Director of Business Development (Industrial Manufacturing)

About the role

Our client is an established organization operating within the broader industrial and manufacturing sector. The business serves a diverse customer base and is focused on expanding its market presence, strengthening customer relationships, and developing new opportunities for sustainable growth. As part of this continued development, the organization is looking for an experienced business development leader to help shape and execute its commercial growth strategy. This is a senior-level opportunity for an entrepreneurial and commercially minded leader who is comfortable working in a technical environment. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to developing new business, strengthening existing customer relationships, and building the capabilities required to support future growth. The Director of Business Development will take responsibility for identifying and developing growth opportunities across selected markets and customer groups. Working collaboratively with commercial, technical, operational, and leadership teams, this individual will help translate market opportunities into actionable growth initiatives. The role will have significant exposure across the organization and will contribute to both near-term commercial priorities and longer-term business development strategy. As the function develops, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to build additional business development capability and help shape how the organization approaches new markets and customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies aligned with the organization's broader commercial objectives.
• Identify new customers, markets, applications, and opportunities that can support sustainable revenue growth.
• Build strong relationships with key customer stakeholders and develop a clear understanding of their commercial and operational requirements.
• Work closely with sales and other internal teams to strengthen existing accounts and pursue new opportunities.
• Evaluate market activity, customer feedback, and commercial information to identify emerging opportunities and potential areas for investment.
• Develop account and market plans for priority growth opportunities.
• Lead selected strategic opportunities from initial engagement through commercial development and implementation.
• Partner with internal technical and operational teams to ensure customer requirements are understood and appropriately supported.
• Maintain strong visibility across the commercial pipeline and communicate progress, priorities, and risks to senior leadership.
• Contribute market and customer insights that can inform broader commercial and business planning.
• Establish clear performance objectives and measures for business development activities.
• Support the continued development of commercial processes, tools, and ways of working.
• Recruit, develop, and lead additional business development resources as the function grows.
• Represent the organization with customers and industry stakeholders as required.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, business, management, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Significant experience in business development, sales, commercial leadership, or a related discipline within an industrial, manufacturing, or technical business environment.
• Experience