At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development strategies and drive revenue growth in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a well-established engineering and technology group with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping commercial strategy and exploring new market opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in sales or business development within engineering or related sectors.
- Other info: Exciting role with exposure to strategic deals and M&A activities.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
Fortress Recruit is working with a well‑established, multi‑division engineering and technology group to appoint a Business Development Director to their senior leadership team. This is a pivotal, group‑level role focused on driving sustainable revenue growth, opening new markets, and shaping long‑term commercial strategy. Operating within a matrix structure, you’ll work closely with Business Unit Directors who retain day‑to‑day operational responsibility, while you provide strategic direction across sales, business development, and pipeline governance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing a group‑wide sales and business development strategy aligned with growth objectives
- Identifying new market opportunities, strategic partnerships, and diversification opportunities
- Acting as the senior commercial lead on complex, high‑value bids and “must‑win” opportunities
- Driving pipeline development beyond standard inbound channels and supporting Business Unit Directors in key negotiations
- Owning and evolving the CRM system to improve pipeline visibility, forecasting, and win rates
- Working cross‑functionally with marketing, finance, operations, and delivery teams to ensure effective go‑to‑market execution
- Supporting and contributing to UK and international M&A activity, including target identification, due diligence, and integration planning
To be considered for this role, you’ll have:
- Proven experience in senior sales or business development leadership roles, ideally within engineering, defence, maritime, nuclear or related sectors
- A strong track record of delivering revenue growth and market expansion
- Experience developing and executing business development strategy at a group or multi‑business‑unit level
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience in contract negotiation and complex deal structuring
- Hands‑on experience with CRM platforms at a strategic level
- Influential leadership ability, operating within a matrix structure
This is an excellent opportunity to step into a highly influential, commercial leadership role within a technically complex and growth‑focused organisation, offering exposure to strategic deals, new market entry, and M&A activity. On offer is a generous package with competitive salary and benefits. This role is based in Dorset and will require site‑based work, alongside frequent travel as required. Eligibility for SC Clearance is required (5 years' UK residency with no visa or sponsorship requirement).
For a confidential conversation or to request a full job description, please send your full CV or contact Becki directly.
Director of Business Development in England employer: Fortress Recruit Ltd
Contact Detail:
Fortress Recruit Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Business Development in England
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at companies you’re interested in. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in your target field. This isn’t a job interview, but a chance to learn more about the company and role. We can use these conversations to showcase our passion and knowledge, making us memorable when opportunities arise.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create content that highlights your skills and insights related to business development in engineering and defence. Whether it’s writing articles or sharing posts on LinkedIn, we can position ourselves as thought leaders and attract attention from recruiters.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website! It shows initiative and gives us a better chance of being noticed. Plus, we can tailor our application to align perfectly with what the company is looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Business Development in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Business Development. Highlight your experience in driving revenue growth and market expansion, especially in engineering or defence sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this pivotal role. Share specific examples of your past successes in business development and how you’ve shaped commercial strategies. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, we’re looking for someone who can influence and inspire. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully operated within a matrix structure in previous roles.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortress Recruit Ltd
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the defence, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. Understand current trends, challenges, and opportunities. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can drive sustainable revenue growth and open new markets.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to discuss your experience in developing and executing business development strategies. Use specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully identified new market opportunities or led complex bids. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and lead effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CRM Systems
Since this role involves owning and evolving the CRM system, be ready to talk about your hands-on experience with CRM platforms. Highlight how you've used these tools to improve pipeline visibility and forecasting in previous positions.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various teams. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to collaborate across functions like marketing, finance, and operations. Discuss how you've supported key negotiations and ensured effective go-to-market execution in the past.