Business Development Manager

SAFEgroup Automation; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & mentorship

Leading automation technology

Project exposure

Executive exposure

Flexible work options

Parental leave

Job summary

SAFEgroup Automation (SGA) seeks a Business Development Manager to lead sales efforts from our Newcastle team. Our engineers are core assets, and this role leverages relationships to drive growth across key sectors.

You will partner with the NSW Water leadership team, guide pre-sales activities, and align with the broader strategy. This is ideal for someone who thrives on relationships, value delivery, and innovation in automation and control systems.

Qualifications

• Five years in a senior engineering or BDM/sales role.
• Degree in Engineering or similar discipline.
• Experience in solution selling and closing deals.
• Knowledge of PLC/SCADA, telemetry, RTU and industrial networks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute monthly sales contact plans.
• Prepare tenders, quotations, and track all sales activities in CRM.
• Ensure budgets and plans are aligned through strategic planning.
• Maintain and grow client relationships for retention and repeat business.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership on sales performance and client engagement.
• Track KPIs such as new clients/projects and quotes.

Skills

Interpersonal

Negotiation

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Schneider

Rockwell

Siemens

Ignition

Job description

SAFEgroup Automation (SGA), with a combined team ofover 180 engineers, delivers a depth of experience to our clients and provides a wide range of career opportunities for our employees. We have built a successful business around using innovative technologies to provide custom solutions for those industries such as water and wastewater, utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing, and food and beverages.We are extremely proud of our client-centric culture and providing clients with innovative solutions that make a real difference by improving production, efficiency, reliability, safety and cost savings.

About the Role

An opportunity has arisen for a Business Development Manager (BDM) with an engineering mindset to join our Newcastle team. At SAFEgroup Automation (SGA), our engineers are our greatest asset. Their technical expertise and client relationships naturally drive growth. This role is designed to harness that strength and strategically lead our business development efforts across key sectors.

You’ll work closely with our NSW Water leadership team to drive sales, support our engineers in pre-sales activities, and ensure alignment with our broader business strategy. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on building relationships, delivering value, and driving innovation in automation and control systems.

The BDM is responsible for:

• Developing and executing monthly sales contact plans
• Preparing tenders, quotations, and track all sales activities in CRM
• Ensuring alignment with budgets and business plans through strategic planning
• Maintaining and growing client relationships to ensure retention and repeat business
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership on sales performance and client engagement
• Track KPIs such as new clients/projects, value of quotes/contracts, and client retention ensuring that are completed in line with the sales plan

About You

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• A team-oriented mindset with a service and safety focus
• Strong organisational skills and a demonstrated capacity to manage project work
• Ability to manage time and resources effectively
• A proactive approach to leadership, innovation, and client engagement
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Proven critical reasoning and strategic thinking
• Exceptional client relationship skills

Desirable Experience and Skills

• A strong understanding of PLC/SCADA systems, telemetry and RTU's, industrial communications, network design, and development
• Extensive experience in solution selling based on the Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens, or Ignition platforms
• Demonstrated experience building pipelines, solutions selling, closing deals that work for all parties, and as a result exceeding sales targets
• Degree in any of; Computer / Electrical / Electronic / Mechatronic / Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline
• Five years experience in a senior engineering or BDM/Sales role
• Proven ability to work in a team and autonomous environment

Why Join Us

At SGA, we are committed to fostering a culture that empowers our people, encourages sustainability, and promotes teamwork and work-life balance. Our Mission is to raise the bar in engineering. For the successful candidate, the position will offer the opportunity to join a dynamic team developing leading solutions in industrial automation.

What We Offer You

• An exciting opportunity to develop your career with ongoing training and mentorship
• Leading automation technology
• Exposure to innovative industry leading projects
• Regular executive team exposure
• A positive inclusive team culture
• Flexible work options
• Fun workspaces including games areas
• Fresh fruit, refreshments and regular team social events
• Extended paid parental leave
• Recruitment referral bonuses
• Access to Employee Assistance Program

At SGA we strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunity. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures - including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the LGBTQI+ community and people living with disability.