At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development in aerospace, driving revenue growth and managing key client relationships.
- Company: Join Eaton, a leader in aerospace technology with a focus on innovation and employee happiness.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a commitment to diversity, and ongoing career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a strong focus on inclusion and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the aerospace industry while working with cutting-edge technology and a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in aerospace sales leadership and expertise in weapons carriage systems required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Business Development Professional with a background in the aerospace industry to join our team at Eaton in the role of Senior Business Manager. This is an exciting vacancy managing some of the businesses top clientele with a hybrid working based from our site in Wimborne. Our site in Wimborne was formerly Cobham Mission Systems but is now part of the Eaton portfolio. The site manufactures air to air refueling systems and actuation (weapons carriage), primarily for defense markets. The site has a workforce of approximately 1,000 people. It is a state of the art facility, using the most modern techniques in AI, Machine Learning, integrating testing, next generation systems. It is also a people enabling organization, striving on career growth and employees' happiness. We are ITAR Regulated for this site and must be eligible for Security clearance.
What you'll do:
- The Business Development Manager for its Actuation product lines will drive revenue growth by leading front end pursuits and campaigns for new technology, services and applications for existing customers (Business Development) as well as new customers (Market Development).
- Identify opportunities and associated value propositions, working across the business unit and sector to develop solutions.
- Manage pursuits through to contract award / handover.
- Develop a strong opportunity pipeline that supports the division and groups strategic and long range goals.
- Own and deliver annual and in year order intake targets for Mission Systems.
- Translate strategic growth objectives into executable customer and campaign plans.
- Act as the senior sales authority for priority pursuits and customer engagements.
- Drive disciplined pipeline management to ensure predictability and delivery.
- Balance near term sales execution with sustainable long term customer value.
- Hold delegated authority to approve bids prior to submission.
- Define bid strategies including pricing position, negotiation posture, and commercial risk.
- Ensure all bids align with Eaton's revenue, margin, and cash objectives.
- Provide executive challenge to bid assumptions and commercial positioning.
- Support bid / no bid decisions on high value or strategically sensitive opportunities.
- Lead or directly conduct negotiations on pricing, commercial structure, and deal economics.
- Set negotiation strategies informed by deep understanding of customer behaviour and procurement models.
- Guide the business on acceptable commercial trade offs to secure business win.
- Ensure consistency and discipline in Eaton's external commercial approach.
- Protect and enhance deal value through structured, outcome focused negotiation.
- Line manage and develop sales executives, setting clear objectives and performance expectations.
- Influence cross functional teams to align technical, operational, and commercial priorities.
- Represent Mission Systems sales performance and risk at senior leadership forums.
- Embed a performance driven, accountable sales culture.
- Own sales forecasting accuracy and reporting cadence.
- Provide clear visibility of risks, opportunities, and mitigation actions.
- Deliver insight to support strategic planning and leadership decision making.
- Track performance against order intake, margin, and cash commitments.
- Use data and experience to anticipate customer behaviour and market dynamics.
- Ownership of bid strategy, pricing position, and commercial deal shape.
- Drive aftermarket growth across spares, repairs and RMUs.
- Voice of the customer, responsible for maintaining relationship with key customers for existing product portfolio.
- Work with sales analyst team to support the demand aspect of the SIOP process.
- Is an active participant in all necessary phases of the process.
- Ensures proper inputs for all customers are included and properly communicate risks and opportunities in delivering the financial forecast.
- Initiate and/or approve PROLaunch projects, prioritize and support project deck, working in conjunction with program managers and R&D team.
- Develop and implement global tactical sales plans in cooperation with the sales analyst team and capability leadership.
- Work with Pricing Director to develop pricing and sales strategies for product portfolio.
- Assists in the assessment of market channel delivery options (direct or through distribution).
Qualifications:
- Bachelor degree from an accredited institution.
- 10+ years' experience in senior commercial or sales leadership within aerospace and defence.
- Extensive experience with major OEMs, primes, and government customers.
- Deep domain expertise in weapons carriage and release systems.
Skills:
- Deep domain expertise in weapons carriage and release systems.
- Strong financial acumen across pricing, margin, cash, and risk.
- Executive-level negotiator with credibility at customer and internal leadership level.
- Confident operating with autonomy, accountability, and delegated authority.
What we offer:
- Flexible working hours and a hybrid working model for the right candidate - minimum of 2-3 days on site per week.
- A company culture committed to Inclusion & Diversity and Sustainability.
- Annual mentoring programme, Eaton University, and a robust reward and recognition framework.
- Ongoing learning and global career development opportunities, including internal mobility.
- Comprehensive induction support and a well structured onboarding experience.
The successful applicant will be in contact with US ITAR controlled technology, goods and information. As a condition of employment, employees with access to US ITAR controlled technology and goods may be required to undergo an additional screening process as part of the recruitment process. All positions may require participation in video and in person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job related competencies, and all candidates' privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.
Senior Business Manager employer: Eaton Corporation
Eaton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art Wimborne facility, where innovation meets career growth. With a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and sustainability, we provide flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training programmes, and robust support for employee development, ensuring that our team thrives both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and fosters a culture of accountability and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Manager
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Eaton Corporation for a Senior Business Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Eaton Corporation, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Eaton Corporation, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eaton Corporation
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Eaton Corporation.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Eaton Corporation. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Eaton Corporation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
