Head of Business Development

Butler Rose; West of England; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension (10%)

25 days' annual leave + BH

Flexible working hours

Life insurance

Job summary

Butler Rose is seeking a commercially driven Head of Business Development for an established engineering manufacturer in Kendal, Cumbria. You will shape growth strategy, manage key accounts and lead major commercial opportunities.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Operations and Quality teams to deliver profitable growth across markets, with travel up to 10–20% and a strong emphasis on OEM relationships.

Qualifications

• Senior Business Development/Strategic sales experience within manufacturing or engineering.
• Track record of developing OEM/industrial customer relationships.
• Ability to translate technically complex products into commercial success.
• Experience developing strategic account plans and identifying new markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver strategic business development plans and identify opportunities.
• Strengthen existing customer relationships and win new business.
• Lead major commercial proposals, pricing discussions and negotiations.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive activity to identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality and Commercial teams.
• Manage sales pipelines and forecasts to provide visibility of opportunities.

Skills

Strategic account development

New business growth

Commercial strategy

Negotiation

Market intelligence

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering/Business degree advantageous

Job description

Head of Business Development - Engineering

Kendal, Cumbria | Salary up to £60,816 + Excellent Benefits

An opportunity to drive growth, shape commercial strategy and build lasting relationships within an established international engineering business.

Are you a commercially driven business development professional with a strong technical understanding and a passion for winning new business, developing strategic relationships and driving growth?

Our client is an established, independently owned engineering manufacturer with a proud heritage, an international customer base and ambitious plans for continued growth.

They are now looking to appoint a Head of Business Development to play a pivotal role in delivering their commercial growth strategy, developing key customer relationships and unlocking new business opportunities across existing and emerging markets.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected engineering business where you can make a genuine impact, influence commercial direction and take ownership of significant growth opportunities.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Commercial, you will take responsibility for developing and delivering strategic business development plans, strengthening existing customer relationships and identifying new commercial opportunities.

Working closely with major OEM and industrial customers, you will combine strategic business development, key account management and commercial leadership.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Account Development: Build and develop long-term relationships with key customers, establishing trusted partnerships at senior engineering, procurement and commercial level.
• New Business Growth: Identify, develop and secure new customers, markets, applications and commercial opportunities.
• Commercial Strategy: Develop and execute strategic account plans, identifying opportunities to grow revenue and increase market share.
• Negotiation & Contract Management: Lead major commercial proposals, pricing discussions and contract negotiations, balancing customer requirements with profitability and commercial risk.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, competitor activity and customer strategies to identify opportunities for future growth.
• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality and Commercial teams to develop competitive, technically sound and commercially viable customer solutions.
• Business Performance: Manage sales pipelines, forecasts and commercial activity, ensuring clear visibility of opportunities and future growth.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for someone who can bring together strong technical understanding, commercial awareness and the ability to build relationships that deliver results.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in a senior business development, strategic sales, key account management or commercial role within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• A successful track record of developing OEM or industrial customer relationships and delivering sustainable revenue growth.
• Strong commercial acumen, including experience of pricing, negotiations, contract management and business planning.
• The ability to understand technically complex products and applications, engaging confidently with engineering, procurement and senior commercial stakeholders.
• Experience developing strategic account plans, identifying new markets and converting opportunities into profitable business.

A degree in Engineering, Business or a related discipline would be advantageous, although substantial relevant industry experience will also be considered.

Previous experience within technical product environments would be advantageous, but we are equally interested in candidates from other engineering and manufacturing sectors who can demonstrate the ability to understand complex products and translate technical knowledge into commercial success.

We are not necessarily looking for the finished article. Applications are welcomed from experienced Senior Business Development Managers, Senior Sales Engineers and Key Account Managers who have the technical and commercial experience to take the next step into a broader, more strategic leadership position.

What's on offer?

• Salary of up to £60,816, dependent on experience.
• Generous pension scheme with a 10% employer contribution.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional holiday.
• Flexible working arrangements, including an early finish on Fridays.
• Life insurance worth three times your annual salary.

Location & Travel

This is a full-time, office-based position at the company's head office in Kendal, Cumbria.

Travel will be required to visit customers and attend relevant meetings and industry events, but is expected to account for no more than approximately 10-20% of the role. A company vehicle can be booked and made available for business travel.

Interested?

If you're an ambitious, technically minded commercial professional looking for an opportunity to take ownership, develop strategic customer relationships and play a key role in the growth of an established engineering business, we'd love to hear from you.

Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.