At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in export markets and the UK home automation sector through strategic sales.
- Company: Join Shoal Group, a dynamic team focused on trust and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact by connecting customers with innovative solutions in a growing industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in electrical product sales and strong technical knowledge required.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Shoal
At Shoal Group, we’re more than just a business — we’re a team built on trust, commitment, and collaboration. Everything we do is driven by a passion for lasting relationships — with our customers, our partners, and most importantly, with each other. Our customers count on us for more than high-quality products — they rely on our expertise, reliability, and seamless service to keep the world powered and connected.
Shoal Group was founded in late 2019 through the coming together of Cablecraft and FS Cables, with a shared vision of creating a platform for long-term, sustainable growth. We expanded further in 2021 with the acquisition of SWA, and today, we’re proud to be part of Diploma PLC — a FTSE 100-listed company with a global presence in Life Sciences, Seals, and Controls industries. Our headquarters are in Luton, Bedfordshire, with a sales office in Gloucestershire and a manufacturing facility in Plymouth, Devon. Across the organisation we have a vision of becoming a leading distributor of cables and cable accessories in the electrical industry; delivering value across multiple channels, including wholesale, contractors, and OEMs. We aim to serve a diverse industry across Europe and grow the business through both organic and inorganic growth strategies. We combine the agility, energy, and flexibility of an SME with the financial strength and resources of being part of Diploma PLC. This allows us to make significant investments and pursue strategic acquisitions to further enhance our offerings and expand our reach.
About the role
The Business Development Manager – Technical Sales will be responsible for driving strategic growth within export markets and the UK home automation sector. The role combines commercial acumen with technical expertise to identify new business opportunities, develop strong client relationships, and deliver tailored product and service solutions that meet customer needs. This position serves as a bridge between commercial and technical teams, ensuring a seamless customer journey from initial engagement to long-term partnership. The successful candidate will play a key role in expanding Shoal’s market presence through proactive sales, technical support, and strategic collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Business Development & Sales
- Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities across target export territories and the UK home automation marketplace.
- Develop and execute effective sales strategies to achieve or exceed revenue and margin targets.
- Generate and manage a robust sales pipeline through proactive prospecting, networking, and participation in industry events.
- Prepare and deliver persuasive technical and commercial proposals and presentations.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms of agreement in collaboration with leadership and internal teams.
- Lead strategic engagement across the Export, Home Automation ecosystem, and key customer partners.
- Position the company as a trusted and innovative partner, recognised for quality, service excellence, and technical capability in cables, accessories, and integrated solutions.
- Provide actionable market intelligence and competitor insights to shape commercial, pricing, and go-to-market strategies.
- Support product positioning, value-engineering, and solution development in alignment with customer requirements and market trends.
- Manage quotations, pricing, and proposal development to achieve competitive and profitable results.
- Support tender submissions, commercial negotiations, and framework agreements with key accounts.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams — including sales, purchasing, and technical — to ensure a seamless and consistent customer experience.
- Monitor and report on sales performance, pipeline activity, and profitability against agreed KPIs and strategic objectives.
- Conduct ongoing market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitor activity, and potential growth opportunities.
- Support development of go-to-market strategies and contribute to Shoal’s overall commercial roadmap.
- Maintain an in-depth understanding of the company’s products, technologies, and industry developments.
- Prepare regular sales forecasts, reports, and performance updates for management review.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across commercial processes, customer engagement, and overall business development strategy.
- Comply with company policies on Quality Management and Health & Safety at all times.
- Conduct regular competitor and market analysis to identify gaps, trends, and opportunities within the OEM sector.
- Work closely with product category teams to provide customer feedback that supports innovation and customisation for OEM clients.
- Build, track, and maintain a robust sales pipeline, ensuring accurate forecasting and reporting to senior management.
- Stay up to date with regulatory requirements (quality, environmental, and safety standards) that impact OEM customers.
- Proven experience in electrical product sales, ideally within panel builder, OEM, or data centre environments.
- Strong technical knowledge of FS Cable, SWA, Cablecraft systems, and related accessories.
- Demonstrated track record of driving strategic growth through effective relationship management and collaboration with channel partners.
- Demonstrated success in account management, growing existing accounts, and winning new business.
- Experience delivering consultative sales solutions and technical advice to customers.
- Familiarity with CRM systems, sales pipelines, and reporting tools.
Export Business Development Manager - Export in Luton employer: Shoal Group
Contact Detail:
Shoal Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Export Business Development Manager - Export in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and trade shows where you can meet potential clients and partners. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself and share what you do. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared to showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with someone, have a few success stories ready that highlight your skills in business development and technical sales. This will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings or events! A quick email thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest can keep you on their radar. It shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in forming a partnership.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Shoal Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Export Business Development Manager - Export in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Business Development Manager. Highlight your experience in sales and technical expertise, especially in export markets and home automation. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in business development.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role combines commercial acumen with technical expertise, make sure to showcase your understanding of electrical products and systems. We love candidates who can bridge the gap between technical and commercial teams!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shoal Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of electrical products and home automation systems. Be ready to discuss how these products can meet customer needs and drive growth in export markets.
✨Showcase Your Sales Strategy
Prepare to talk about your previous sales strategies and how you've successfully identified and secured new business opportunities. Use specific examples to demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to exceed revenue targets.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves a lot of relationship management, practice how you'll build rapport with potential clients. Think about how you can position yourself as a trusted partner and showcase your collaborative approach.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company's market position and future growth strategies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their success.