Senior Business Development Manager – Advanced Manufacturing in Birmingham

Senior Business Development Manager – Advanced Manufacturing in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Reedglobal

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead investment strategies and engage with global manufacturing businesses to attract high-value investments.
  • Company: Join the West Midlands Growth Company, driving economic development in a thriving region.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, hybrid working, and a company pension scheme.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating an inclusive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on regional growth and innovation in advanced manufacturing.
  • Qualifications: Experience in business development and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Business Development Manager – Advanced Manufacturing to join the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) at an exciting time of regional growth and opportunity. If you’re confident engaging senior stakeholders, passionate about the future of advanced manufacturing, and thrive on identifying and securing high-value investment opportunities, this is your chance to make a real impact.

The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is the region’s economic development delivery organisation. From April 2026, we will lead the delivery of regionally commissioned economic development activity aligned to the West Midlands Growth Plan, working in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority and local authorities. We are building a sharper, business-focused organisation that attracts investment, supports high-growth companies and drives measurable economic impact.

The Role

As a Senior Business Development Manager – Advanced Manufacturing, you will play a pivotal role in attracting and securing high-value inward investment into the West Midlands. You’ll lead engagement with global and domestic manufacturing businesses, promoting the region as a premier destination for advanced manufacturing growth. Covering a range of sub-sectors, you’ll combine sector expertise, commercial acumen, and relationship management skills to generate investment opportunities and strengthen the region’s manufacturing ecosystem. Your work will directly contribute to job creation, innovation, and the global competitiveness of the West Midlands.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading the development and delivery of investment strategies across key Advanced Manufacturing sub-sectors.
  • Translating regional strengths into compelling value propositions to attract job-creating investment from both domestic and international markets.
  • Using market insight, economic trends, and sector intelligence to identify and engage high-value investment opportunities.
  • Driving lead generation and managing a pipeline of inward investment projects, delivering measurable outcomes including job creation and capital investment.
  • Managing relationships with strategic manufacturing businesses in the region to support retention, expansion, and long-term growth.
  • Building strong networks with industry intermediaries, including trade bodies, consultants, and government stakeholders such as the Department for Business & Trade.
  • Collaborating with local authorities, universities, and private sector partners to strengthen the regional manufacturing ecosystem.
  • Supporting wider inward investment activity and contributing sector expertise across WMGC teams.
  • Representing the organisation at a senior level, delivering macro-level pitches and promoting the West Midlands offer globally.
  • Identifying commercial and revenue-generating opportunities for partner organisations.
  • Mentoring colleagues and helping to build Advanced Manufacturing knowledge across the wider team.
  • Using CRM systems effectively to track activity, refine strategies, and maximise impact.

What You’ll Bring

Essential

  • Proven experience in business development, inward investment, or sector growth within the Advanced Manufacturing sector.
  • Strong consultative and commercial engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
  • Experience developing and delivering business development strategies in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing trends, technologies, and the economic drivers shaping the sector.
  • Excellent communication, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
  • A passion for regional economic development and delivering meaningful impact.

Desirable

  • Background working within an advanced manufacturing business or within a professional services organisation supporting the sector.
  • Knowledge of the West Midlands manufacturing ecosystem and wider business landscape.
  • Experience working with public sector partners or business support programmes.
  • Evidence of continuous professional development, ideally within manufacturing or technical disciplines.
  • Experience mentoring or coaching others within a team environment.
  • Strong strategic thinking and creativity when addressing investment or growth challenges.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

  • 26 days holiday
  • Company pension scheme including life assurance
  • Hybrid working with 2 days in the office
  • Cycle to work
  • Simple Health employee membership scheme

Equal Opportunities Statement

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Senior Business Development Manager – Advanced Manufacturing in Birmingham employer: Reedglobal

The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of one of the UK's most vital regions for advanced manufacturing. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including 26 days of holiday and a company pension scheme, and a culture that values inclusivity and diverse perspectives, WMGC empowers its team to make a meaningful impact on regional economic growth. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that not only supports your professional growth but also plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the West Midlands.

Reedglobal

Contact Details:

Reedglobal Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager – Advanced Manufacturing in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know in advanced manufacturing, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past successes in business development and how you've driven investment in the sector. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and impact.

Tip Number 3

Research the company inside out! Understand WMGC's goals, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and making a difference in the West Midlands manufacturing landscape.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager – Advanced Manufacturing in Birmingham

Business Development
Inward Investment
Sector Growth
Consultative Engagement Skills
Stakeholder Management
Project Management
Manufacturing Trends Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in advanced manufacturing and how it aligns with WMGC's goals. We want to see how you can make a real impact!

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your consultative and commercial engagement skills. We love seeing how you've influenced senior stakeholders and driven investment opportunities.

Be Data-Driven:Since this role requires a data-driven mindset, include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous roles. Show us how your analytical skills have led to successful business development strategies in the past.

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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in the West Midlands!

How to prepare for a job interview at Reedglobal

Know Your Sector Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in advanced manufacturing. Being able to discuss current market insights and economic drivers will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about the sector.

Engage with Stakeholders

Prepare to demonstrate your consultative skills by thinking of examples where you've influenced senior stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships and secured investment opportunities in previous roles.

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

Think about how you can translate regional strengths into compelling value propositions. Prepare a few ideas on how you would approach developing investment strategies for the West Midlands, as this will highlight your strategic mindset.

Be Data-Driven

Come equipped with examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past projects. Discussing your analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities will resonate well, especially in a role focused on measurable outcomes like job creation and capital investment.