Business Development Manager

We Are Zenith; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

We Are Zenith in Sunderland is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to drive new business growth across manufacturing sectors. You will win new customers and build long-term commercial partnerships while nurturing a small portfolio of key accounts.

The role suits a proactive sales professional who excels at opening doors, negotiating contracts, and turning prospects into lasting customers, with strong networking and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development, sales or commercial management.
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering or industrial sectors is highly desirable.
• Strong networking, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to generate and convert new business opportunities.
• Commercially minded with a proactive approach.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Identify, target and secure new business opportunities across key markets.
• Develop and execute business development strategies to support company growth.
• Build relationships with new prospects and decision-makers.
• Conduct sales meetings, presentations and site visits where required.
• Manage the full sales cycle from initial contact through to contract award.
• Maintain and develop a portfolio of existing customer accounts.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Prepare proposals, quotations and commercial agreements.
• Monitor market activity and identify opportunities for growth.
• Maintain an accurate pipeline and provide regular sales forecasts.

Skills

Business development

Sales

Commercial management

Networking

Negotiation

Self-motivation

Driving licence

Job description

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Business Development Manager to join a growing manufacturing business. This role is focused on driving new business growth, winning new customers and developing long-term commercial partnerships across a range of sectors.

Alongside securing new clients, you will also be responsible for maintaining and growing a small portfolio of key accounts, ensuring customers continue to receive a high level of service and support.

This position would suit a driven sales professional who enjoys the challenge of identifying opportunities, opening doors and converting prospects into long-term customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, target and secure new business opportunities across key markets
• Develop and execute business development strategies to support company growth
• Build relationships with new prospects and decision-makers
• Conduct sales meetings, presentations and site visits where required
• Manage the full sales cycle from initial contact through to contract award
• Maintain and develop a portfolio of existing customer accounts
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure customer requirements are met
• Prepare proposals, quotations and commercial agreements
• Monitor market activity and identify opportunities for growth
• Maintain an accurate pipeline and provide regular sales forecasts

About You

• Proven track record in business development, sales or commercial management
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering or industrial sectors is highly desirable
• Strong networking, negotiation and relationship management skills
• Ability to generate and convert new business opportunities
• Commercially minded with a proactive approach
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently
• Full UK driving licence