Business Development Manager in Abingdon

Are you an experienced sales professional who enjoys working through complex sales cycles and developing new international business? This is a newly created opportunity to join a highly advanced engineering business and play a key role in developing its international growth across the marine, defence and industrial markets. The role will initially focus on Europe and North America, with extensive international travel of 50+. You will be responsible for identifying new opportunities, building relationships with key customers and helping develop a strong international sales pipeline. This is a new role, giving you the opportunity to build something from the ground up and develop a long term career as the business continues to grow. A genuine interest in yachts, boating and the wider marine industry is essential. You do not necessarily need previous marine experience, but you must have a real interest in the sector and be excited by the opportunity to work with advanced marine technology and energy storage systems.

The role

Working closely with the Senior Commercial Manager, you will have responsibility for developing new business opportunities while also supporting existing customer relationships. You will be involved across the full sales cycle, from identifying and qualifying prospects through to proposals, commercial discussions and deal progression. This is a hands on role where you will have significant visibility across the business and the opportunity to influence how the international sales strategy develops.

What you will be doing

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across marine, defence and industrial markets
• Build and manage an international sales pipeline across Europe and North America
• Research target markets, customers and potential applications
• Develop relationships with prospective customers through telephone, email, networking, events and industry contacts
• Manage opportunities through a complex sales cycle, from initial engagement through to proposal and deal progression
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers
• Attend international trade shows, exhibitions, customer meetings and industry events
• Travel internationally on a regular basis, with 50+ travel expected
• Work closely with technical teams to understand customer requirements and identify commercial opportunities
• Develop an understanding of advanced energy storage, electrification and power system technologies
• Prepare proposals, presentations and commercial materials
• Maintain accurate sales activity and opportunity information through CRM systems
• Gather market intelligence and customer feedback to help shape future commercial strategy

What are we looking for?

You MUST have experience working within a complex sales cycle. This is a key requirement for the role. We are looking for someone who understands how to develop opportunities over time, build relationships with multiple stakeholders and navigate technical and commercial buying processes. You could currently be working as a Business Development Manager, Sales Manager, Technical Sales Engineer, Account Manager, Sales Engineer, Commercial Manager or Key Account Manager. Your background could be within marine, defence, aerospace, automotive, engineering, manufacturing, energy, industrial technology or another technically complex sector.

You Will Need

• Proven experience in B2B sales or business development
• Demonstrable experience managing complex sales cycles
• A strong commercial approach with the ability to identify and develop new business opportunities
• Experience selling complex products, solutions, technology or technical services
• Strong communication and relationship building skills
• Confidence engaging with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• The ability to develop relationships with senior decision makers
• A proactive approach