Business Development Manager in Chelmsford

SubConnect is seeking a Business Development Manager to expand its commercial team and drive new business across its core subsea fibre optic cable solutions. The role involves strategic market engagement, collaboration with internal teams, and representation at industry events to support our growth ambitions.

Purpose: The Business Development Manager will focus on driving new business across four key areas: UJ, wet-plant hardware, testing and qualification, and third-party training, working closely with sales teams within Global Marine business units to identify, develop, and close commercial opportunities that align with our growth ambitions.

Key Deliverables:

• Develop and execute go-to-market strategies and key account plans to drive new business and build upon strategic partnerships within selected sectors.
• Identify and pursue new client opportunities across relevant markets (e.g., telco, academic & scientific and defence).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal technical, operations, and project delivery teams to ensure commercial proposals are aligned with capabilities and deliver value.
• Prepare and deliver tailored presentations, proposals, and responses to RFIs/RFPs.
• Support the negotiation and closing of commercial agreements and contracts.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and client feedback to inform business strategy.
• Contribute to shaping the Group’s new product development focus based on emerging client needs and market trends.
• Represent SubConnect, and the wider Global Marine Group, at key industry events, conferences, and networking engagements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and prospects to understand requirements and support successful project outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with the project delivery and engineering teams to ensure effective communication and coordinated delivery.
• Work alongside Global Marine Group sales teams to support business development activities and align technical solutions with customer needs.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record in the maritime, subsea, or offshore industry.
• Strong network and familiarity with one or more of the following areas: subsea telco cables, optical fibre cable OEMs, cable installers and/or cable maintenance companies.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills across all levels of an organisation.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Competent with productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, Teams, and CRM systems.
• Takes ownership and shows initiative in delivering results.
• Open and receptive to new and different ideas.
• Operates with integrity, maturity, and discretion.
• Proactive and collaborative team player with a growth mindset.
• Strong time management, organisational, and critical thinking skills.
• Enthusiastic about technology, sustainability, and making a positive impact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ideal:

• Experience working in high-growth or innovation-led environments.
• Commercial or technical degree in engineering, marine science, geoscience, business, or related field.
• Multilingual capabilities and experience in international business development.

Location and additional information:

This role can be based in the Chelmsford or Havant office and follows a hybrid working arrangement, with working 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely each week.

For the attention of Recruitment Agencies, we kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy, as we will not be requiring agency support for this role. To ensure our organisation complies with immigration rules, all candidates must provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK when applying. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor candidates on Graduate visas. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please assume that your application has not been successful.