Business Development Manager - Automotive Manufacturing

Business Development Manager - Automotive Manufacturing

Full-Time 60000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Unipart

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive strategic growth in the automotive sector and secure new business opportunities.
  • Company: Join Unipart, a leader in supply chain performance improvement.
  • Benefits: Up to £70,000 salary, 33 days holiday, pension, and flexible benefits.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diverse backgrounds and offering excellent career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic industry while travelling and building relationships.
  • Qualifications: Proven business development experience, ideally in the automotive sector.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.

Portsmouth / Midlands base with travel to client sites. Up to £70,000 dependant upon experience, plus car / car allowance, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme.

As a Business Development Manager for UPCS you will be responsible for driving strategic growth and market expansion within a designated sector. This will involve the delivery of commercial targets and the implementation of robust sector strategies. You will be a proactive collaborator, have proven experience as a BD Manager, be ready for travel to customer sites, and ideally be based either Portsmouth or Midlands, UK. Both time on-site and time with customers will be prioritised.

As part of your key responsibilities you'll:

  • Lead the iterative development of sector strategies by mapping high-potential markets and emerging trends.
  • Execute the full sales lifecycle to secure new business that meets or exceeds profitability and growth targets.
  • Oversee the submission of detailed bids, tenders, and executive presentations, ensuring strict commercial and financial alignment.
  • Cultivate high-value relationships and lead the Gate to Great onboarding process to ensure long-term contract stability.
  • Partner with Marketing to deliver sector-specific messaging that articulates a clear competitive advantage.
  • Synthesise customer insights into scalable service offerings by collaborating with technical and engineering teams.
  • Ensure all growth activities remain synchronised with corporate objectives and the principles of The Unipart Way.
  • Maintain a robust opportunity pipeline while providing high-quality cross-vertical leads to support holistic company growth.

About You

We'd love you to have the following skills and experience, but please apply if you think you'd be able to perform well in this role!

  • Proven track record in high-value business development, with a readiness for frequent travel between sites (Portsmouth/Midlands).
  • Ability to leverage professional experience from the Automotive industry or related high-growth sectors.
  • A history of successfully driving market penetration and securing sustainable, high-value revenue growth.
  • Expert at building executive presence and managing sophisticated relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proactive mindset for identifying untapped market potential and converting emerging trends into commercial opportunities.
  • Advanced skills in securing favorable commercial terms and presenting complex value propositions to diverse audiences.
  • Strong fiscal literacy, including P&L management, margin protection, and the development of robust commercial frameworks.
  • Expertise in creating detailed quotations and managing rigorous tender processes to ensure profitability targets are met.

About Unipart

We are a supply chain performance improvement partner. We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers' supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer. Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon. Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit. We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it's your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you you - it is your talent and potential that we value most.

Adjustments for you: We want you to perform at your best. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are here to support you.

Business Development Manager - Automotive Manufacturing employer: Unipart

At Unipart, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a competitive salary of up to £70,000, generous benefits including 33 days holiday, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we empower our Business Development Managers to thrive in their roles while driving strategic growth in the automotive manufacturing sector. Our inclusive environment values diversity and provides ample opportunities for professional development, making us a standout choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in Portsmouth or the Midlands.

Unipart

Contact Details:

Unipart Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Automotive Manufacturing

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meetups to connect with potential clients and other professionals in the automotive sector. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn by sharing insights, articles, or even case studies related to business development in the automotive industry. This positions you as a thought leader and attracts attention from recruiters.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how you can drive growth and implement strategies that align with their goals. Tailor your pitch to show you're the perfect fit!

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us at StudySmarter. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Automotive Manufacturing

Business Development
Market Penetration
Sales Lifecycle Management
Bid and Tender Management
Relationship Management
Commercial Acumen
P&L Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Development Manager in Automotive Manufacturing. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your track record in high-value business development.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven market penetration and secured sustainable revenue growth in the past.

Showcase Your Proactive Mindset:We love candidates who can identify untapped market potential! In your application, mention any instances where you've successfully converted emerging trends into commercial opportunities. This will show us your proactive approach.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

How to prepare for a job interview at Unipart

Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the automotive manufacturing sector. Understand current trends, key players, and emerging technologies. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can drive strategic growth for their company.

Showcase Your Success Stories

Prepare specific examples of your past achievements in business development. Highlight instances where you've successfully driven market penetration or secured high-value contracts. Use metrics to quantify your success, as numbers speak volumes in this field.

Master the Sales Lifecycle

Be ready to discuss your approach to the full sales lifecycle. From identifying opportunities to closing deals, demonstrate your understanding of each stage. This will show that you’re not just a relationship builder but also a strategic thinker who can execute effectively.

Engage with Their Values

Familiarise yourself with Unipart's principles and The Unipart Way. During the interview, align your answers with their values, especially around operational efficiency and sustainability. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.