Business Development Manager - General
UK
Vacancy listed 08/10/2026
Application deadline 30/11/2026
Details
Role Purpose:
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Manager to support the continued growth of the business.  The role will focus on identifying and developing new business opportunities, building strong client relationships and generating sustainable revenue growth. Working closely with our technical, engineering and project teams, you will understand client requirements and develop opportunities that align with our capabilities and strategic objectives. This is a highly client-facing role, requiring an individual who is confident developing relationships, identifying opportunities and converting them into successful projects.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Identify and develop new business opportunities across target markets and sectors. 
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with new and existing clients. 
  • Develop and manage a robust sales pipeline and provide accurate sales forecasting. 
  • Generate leads through networking, market research, referrals, industry events and existing relationships. 
  • Arrange and attend client meetings, presentations and networking events. 
  • Understand client requirements and identify opportunities where our services can provide value.
  • Work closely with internal technical and project teams to develop appropriate solutions and proposals. 
  • Lead or support the preparation of quotations, tenders and commercial proposals. 
  • Manage opportunities from initial enquiry through to contract award. 
  • Identify opportunities to grow existing client accounts and develop repeat business. 
  • Monitor market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities. 
  • Represent the company professionally at industry events, conferences and client meetings. 
  • Maintain accurate records of opportunities, activities and client relationships within the CRM system. 
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of the company's wider business development strategy.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required:
Qualifications 
  • Degree or equivalent qualification in Business, Engineering, Marketing, Sales or a related discipline is desirable. 
  • A relevant professional qualification or membership of a recognised industry body would be advantageous. 
  • A full UK driving licence is essential due to the travel requirements of the role. 
Experience 
  • Proven experience in a Business Development, Sales, Account Management or Commercial role. 
  • Demonstrable track record of identifying, developing and converting new business opportunities. 
  • Experience of developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders. 
  • Experience working within an engineering, technical, manufacturing, consultancy or professional services environment is desirable. 
  • Experience of selling technical services, consultancy or project-based solutions would be advantageous. 
  • Experience of managing a sales pipeline and working towards revenue and business growth targets. 
  • Experience preparing and presenting commercial proposals, quotations and tender submissions. 
  • Experience of developing existing accounts and generating repeat business. 
  • Experience using CRM systems to manage opportunities, client relationships and sales activity. 
  • Experience of attending client meetings, networking events, exhibitions and industry conferences. 
Skills & Competencies 
  • Business development: Ability to identify, qualify and develop new commercial opportunities. 
  • Relationship management: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build credible, long-term relationships with clients. 
  • Communication: Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, with the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels. 
  • Commercial awareness: Understanding of pricing, margins, sales targets and the commercial drivers of a successful business. 
  • Negotiation: Ability to negotiate effectively and achieve positive commercial outcomes. 
  • Strategic thinking: Ability to identify market trends, new opportunities and potential areas for business growth.
  •  Influencing: Ability to communicate value and influence decision-makers. 
  • Organisation: Excellent time management and the ability to manage multiple opportunities and priorities simultaneously.
  •  Networking: Confident representing the company at client meetings, industry events and networking opportunities.
  •  Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with technical, engineering, project and operational teams. 
  • CRM & IT: Competent in the use of CRM systems and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
  • Presentation: Ability to develop and deliver professional presentations and proposals. 
  • Self-motivation: Proactive, driven and able to work independently with minimal supervision. 
  • Resilience: Comfortable working in a target-driven environment and able to maintain momentum through longer sales cycles. 
  • Problem solving: Ability to understand client challenges and identify appropriate solutions in collaboration with internal teams.
 
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
  • Success in the role will be measured through: 
    • New business revenue generated. 
    • Growth and quality of the sales pipeline. 
    • New clients acquired. 
    • Growth of existing client accounts. 
    • Conversion of qualified opportunities. 
    • Tender and proposal success rates. 
    • Client retention and repeat business. 
    • Development of new markets and opportunities. 
    • Accuracy of sales forecasting and CRM management. 
 
 What We Offer 
  • Competitive salary and benefits package. 
  • Performance-related bonus / commission opportunity.
  • Opportunity to work on technically challenging Defence engineering and consultancy projects. 
  • Direct exposure to senior Defence, industry and technical stakeholders. 
  • The opportunity to influence the company's Defence-sector growth strategy. 
  • Professional development and career progression. A collaborative environment working alongside experienced engineering and technical specialists. 
  • Regular opportunities to attend Defence industry events and develop your professional network. 
  • The opportunity to contribute to strategically important Defence programmes and technologies.

 Location and Travel:
  • You must be eligible to work in the UK and have no restrictions on worldwide travel. 
  • You will be based at our Head Office in Coventry; however, the nature of the role will require you to spend significant time travelling to meet clients, prospects, partners and industry stakeholders. 
  • Regular travel to industry events, customer sites, partner organisations and programme locations will be required. 
  • The role may involve working within security-sensitive or controlled environments, subject to the requirements of individual customers and programmes. 
  • The ability to obtain and maintain appropriate UK security clearance may be required for certain programmes.

Equal Opportunities Statement 
  • We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background.
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