Business Development Director

A UK-based manufacturer of precision engineered components for the automotive industry is seeking a highly strategic, results-driven Business Development Director to drive commercial growth across domestic and international markets. This is a critical leadership position within a company that has built an exceptional reputation for quality, innovation, and on-time delivery to OEM and Tier 1 customers. With significant investment backing and ambitious growth plans, the business is poised to expand its presence across traditional ICE, EV, and off-highway sectors. As the Business Development Director, you will take full ownership of the company’s commercial growth strategy. Working closely with the Managing Director and wider senior leadership team, you’ll be responsible for building strategic relationships with key clients, opening new revenue channels, and positioning the business as a trusted partner in complex, quality-critical engineering supply chains. This is an ideal role for a senior commercial leader with deep industry experience, strong technical understanding, and a passion for delivering sustainable, long-term business growth. * Develop and lead the strategic business development plan for the automotive division, targeting OEMs and Tier 1 clients in the UK and Europe. * Identify, approach, and win new high-value accounts across passenger vehicle, electric vehicle (EV), commercial vehicle, and off-highway sectors. * Manage key relationships with technical, procurement, and C-level stakeholders across multiple regions. * Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to ensure proposals and delivery capability align with client expectations and internal capacity. * Own the entire commercial bid process – from RFQ through to pricing strategy, negotiation, and contract close. * Provide market intelligence to the board, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for expansion into new territories or service lines. * Lead the commercial input into NPI (New Product Introduction) and product development cycles, ensuring alignment with customer demand. * Represent the brand externally at trade events, conferences, and client reviews, acting as a senior ambassador for the business. We’re seeking a high-calibre commercial leader with a track record of building long-term partnerships and driving revenue growth in automotive manufacturing. You will be a confident strategist and hands-on operator, able to build credibility quickly both internally and externally. Required Experience & Skills: * 10+ years of business development or sales leadership experience in automotive manufacturing. * Proven success in selling complex precision engineered or technical components into OEM or Tier 1 customers. * Deep understanding of commercial models within manufacturing, including long-cycle sales processes, cost modelling, and global RFQs. * Confident working with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, and Operations. * Strong negotiation skills with the ability to manage high-value deals and long-term contracts. * Strong technical acumen and understanding of engineering/manufacturing processes. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – you’re credible at all levels and able to influence decision-makers