Business Development Manager in Burnley

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Business Development Manager to join a leading aerospace engineering and manufacturing organisation. The role will play a key part in expanding market presence across the Midlands and beyond, with a strategic focus on positioning the business as a preferred manufacturing partner to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Operating with a high level of autonomy, you will be responsible for delivering a robust sales strategy, developing new business opportunities, and strengthening existing customer relationships within the aerospace, defence, and precision engineering sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a regional business development and sales strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Generate, qualify, and convert new business leads, with a strong “hunter” mindset.
• Revitalise dormant accounts and grow revenue from existing customers.
• Act as the primary commercial contact for customers, representing the voice of the customer internally.
• Manage the full sales lifecycle, including RFQs, bid/no-bid decisions, pricing, contract reviews, and commercial negotiations.
• Prepare and submit sales proposals and quotations, ensuring technical and commercial accuracy.
• Maintain accurate customer sales profiles, forecasts, and KPIs, including win/loss data and profitability.
• Provide solution‑focused technical advice relating to CNC machining and precision engineered components.
• Support new product introduction activities, including handover to operations and monitoring through contract life.
• Build and maintain long‑term customer relationships through regular engagement and site visits.
• Represent the company at trade shows, exhibitions, and networking events.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in line with company Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental systems.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

• Proven experience in business development or technical sales within aerospace manufacturing, machining, automotive, aeronautical, or defence sectors.
• Strong understanding of bespoke CNC machined components and precision engineering processes.
• Experience working with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Knowledge of quality and regulatory frameworks (e.g., AS9100, FAIR, ISO 9001).
• Commercially astute with the ability to assess business cases and negotiate effectively.
• Confident in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Highly self‑motivated, organized, and capable of managing workload autonomously.
• Proficient in MS Office, including Excel.
• Willingness to travel, with a full UK driving licence and valid passport.

Benefits

• Competitive and negotiable salary (DOE).
• Company car or car allowance.
• Hybrid working.
• Generous annual leave (based on 4‑day week).
• Occupational Health provision.
• Health Care Cash Plan.
• Life Assurance.
• Employee Referral Scheme.

We are a build‑to‑print aerospace engineering specialist with capabilities across metallics & fabrication, composites, surface treatments, and assemblies. Operating from a modern centre of excellence, we support leading aerospace and defence OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, delivering long‑term partnerships built on quality, precision, and reliability.