Business Development Manager

Role - Business Development Manager. Home based.

Location:

UK-based, with regular travel to customer sites, trade shows and industry events across the UK, Europe and internationally

Reporting to:
Commercial Manager/Commercial Sales Director

Sector:
Aerospace, Defence, Automotive & Advanced Manufacturing

About The Role

My client is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Business Development Manager/Account Manager to support the continued growth of their advanced manufacturing businesses.

My client is an AS9100-certified design, engineering and manufacturing business specialising in advanced carbon fibre composite components and structures, supporting customers across aerospace, defence, automotive and other high-performance engineering sectors.

This is a senior appointment for an individual with a proven track record of winning, developing and growing high-value customer relationships within the aerospace, defence, automotive and wider advanced engineering sectors. Direct experience within advanced composites, carbon fibre structures or closely related aerospace manufacturing is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will combine strong new-business development capability with strategic account management. They will be expected to bring an established and valuable industry network, identify and convert new opportunities, deepen relationships with existing customers, and help position my client as a long-term strategic design, engineering and manufacturing partner.

The role will suit an experienced business development professional who understands complex, technical, relationship-led sales environments where opportunities can involve long sales cycles, engineering engagement, design-for-manufacture, qualification programmes and significant production contracts.

• Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities across aerospace, defence, automotive and related advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Leverage an established network of industry contacts to generate high-quality introductions and opportunities.
• Build relationships with senior decision-makers, procurement teams, engineering teams, programme managers and other key stakeholders.
• Develop a strong pipeline of strategically relevant opportunities aligned with the Group's capabilities and growth objectives.
• Take opportunities from initial engagement through technical and commercial discussions, quotation, negotiation and contract award.
• Proactively target major OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, defence primes, emerging technology companies and other strategically attractive customers.
• Work closely with engineering, operations and estimating teams to develop commercially and technically compelling proposals.
• Promote capabilities in composite design, engineering, tooling, manufacture, assembly and production industrialisation.

Manage and develop key customer relationships across the Group.

• Build a detailed understanding of customer programmes, future requirements, procurement strategies and long-term opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue and share of wallet within existing accounts.

• Monitor market developments, customer investment programmes and emerging opportunities across aerospace, defence, UAVs, advanced air mobility, automotive, motor sport and other relevant markets.
• Provide commercial insight to the senior leadership team regarding market trends, customer priorities and competitor activity.

They are looking for a senior and established business development professional, rather than someone looking to move into business development for the first time.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• A…