Business Development Associate (Aero, Defence & Energy)

Drive growth. Build strategic partnerships. Make an impact. Come and join a leading player in the Testing, Inspection and Certification sector. Element is looking for a Business Development Associate (Aero, Defence & Energy) to join our commercial team. This is an excellent opportunity for a relationship-driven sales professional who enjoys developing existing accounts, re-engaging dormant customers, and identifying new growth opportunities within a defined portfolio. You'll take ownership of a diverse customer base, managing more than 200 growth and retention accounts while working closely with technical experts, laboratory teams, and commercial leadership. Success in this role comes from understanding customers' challenges, delivering consultative solutions, and building long-term partnerships that create value for both our clients and Element.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow a portfolio of existing and dormant customer accounts, driving revenue growth and customer retention.
• Drive new business opportunities by using prospecting tools.
• Build trusted relationships with key decision-makers and influencers across assigned accounts.
• Develop a deep understanding of customer requirements and identify opportunities to expand Element's services.
• Engage customers early in their buying journey to maximise long-term account value and share of wallet.
• Qualify and progress new opportunities in collaboration with inbound sales and technical specialists.
• Lead customer engagement throughout the sales cycle, from initial conversations through quotation, negotiation and follow-up.
• Partner with laboratory and technical teams to deliver customer-focused solutions and exceptional service.
• Maintain an accurate sales pipeline and customer records within CRM, ensuring opportunities are effectively managed and forecast.
• Participate in regular pipeline and business reviews, identifying priorities and strategies to achieve sales targets.
• Build and maintain a strong understanding of Element's technical capabilities and service offerings through ongoing learning and development.
• Represent Element professionally while ensuring compliance with company policies, governance requirements and safety standards.

Skills / Qualifications

• Around three or more years' experience in business development, account management or consultative B2B sales from either an Aerospace, Defence, Energy or similar markets.
• A proven track record of growing customer relationships and delivering against revenue targets.
• Experience managing multiple accounts and balancing both retention and new business.
• Confidence engaging senior stakeholders and influencing buying decisions.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to understand customer requirements and translate them into tailored solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using CRM systems to manage pipelines, customer activity and forecasting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
• Experience interpreting technical specifications or testing requirements would be advantageous but is not essential.

This role is based onsite and you must be able to commute to our Rotherham site. Commutable from Doncaster, Sheffield, Wakefield, Barnsley, Worksop, hybrid working is on offer. The successful candidate must achieve the appropriate level (SC) of security clearance for this role and will be subject to prescreening checks before a full job offer is made, this will include UK right to work, identity confirmation, 3 year employment history check and criminal record check.

Why join Element?

At Element, you'll be part of a collaborative, customer-focused team where your commercial expertise has a direct impact on business growth. You'll have the autonomy to build lasting client relationships, the support of experienced technical specialists, and opportunities to develop your career within a global organisation committed to innovation and excellence.

Benefits of working at Element

• 33 days annual holiday, consisting of 25 days annual holiday and 8 days public.
• x4 Life Assurance.
• Legal & General Pension scheme employer contribution up to 6%.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay.
• Flexible Working.
• Cycle Scheme.
• Free Onsite Refreshments.
• Recommend a Friend Bonus.
• Perks At Work Discount Scheme.

To apply please email derek.grist@element.com.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”. All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.