Business Development Associate - (Aerospace and Defence)

Element Materials Technology; Malvern; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading testing and certification company is seeking a Business Development Associate in Malvern, UK, to support customers in obtaining global approvals for their products. This role involves proactive prospecting, building relationships, and managing customer accounts within a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree, experience in the aero/defence sector, and an electronics background. Strong organizational skills and CRM proficiency are crucial for success in this dynamic position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience of selling products or services into the aero/defence sector.
• Electronics background, with knowledge of EMC testing.

Responsibilities

• Proactively prospecting: phone and email.
• Develop rapport and trust with customer contacts.
• Quickly follow-up on leads.
• Build and manage a personal pipeline of opportunities.

Skills

Selling products or services

CRM savvy

Organised and proactive

Self-motivated and resilient

Curious and commercially aware

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Element has an opportunity for a Business Development Associate to join its growing commercial team within its Connected Technologies Division supporting customers in getting the relevant global approvals to be able to place their product on the market.

Our Business Development Associates (BDAs) role is central to our growth engine. As an inside sales professionals, this role connects with new and existing customers primarily via phone, video, and email to introduce Element’s services, build relationships, and spark commercial opportunities.

Our BDA is responsible for outbound outreach, identifying and engaging prospective customers, reactivating dormant accounts, and strengthening connections with existing ones. This role plays a critical role in keeping our sales pipeline healthy, our customers engaged, and our brand top-of-mind.

This is a fast-paced, high-energy role that calls for resilience, confidence, and a natural ability to connect. Success comes from persistence, curiosity, and staying positive in the face of challenges, all while building relationships that last.The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver at heart who thrives in a team environment. You will help manage and oversee relationships with new and existing partners through high-touch networking, lead generation, and market research.

Core Responsibilities

New business generation

• Proactively prospecting: phone and email
• Connect with potential customers, re-engage dormant and declining
• Introduce services and capabilities in a clear, engaging way
• Quickly follow-up on leads

Relationship building and account development

• Develop rapport and trust with customer contacts
• Implement account growth initiatives for designated accounts
• Identify cross-selling and up-selling opportunities to increase share of wallet
• Build and manage a personal pipeline of opportunities

Skills / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Experience of selling products or services into the aero / defence sector
• Electronics background, with knowledge of EMC testing

Skills & attributes to success

• Self-motivated and resilient
• Curious and commercially aware
• Organised and proactive
• CRM savvy

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 7,500 brilliant minds operating from 200 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.