Assistant Manager Business Development

We are a leading provider of training and consultancy across the automotive and manufacturing sectors. We work with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and organisations across the UK to drive performance, capability and long‑term growth.

We are recruiting for an Assistant Manager – Business Development to join our Sales & Marketing team and play a key role in driving our commercial growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a proactive, client‑facing commercial role. You will lead outbound business development activity, manage the sales pipeline, and nurture relationships with key industry partners.

You will act as a primary commercial contact for clients across the automotive and manufacturing sectors—identifying their needs, shaping proposals, and supporting them in accessing Industry Forum’s training and consultancy services.

There’s no one ‘type’ of person we recruit. We are looking for someone passionate about sales and marketing and eager to launch their career in a dynamic and thriving environment. We are looking for someone to join our team and support our sales and marketing efforts. If you’re a creative thinker with strong communication skills and a drive to excel, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

• Drive outbound sales activity and identify new commercial opportunities.
• Manage the full sales cycle—from qualifying enquiries to proposal development and closing deals.
• Maintain an accurate, high‑quality sales pipeline aligned with strategic priorities.
• Work closely with the Marketing team to support campaigns and lead generation.
• Analyse conversion rates, customer trends, and competitor activity.

• Build strong relationships with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and key decision‑makers.
• Attend customer meetings, industry events and sector forums to represent Industry Forum.
• Deliver a responsive, professional customer experience throughout the sales process.

• Manage the sales enquiries inbox, ensuring timely triage and follow‑up.
• Collaborate with consultants and subject matter experts to develop tailored proposals.
• Ensure all activity is recorded accurately in Salesforce to support forecasting and reporting.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in B2B sales—ideally within automotive, engineering, or manufacturing.
• Skilled at building senior‑level customer relationships.
• A confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills.
• Highly organised, proactive, and commercially minded.
• Comfortable analysing sales data and managing CRM pipelines (Salesforce experience preferred).
• Able to understand and communicate complex services in a customer‑focused way.
• Positive, self‑motivated and able to work independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Flexible and willing to travel across the UK when required.

A degree in Communications, Marketing, Business Management or a related field—or equivalent experience—is desirable.

No matter your experience or background, you’ll get dedicated support when you join. With an induction and the business's support, you’ll quickly get to grips with the role and have access to help and guidance whenever you need it. So you won’t be on your own – you’ll be a part of a community dedicated to your development.

• 25 Days Annual Leave and additional days for public and privileged holidays.
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee recognition scheme
• Opportunity to hybrid working, subject to business needs
• Cycle to work scheme
• Parental and adoption leave

As part of our team, you’ll discover an inclusive workplace that’s welcoming, supportive and encouraging. You’ll be part of an organisation where people want to support one another and make a difference. Aside from fostering an open culture, we’ve got a range of growing affinity groups. For example:

• Ethnic Minority and gender equality networks
• Groups supporting wellbeing, mental health, neurodiversity and disability
• Women’s and Men’s Networks
• Faith/No Faith communities for staff to come together
• LGBTQ+ support networks

You’ll also find a variety of social groups to help you settle in and connect with people with similar interests.