At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial growth in the Energy or Industrial sectors with international travel.
- Company: Join Portwest, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear and PPE.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and recognition as a great place to work.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel internationally and work in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing industry while building strong relationships.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in business development with strong communication and influencing skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
PORTWEST , a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE.
Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 6000 staff worldwide.
With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities.
We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
Job Summary
Portwest is currently seeking applications for the position of Senior Business Development Manager - Industrial, based in
Westport Ireland or Manchester UK , on a permanent basis reporting to Director of Commercial Strategy.
Portwest is a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE, founded in 1904, employing over 6000 staff worldwide with 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, on a mission to become the world's most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
This role focuses on driving commercial growth in one Portwest industry sectors (Energy or Industrial) with regular international travel to customers, markets, and trade shows.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the commercial strategy for your sector, globally deciding where to focus, what to offer, and which customers and channels to prioritise.
- Translate said commercial strategy for your sector into operational plans & guide their execution.
- Set and manage a growth budget for your sector, and track performance against targets.
- Build strong relationships with key accounts, distributors, and industry partners in your sector.
- Identify new business opportunities--new customers, applications, channels, or markets and bring them into the commercial plan.
- Work with colleagues across Product Development, Sales and Marketing to make sure what Portwest offers genuinely fits customer needs in your sector and that plans are executed effectively, bringing market feedback into planning.
- Represent your sector to senior leadership, presenting performance, opportunities, and decisions that need their support.
- Involves regular international travel to key markets, customers, trade shows, and Portwest offices as required.
- Be a confident relationship-builder, a strong influencer & negotiator both internally & externally, credible with senior buyers, procurement teams, and channel partners.
- Take ownership of growth and go-to-market approach in one of Portwest's focus industry sectors (Energy, including Oil & Gas, Chemical, Utilities, Mining, Solar and renewables; or Industrial, including Construction, Aviation, Transport & Logistics and related sectors)
Requirements
- 10+ years in commercial, business development, or sales leadership within a B2B environment, with a track record of driving revenue growth
- Experience selling through distributors is an advantage, understanding both channel and end-customer needs.
- Strong communication skills, ability to confidently present externally and influence at senior leadership level internally.
- Strong knowledge of at least one relevant industry sector, such as Energy, Industrial, Construction, Manufacturing, Logistics, or Retail.
- Comfortable using market data and performance trends to shape strategy.
- Background in PPE, workwear, or safety products is helpful, but not essential.
- A second language relevant to a key Portwest market (German, French, Spanish, or Polish) is an advantage
- Willingness to travel internationally as required
- Company Awards
- Great Place To Work 2024
- Private Irish Business of the year - Export Industry Awards 2025
- Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025
Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.
Portwest is an equal opportunity employer.
All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.
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Senior Business Development Manager - Industrial in Manchester employer: Portwest
Portwest is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the PPE industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities while working in the beautiful Devon & Cornwall region, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant communities. Join us to be part of a fast-growing company that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
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We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager - Industrial in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager - Industrial in Manchester
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 Portwest, 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 Portwest
✨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!
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✨Portfolio of Projects
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✨Know their business model
Get familiar with Portwest’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.
