Global Sector Growth Lead (Business Development)

Portwest; Westport; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Portwest is a leading global PPE and safety wear manufacturer seeking a Senior Business Development Manager. The role focuses on one Portwest industry sector (Consumer, Energy or Industrial) with global growth responsibility, frequent international travel, and accountability to the Director of Commercial Strategy.

Based in Westport, Ireland or Manchester, UK, it is a permanent full-time position. The candidate will own sector strategy, build key relationships, manage growth budgets, and

Qualifications

• 10+ years in commercial, business development, or sales leadership within a B2B environment, with a track record of driving revenue growth.
• Experience selling through distributors is an advantage, understanding both channel and end-customer needs.
• Strong communication skills, ability to confidently present externally and influence at senior leadership level internally.
• Strong knowledge of at least one relevant industry sector, such as Energy, Industrial, Construction, Manufacturing, Logistics, or Retail.
• Comfortable using market data and performance trends to shape strategy.
• Background in PPE, workwear, or safety products is helpful, but not essential.
• A second language relevant to a key Portwest market (German, French, Spanish, or Polish) is an advantage
• Willingness to travel internationally as required

Responsibilities

• Own the commercial strategy for your sector, globally deciding where to focus, what to offer, and which customers and channels to prioritise.
• Translate said commercial strategy for your sector into operational plans & guide their execution.
• Set and manage a growth budget for your sector, and track performance against targets.
• Build strong relationships with key accounts, distributors, and industry partners in your sector.
• Identify new business opportunities—new customers, applications, channels, or markets—and bring them into the commercial plan.
• Work with colleagues across Product Development, Sales and Marketing to make sure what Portwest offers genuinely fits customer needs in your sector and that plans are executed effectively, bringing market feedback into planning.
• Represent your sector to senior leadership, presenting performance, opportunities, and decisions that need their support.
• Involves regular international travel to key markets, customers, trade shows, and Portwest offices as required.
• Be a confident relationship-builder, a strong influencer & negotiator both internally & externally, credible with senior buyers, procurement teams, and channel partners.
• Take ownership of growth and go-to-market approach in one of Portwest's focus industry sectors (Energy, including Oil & Gas, Chemical, Utilities, Mining, Solar and renewables; or Industrial, (including Construction, Aviation, Transport & Logistics and related sectors) Or Consumer.

Skills

Strategic sales leadership

Channel/distributor management

Executive communication

Relationship building

Negotiation

Market analysis

Travel readiness

Job description

Portwest is a leading global PPE and safety wear manufacturer seeking a Senior Business Development Manager. The role focuses on one Portwest industry sector (Consumer, Energy or Industrial) with global growth responsibility, frequent international travel, and accountability to the Director of Commercial Strategy.

Based in Westport, Ireland or Manchester, UK, it is a permanent full-time position. The candidate will own sector strategy, build key relationships, manage growth budgets, and