Business Development Manager

About the job

Job Title: Business Development Manager
Location: UK (Field-Based – UK, Ireland & Europe)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Benefits

About the Role

We’re recruiting for a Business Development Manager to join a global manufacturer operating within the vehicle OEM and thermal solutions market. This is a highly commercial, client-facing role that plays a key part in delivering the company’s growth strategy by identifying new opportunities, opening new markets, and developing long-term customer partnerships.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across Sales, Engineering, Operations, Finance and Quality, you’ll take full ownership of the sales cycle — from lead generation through to deal close. This is a fast-paced, rewarding role suited to someone who is driven, consultative, and confident engaging with senior decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

New Business Development & Sales Growth

• Proactively identify, qualify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Open doors with senior decision-makers including Engineers, Directors and CEOs.
• Convert warm and cold leads into live commercial projects.
• Own the full sales cycle from first contact through to deal close.
• Build and maintain a strong, predictable sales pipeline.

Customer Engagement & Market Development

• Conduct regular customer visits and attend events and exhibitions to generate new leads.
• Build long-term, value-driven customer relationships.
• Understand customer challenges and requirements to offer tailored solutions.
• Carry out market research to identify new opportunities, products and partnerships.
• Support growth across the UK, Ireland and European markets.

Pipeline Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate CRM data, pipeline reporting and sales forecasts.
• Provide regular updates on key account activity and future outlook (3, 6 and 12 months).
• Maximise revenue and profitability to meet or exceed budget targets.

Collaboration & Internal Support

• Work closely with internal teams including Engineering, Sales, Operations, Finance and Quality.
• Support the Business Development Director to maximise wider sales opportunities.
• Contribute to promotional activities, events and communications as required.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a business development–focused role.
• Proven track record of delivering sales results in a B2B environment.
• Experience within thermal solutions, automotive, engineering or technical manufacturing (desirable).
• Confident managing longer sales cycles and handling objections.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and closing skills.
• Highly organised with excellent follow-up discipline.
• Consultative sales approach with strong listening skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Self-motivated, proactive and able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Full UK driving licence required.

What Our Client Offers

• Competitive salary package.
• 4-day working week (Monday–Thursday, 7am–5pm).
• High-visibility role with real commercial impact.
• Collaborative, driven and supportive working environment.
• Opportunity to work on international OEM projects.
• Long-term career growth within a global business.