Business Development Director

Fortress Recruit is working with a well-established, multi-division engineering and technology group to appoint a Business Development Director to their senior leadership team.

This is a pivotal, group-level role focused on driving sustainable revenue growth, opening new markets, and shaping long-term commercial strategy. Operating within a matrix structure, you’ll work closely with Business Unit Directors who retain day-to-day operational responsibility, while you provide strategic direction across sales, business development, and pipeline governance.

Key responsibilities include:

* Developing and executing a group-wide sales and business development strategy aligned with growth objectives

* Identifying new market opportunities, strategic partnerships, and diversification opportunities

* Acting as the senior commercial lead on complex, high-value bids and “must-win” opportunities

* Driving pipeline development beyond standard inbound channels and supporting Business Unit Directors in key negotiations

* Owning and evolving the CRM system to improve pipeline visibility, forecasting, and win rates

* Working cross-functionally with marketing, finance, operations, and delivery teams to ensure effective go-to-market execution

* Supporting and contributing to UK and international M&A activity, including target identification, due diligence, and integration planning

To be considered for this role, you'll have:

* Proven experience in senior sales or business development leadership roles, ideally within engineering, defence, maritime, nuclear or related sectors

* A strong track record of delivering revenue growth and market expansion

* Experience developing and executing business development strategy at a group or multi-business-unit level

* Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience in contract negotiation and complex deal structuring

* Hands-on experience with CRM platforms at a strategic level

* Influential leadership ability, operating within a matrix structure

This is an excellent opportunity to step into a highly influential, commercial leadership role within a technically complex and growth-focused organisation, offering exposure to strategic deals, new market entry, and M&A activity. On offer is a generous package with competitive salary and benefits.

This role is based in Dorset and will require site-based work, alongside frequent travel as required. Eligibility for SC Clearance is required (5 years' UK residency with no visa or sponsorship requirement).

For a confidential conversation or to request a full job description, please send your full CV or call Becki directly