Director of Business Development

Shillito Executive Search; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK manufacturing business is seeking a hands-on Business Development Director to lead national sales efforts and drive growth. The successful candidate will lead a team, secure major contracts, and foster relationships with key clients, especially in the social housing sector. The role offers autonomy and the chance to impact a growing business in a safety-critical industry.

Qualifications

• Strong background in construction, manufacturing, or compliance-driven sectors.
• Proven leadership ability in successful sales teams.
• Existing network with Tier 1 contractors within social housing.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 4–5 Business Development Managers.
• Secure major contracts and develop key customer relationships.
• Build strategic relationships with Tier 1 contractors.

Skills

B2B sales or business development

Leadership of sales teams

Commercial awareness

Influencing and negotiation skills

Hands-on approach

Tools

Lead generation tools (e.g. Glenigans)

Job description

Overview

Shillito Executive Search has been exclusively retained by a leading UK manufacturing business to recruit a hands-on Business Development Director. The role leads national sales efforts and drives growth, with responsibility to win major contracts directly and inspire a high-performing sales team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 4–5 Business Development Managers across the UK
• Personally secure major contracts and develop key customer relationships
• Use lead generation tools such as Glenigans to identify and convert opportunities
• Build strategic relationships with Tier 1 construction and social housing contractors
• Set clear KPIs and coach the team to exceed performance targets
• Coordinate closely with internal sales, estimating, and operations teams at both manufacturing sites
• Act as the voice of the customer within the business

Your Experience

• A strong background in B2B sales or business development in construction, manufacturing, or compliance-driven sectors
• Proven leadership of successful sales teams
• An existing network or the ability to open doors with Tier 1 contractors within the social housing sector or strong experience of selling fire or security doorsets
• Excellent commercial awareness, influencing, and negotiation skills
• A hands-on, energetic, lead-from-the-front approach

Onboarding & Support

• Product Training: 1 week on the factory floor + 1 week with the estimating/pricing team
• Market Insight: Site visits, shadowing, and sessions with market experts
• Customer Immersion: Introductory meetings with key customers alongside senior leaders

Why apply?

• Be part of a market leader in a highly regulated, safety-critical industry
• Work in a growth-focused, agile business backed by strong investment
• Enjoy autonomy, influence, and the opportunity to make a real commercial impact

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development

Industries

• Manufacturing