At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth and develop key customer accounts in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a respected specialist engineering firm with strong backing and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, long-term stability, and the chance to shape growth strategies.
- Other info: Be part of a scaling business with a focus on innovation and resilience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a niche market while enjoying significant career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development within technical or engineering sectors is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A Rare Opportunity Within a Specialist Engineering Business
We are representing a highly respected specialist engineering business operating within the fire suppression and critical environment sector across the UK and Europe. The company forms part of a larger £120m engineering group, providing the financial stability, investment backing and long-term security of a major organisation, whilst still operating day-to-day as an agile, close-knit and commercially flexible SME environment.
This creates a genuinely exciting opportunity for somebody who enjoys the pace, visibility and autonomy of a smaller business, but with the backing and infrastructure of a larger group behind it.
The Business: The company operates within a highly niche and technically specialist area of the fire suppression market, delivering end-to-end solutions across:
- System design & specification
- Supply of suppression agents
- Installation & commissioning
- Service, maintenance & compliance
- Cylinder testing & refurbishment
- Environmental compliance & recycling solutions
What makes the business particularly unique is its ability to manage the entire lifecycle of suppression systems in-house, something very few competitors in the market can offer. This creates a strong commercial proposition built around:
- Full compliance
- Reduced downtime
- One trusted supplier
- Specialist technical capability
Their client base spans highly regulated and mission-critical sectors including:
- Defence / MOD
- Data Centres
- Energy & Utilities
- Marine & Offshore
- Facilities Management
- Industrial & Infrastructure environments
Why This Role Exists: This is not a replacement position. The business has invested heavily into infrastructure, operational capability and facilities and is now positioned for significant commercial growth. Current turnover sits around £3.5m–£4m, however the business is operating at approximately 50% capacity, meaning the platform for growth is already firmly in place.
They are now looking for a commercially driven individual capable of helping scale the business, open new doors, strengthen market presence and drive long-term revenue growth across the UK.
The Opportunity: This is a senior commercial role reporting directly into leadership and playing a key part in shaping future growth strategy. Responsibilities will include:
- Managing and developing key customer accounts
- Driving new business opportunities across service, maintenance and system solutions
- Building strategic relationships across OEMs, FM providers and end users
- Owning the full sales lifecycle from prospecting through to negotiation and close
- Developing and executing strategic sales plans
- Identifying market trends and commercial opportunities
- Supporting wider commercial positioning and growth strategy
- Acting as a visible commercial presence within the market
This is far more than a transactional BDM role. The successful person will effectively help drive and shape commercial growth across the UK business.
About You: You may currently be working as a:
- Senior Business Development Manager
- Key Account Manager
- National Account Manager
- Sales Manager
- Commercial Manager
- Business Development Director
Relevant sector backgrounds could include:
- Fire Suppression
- Fire & Security
- Facilities Management
- Building Services
- M&E
- Critical Infrastructure
- Technical Service / Engineering Environments
The ideal individual will bring:
- Strong commercial and relationship-building capability
- Experience operating within technical or engineering-led sectors
- Ability to develop long-term value-based relationships
- A proactive and growth-oriented mindset
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Commercial maturity and autonomy
- Ambition to play a major role within a scaling business
Why Join? Genuine growth opportunity within a scaling business, strong investment backing and long-term stability, high level of autonomy and influence, ability to shape commercial growth strategy, specialist, niche technical offering with clear market differentiation, agile and collaborative SME culture, opportunity to become a key figure within the business long-term.
For the right person, this role offers the opportunity to genuinely make a mark within a growing specialist engineering business operating in a highly resilient and technically interesting market.
Eligo Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Eligo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive and equitable environment for employees and applicants. We actively celebrate and embrace differences, including but not limited to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, and disability. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and all will be considered for employment without discrimination. At Eligo Recruitment diversity, equity and inclusion is integral to achieving our mission to ensure every workplace reflects the richness of human diversity.
Senior Business Development Manager in Dartford employer: Eligo Recruitment
Join a dynamic and agile specialist engineering business that offers the perfect blend of a close-knit SME culture with the financial backing of a larger £120m group. As a Senior Business Development Manager, you will enjoy significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape commercial growth strategies in a niche market, all while benefiting from strong investment backing and a commitment to employee development. This role not only promises a meaningful impact on the company's future but also provides a supportive environment that values diversity and fosters professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager in Dartford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fire suppression and engineering sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing key accounts and driving new business. We want to demonstrate how our skills can help them grow and succeed in their niche market.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies directly, especially those we admire. Express our interest in their growth and how we can contribute. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from creating them ourselves!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website for applications! When we find a role that excites us, let’s apply through StudySmarter’s platform. It’s designed to streamline the process and ensure our application stands out. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in technical sectors and your ability to build long-term relationships, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and managed key accounts in the past, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the fire suppression sector!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of market trends and how you can leverage them for our business growth. We want to see your proactive mindset and strategic thinking shine through.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity within our growing team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eligo Recruitment
✨Know Your Niche
Before the interview, dive deep into the fire suppression and critical environments sector. Understand the unique selling points of the company and how they differentiate themselves from competitors. This knowledge will help you articulate why you're a great fit for their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in driving business growth and managing key accounts. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to develop long-term relationships and identify market trends. This will demonstrate your commercial maturity and proactive mindset.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's growth strategy and be ready to share your thoughts on how you can contribute. Show enthusiasm for their plans and express your ambition to play a significant role in shaping their future. This will position you as a candidate who is not just looking for a job, but someone who wants to be part of their journey.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the industry and the company's challenges. Inquire about their approach to compliance and how they manage the lifecycle of suppression systems. This shows that you're genuinely interested and have done your homework, making you stand out as a candidate.
