Business Development Manager / Sales Lead

Sterling Engineering; Galway; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Galway is seeking a high-performing Business Development Manager / Sales Lead to drive new client acquisition across Ireland. This hybrid/remote role involves travel across the West of Ireland and requires owning a car for mileage reimbursement.

You will lead strategic account development for the recruitment division and engineering services, build long-term partnerships, and close new business in manufacturing, MedTech, pharma and engineering sectors.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in B2B sales / business development within manufacturing, engineering or technical environments.
• Strong track record of winning new business and developing client relationships.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Highly driven, proactive and resilient; able to work autonomously.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel across the West of Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Identify, target, and secure new clients across manufacturing, engineering, MedTech and pharma sectors.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans for high-value targets.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities.
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and solution discussions.
• Drive new business across recruitment and engineering services offerings.
• Negotiate commercial terms and service partnerships.
• Maintain CRM records and report pipeline and forecasts.

Skills

B2B sales

Business development

Client relationships

Negotiation

Autonomous work

Travel readiness

Job description

Job Description

Business Development Manager / Sales Lead Sterling Engineering Galway (Hybrid / Remote) Travel across West of Ireland required (own car essential - mileage expensed) Sterling Engineering are a specialist engineering and technical recruitment partner supporting clients across MedTech, Pharma, Engineering and Manufacturing in Ireland. We also deliver engineering services and project-based solutions, giving our clients a full end-to-end workforce and technical support offering. We are now looking for a high-performing Business Development Manager / Sales Lead to drive new client acquisition and grow our presence across Ireland

The Role: Sales Lead role focused on winning new business for our Recruitment Division and making introductions to our Engineering team. You will be responsible for identifying, engaging and securing new clients, building long term partnerships and positioning Sterling Engineering as a trusted solutions provider. Leveraging both existing relationships and new business development activity, you will focus on building a strong pipeline, winning new accounts, and establishing long-term partnerships that generate both recruitment and engineering services revenue.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, target, and secure new clients across manufacturing, engineering, MedTech and pharma sectors
• Develop and execute strategic account plans for high-value target clients
• Build, manage, and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and solution discussions
• Drive new business across both recruitment and engineering services offerings
• Identify and maximise cross-sell opportunities between divisions
• Negotiate commercial terms, staffing agreements and service partnerships
• Close business in line with company sales methodologies and targets
• Act as the primary point of contact for new and assigned accounts
• Build long-term, trusted client relationships and deliver high service standards
• Grow accounts organically through referrals, repeat business and account development
• Develop depth within key accounts, including potential for preferred supplier or MSP status
• Manage account performance and profitability
• Proactively generate leads through LinkedIn, networking, referrals, events and direct outreach
• Leverage existing industry contacts, particularly within manufacturing, to drive business growth
• Conduct ongoing market and competitor analysis to identify new opportunities
• Represent the business at industry events and client meetings
• Work closely with internal recruitment and engineering teams to deliver client solutions
• Support the screening and qualification of candidates where required
• Present qualified candidates and solutions to clients
• Utilise internal resources, marketing and leadership support effectively
• Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline tracking
• Deliver against weekly KPIs and sales activity targets
• Provide regular updates on pipeline, forecasts, and client activity

Requirements:

• Proven experience in B2B sales / business development, ideally within manufacturing, engineering or technical environments
• Strong track record of winning new business and developing client relationships
• Experience selling into manufacturing clients, with the ability to leverage existing contacts and networks in Western Ireland highly desirable
• Experience in recruitment, engineering services or technical solutions is an advantage
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to understand technical/service offerings
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Highly driven, proactive and resilient
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel