At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive international business growth and build strong customer relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join PPSS Group, a leader in body armour and protective solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company pension, birthday leave, and free on-site parking.
- Other info: Structured coaching, mentoring, and opportunities for career progression await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing international business with real impact in safety and security.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in business development or sales; strong communication and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
This is a full-time, office-based role based at our Thorp Arch HQ. Candidates must be UK-based and within a commutable distance. Reliable transport and the ability to work on-site five days per week are essential.
This is a commercially focused, target-driven role with expectations around business outreach, pipeline growth, customer engagement, and revenue generation. Strong organisation, professionalism, accountability, and follow-through are essential.
PPSS Group is a recognised market leader in body armour and protective equipment solutions across custodial, probation, correctional, retail, and frontline operational sectors. As global demand continues to rise for stab, spike, and slash-resistant protection, we are expanding across the UK, US, Canada, and wider EMEA markets. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone with 2–3 years’ business development or commercial experience who wants to develop within a specialist and fast-growing international business.
The Role: This is an international business development role with significant opportunity for long-term progression and increased responsibility. Initially, the focus will centre around outbound business development, customer outreach, pipeline generation, and relationship building across custodial, probation, corrections, retail, security, and related operational sectors. As the role develops, there will be progression into account management, key account management, and wider strategic commercial responsibilities.
- Build and manage an international sales pipeline
- Develop targeted outreach strategies by market and sector
- Identify new organisations, partnerships, and opportunities
- Execute outreach campaigns via calls, LinkedIn, email, and networking
- Take ownership of pipeline management, forecasting, and follow-up
- Develop long-term customer relationships and strategic accounts
- Support measurable international revenue growth
This role offers the opportunity to take full ownership of your commercial remit while growing within a fast-moving international business.
Key Responsibilities:
- International Business Development & Growth
- Develop opportunities across probation, corrections, custodial, retail, and security sectors
- Identify and engage decision-makers internationally
- Build and maintain a healthy sales pipeline from outreach through to conversion
- Conduct outbound prospecting activity across multiple channels
- Develop long-term customer relationships and support account growth
- Support international market expansion and new business acquisition
CRM & Commercial Administration:
- Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline updates
- Record customer activity, notes, opportunities, and next steps
- Track pipeline stages, reporting, and forecasting
- Use CRM insights and data to improve outreach effectiveness
Systems & Technical Capability:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint
- Confident using LinkedIn and other prospecting tools
- Able to manage reporting, forecasting, and communication professionally
Experience & Profile:
- 2–3 years’ experience within business development, sales, customer engagement, or commercial outreach
- Confident communicator with strong relationship-building skills
- Organised, proactive, and commercially minded
- Comfortable with outbound outreach and pipeline development
- Strong follow-up, accountability, and ownership mindset
- Positive attitude towards learning and development
This role may particularly suit:
- Anyone with a consultative approach to business development and outreach
- Individuals with experience working with probation, prisons, custodial, retail, security, or FM environments
- Professionals transitioning from operational into commercial roles
- Candidates with experience selling into public sector or security-related sectors
Development & Progression:
- Structured coaching and mentoring
- Exposure to international markets and customers
- Progression into account management and key account management
- Opportunity to develop wider commercial responsibilities within a growing international organisation
Recruitment Process: The recruitment process will consist of:
- Initial Microsoft Teams interview
- Face-to-face interview at Thorp Arch HQ
- Final decisions will follow completion of both stages.
What We Offer:
- Company pension
- Free on-site parking
- Referral programme
- Birthday leave
Diversity & Inclusion: PPSS Group is an equal opportunities employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, role requirements, and individual merit. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome.
International Business Development Manager in Leeds employer: PPSS Group
PPSS Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Thorp Arch HQ where innovation meets opportunity. With a strong focus on employee growth through structured coaching and exposure to international markets, we foster a culture of accountability and professionalism. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside benefits like a company pension and birthday leave, makes us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the protective equipment sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Business Development Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with professionals in the industry on LinkedIn and don’t be shy about reaching out. A personal message can go a long way in making a memorable first impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a casual chat or a formal interview, being able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role is key. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email not only shows your appreciation but also keeps you fresh in their minds. It’s a simple yet effective way to stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to leverage our website for job applications! We’ve got loads of resources and tips that can help you nail that interview and land the job you want. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace International Business Development Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in business development and customer engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background fits with our mission at PPSS Group. Keep it professional but let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Sector:Since we value frontline operational understanding, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in sectors like custodial, security, or retail. This will show us that you get the challenges and opportunities in our industry.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at PPSS Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly research PPSS Group and their products. Understand the body armour market and the specific sectors they operate in, like custodial and retail. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show that you're ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your 2-3 years of business development experience by preparing specific examples of how you've successfully engaged customers or grown a sales pipeline. Be ready to discuss your consultative approach and how it can benefit PPSS Group's international expansion.
✨Be Proactive in Communication
Since this role involves significant outreach, practice articulating your communication style. Prepare to discuss how you would approach potential clients and decision-makers. Use role-play scenarios to build confidence in your outbound prospecting techniques.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's growth plans and how they envision the role evolving. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it demonstrates your strategic thinking and long-term vision.
