Business Development Manager

ADS Group; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent trade association in Northern Ireland seeks a proactive Business Development Manager to enhance engagement and support across its Member base. This hybrid role involves working closely with stakeholders in the aerospace and defence sectors, driving initiatives to maximize Member satisfaction and retention. The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in business development and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Bonus

Pension

Private health insurance

Life insurance

Cycle to work scheme

28 days annual leave

Enhanced parental leave

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development within a commercial or trade association environment.
• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the Aerospace, Defence, Security, and Space sectors.

Responsibilities

• Support and grow Member base across the region.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Members.
• Drive engagement through networking events and forums.

Skills

Business development

Interpersonal skills

Strategic mindset

Communication

Project management

Job description

Business Development Manager

Salary; depending on experience

Contract Type; Full time, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Location; Hybrid working- the role will be based at Belfast, Northern Ireland (Bombardier Aerospace, Airport Road, BT3 9DZ), there is an option to work from home two days per week as business needs permit.

The Role

ADS Northern Ireland is seeking a proactive and relationship-driven Business Development Manager to support and grow our Member base across the region. Reporting directly to the ADS Ireland Director, this role is central to delivering value to our Members by identifying market opportunities, enhancing engagement, and expanding our regional presence.

As Business Development Manager, you will work closely with ADS colleagues and external stakeholders to understand the needs of Member companies and provide tailored support. You will act as the primary point of contact for Members in the region, offering account management and helping them navigate opportunities within the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors.

A key part of the role involves planning and delivering a programme of Member-focused activities, including networking events, webinars, forums, and working groups. These initiatives are designed to maximise Member participation, satisfaction, and retention. You will also be responsible for ensuring Members benefit from the full range of ADS services and national sector initiatives, including supply chain programmes such as SC21 and Aero Excellence.

This position requires a strategic mindset and strong interpersonal skills, as you will be building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies and industry working groups. Your work will contribute directly to regional growth strategies and help shape the future of the ADS sectors in Ireland.

The Candidate

We are looking for a confident and credible professional with a proven track record in business development, ideally gained within a commercial or trade association environment.

The ideal candidate will bring knowledge or experience of the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space sectors, with a particular emphasis on Aerospace, which represents the largest Member group in the region.

They will be a strong communicator with excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, capable of engaging effectively with individuals at all levels—from apprentices to CEOs—and working collaboratively with public sector partners.

A proactive, customer-focused approach is essential, along with the ability to instigate, develop and deliver impactful projects.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, able to prioritise their workload, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a wider team.

A good understanding of the economic development landscape and its stakeholders is important, as is a flexible attitude to travel, including overnight stays.

The Contract & Benefits

Contract; Permanent, fulltime role, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Location; Hybrid working- 3 days in the Belfast office and 2 days from home

Benefits; Bonus, pension, private health insurance, life insurance, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, 9-day fortnight, hybrid working, extended remote working, enhanced parental leave, 28 days annual leave, buy additional annual leave, long service additional annual leave