email, by the closing date.
Further Guidance and Support
* (Exeter graduates only) You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.
* (Exeter graduates only) If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment through the Career Zone.
* Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
* It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants.
* If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at internships@exeter.ac.uk