At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global growth and drive business development for Lotus Engineering.
- Company: Join the iconic Lotus Cars, known for high-performance sports cars.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and generous vacation days.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of automotive engineering.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in business development within automotive or advanced engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Lotus Cars is renowned for crafting world-class, high-performance, and lightweight sports cars that are celebrated across the globe. Lotus Cars Limited serves as the company’s manufacturing HQ in the UK, where we proudly produce iconic models such as the Emira and the all-electric Evija. As we continue to elevate our capabilities and global presence, we are seeking a Head of Business Development - Lotus Engineering to join our dynamic Third Party Engineering team at our state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in Hethel.
Summary
The Head of Business Development will drive Lotus Engineering’s global growth by converting its core technical strengths—vehicle dynamics, control systems, vehicle architectures, and lightweight engineering—into high‑value commercial opportunities. A critical dimension of the role is elevating Lotus Engineering’s market visibility through a clear, compelling marketing and PR strategy that reinforces its position as a world‑leading performance and advanced engineering partner. The role will also unlock external revenue streams across adjacent capabilities, including low‑volume vehicle manufacturing, shaping a strong and sustainable commercial pipeline.
What you’ll do
- Strategic Growth & Market Positioning
- Define and execute a business development strategy centred on Lotus Engineering’s core competencies
- Identify priority markets and sectors where Lotus’ expertise delivers clear competitive advantage
- Position Lotus Engineering as a premium partner in performance, efficiency, and advanced vehicle development
- Core Capability Commercialisation
- Translate Lotus’ core capabilities in vehicle dynamics, controls systems, vehicle architectures, and lightweight engineering into compelling client propositions
- Package integrated engineering solutions that address OEM and client challenges
- Work closely with technical teams to align market needs with evolving capabilities
- Client Acquisition & Key Account Development
- Secure new business with OEMs, Tier 1s, and emerging automotive and technology companies
- Develop and grow strategic accounts with a focus on long‑term partnerships
- Build strong senior‑level relationships to influence early‑stage programme opportunities
- Revenue Growth & Pipeline Ownership
- Own revenue targets and deliver sustainable growth across core and adjacent services
- Build and manage a high‑quality, diversified opportunity pipeline
- Ensure disciplined forecasting, reporting, and conversion of opportunities
- Expansion into Adjacent Competencies
- Drive external commercial opportunities in complementary Lotus capabilities, including low‑volume vehicle manufacturing
- Identify and develop programmes that leverage Lotus’ end‑to‑end offering
- Collaborate across Lotus divisions to create integrated commercial propositions
- Bid & Proposal Leadership
- Lead the development of differentiated, high‑quality proposals aligned to Lotus’ strengths
- Ensure technical excellence is translated into clear commercial value for clients
- Drive win strategies for complex, multi‑disciplinary engineering programmes
- Cross‑Functional Integration
- Work closely with engineering, programme delivery, and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment from sales through execution
- Enable seamless handover of won business into delivery with clear scope and expectations
- Influence internal prioritisation of high‑impact opportunities
- Leadership & Capability Development
- Lead and develop a high‑performing business development function
- Embed best practices, tools, and governance across the commercial lifecycle
- Foster a culture focused on technical credibility, client value, and commercial discipline
Essential
- Proven senior leadership experience in business development, marketing, or commercial roles within automotive or advanced engineering
- Demonstrated success in combining business development with effective marketing and brand‑building strategies
- Experience developing and executing marketing and PR campaigns, including media engagement and thought leadership
- Proven track record of winning complex engineering programmes with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers
- Strong network across automotive and mobility sectors
- Excellent communication (written and verbal), influencing, and stakeholder management skills
- Strong commercial acumen with ownership of revenue targets and pipelines
- Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams, including marketing and communications
Desirable
- Experience within an engineering consultancy or performance‑focused automotive brand
- Strong understanding of vehicle engineering, particularly vehicle dynamics, control systems, vehicle architecture, or lightweight design
- Exposure to low‑volume vehicle manufacturing or niche vehicle programmes
- Knowledge of emerging trends such as electrification, software‑defined vehicles, and advanced controls
- International experience across key automotive markets
- Experience working with media, PR agencies, or managing external communications partners
- MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification
What we offer
- We provide access to a Company Car scheme (ECOS)
- 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays: Recharge, explore, or binge‑watch your favourite series with plenty of time to relax and enjoy life outside of work.
- Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with an exciting, non‑contractual bonus scheme—because great effort deserves great perks.
- Future‑Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.
- Private Healthcare: Stay healthy and stress‑free with premium healthcare coverage tailored to keep you at your best.
Additional Information
This role will be working from our Hethel plant.
Our Company Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with over 75‑year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world’s first all‑electric hyper‑SUV, and in 2023 our fully‑electric Hyper‑GT, Emeya. As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them. Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship‑winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines. We’re not just a car company; we’re a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organisation.
Head of Business Development - Lotus Engineering employer: Lotus UK Manufacturing
Lotus Cars is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art Hethel facility, where innovation and engineering excellence thrive. We prioritise employee growth through diverse opportunities, competitive benefits including a performance bonus and private healthcare, and a culture that champions diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of a pioneering team that pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development - Lotus Engineering
✨Get to Grips with Data Visualisation Tools
If you're aiming for a full-time role in business intelligence, brush up on your skills with popular data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Showcasing projects where you've transformed raw data into clear visual insights can give you a real edge.
✨Join Local Business Intelligence Meetups
Look for local business intelligence meetups or analytics conferences in your area. These events are not just great for learning but also for networking with industry professionals who could lead you to opportunities at companies like Lotus UK Manufacturing!
✨Engage with Online BI Communities
Join online forums or communities focused on business intelligence—think LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, or even dedicated Slack channels. Engage actively by sharing your insights and asking questions; this can help you build visibility and connect with potential employers.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Support
If you're a recent graduate, definitely tap into your university's career services. Many have connections with companies in need of full-time BI specialists, and they can guide you on how to pitch yourself effectively—don't miss out on that!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development - Lotus Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
Showcase Your Business Acumen:Don't just focus on data; show us how you can apply your insights to real-world business problems. Highlight projects where you made a tangible impact on company performance, and be prepared to explain your thought process in your cover letter.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at Lotus UK Manufacturing, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
Include Relevant Certifications:Certifications like Google Data Analytics or similar qualifications can really make you stand out in business intelligence. Include these in your application, as they demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to stay current with industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lotus UK Manufacturing
✨Show off your analytical skills
In a business intelligence role, you're going to need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Have real-world examples ready where you’ve turned data into actionable insights – this is what makes us shine in interviews!
✨Practice your technical know-how
Expect some technical questions during the interview that dive deep into your understanding of data modelling and analytics frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of data warehousing concepts and be ready to tackle any real case scenarios they might present. They’ll want to see how you approach problems using your BI toolkit.
✨Portfolio of Projects
Since it's a full-time role, having a strong portfolio is key! Compile case studies demonstrating your previous projects, preferably showing how your insights led to business improvements. This can help us display how you think through complex datasets and your problem-solving process, which is what employers are keen on seeing.
✨Know their business model
Get familiar with Lotus UK Manufacturing’s business model and recent data-driven decisions. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can specifically support their objectives or challenges. Understanding their landscape shows that you’re not just a data buff, but you’re also genuinely interested in how BI can impact their bottom line.
