Business Development Manager in Leeds

Our client, a global, technology-enabled partner supporting the aviation sector with comprehensive technical inventory solutions, is seeking a motivated Business Development Manager to join their Aviation Sales team based in Leeds. This role would suit a recent Business Management or Aeronautical / Aviation related degree graduate or post-graduate who has a strong interest in pursuing a career within the Aviation industry, with a strong work ethic and communication skills, willingness to learn and flexibility to travel internationally.

On Offer:

• Exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or post-graduate based in Leeds or the surrounding area to join a leading player within the Aviation industry
• An opportunity that offers development, exposure, and the chance to work with international teams and clients with full training and support to build a successful career in Aviation Sales
• Up to £30k per annum DOE + performance based commission
• Working hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
• 30 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays (Increasing by 1 day every 5 years of service)
• Private Health Care to include Partners and Dependants
• Contribution towards local Gym Membership and Employee Assistance Programme

Purpose of the Business Development Manager – Aviation Sales:

Reporting directly to the Regional Sales Director and collaborating closely with the Operations Director, Shared Service Centre, Regional and Local Operations Team and the Finance Team. The successful candidate will solicit demand and secure profitable sales of aviation materials and services across our portfolio, through structured customer engagement and relationship management within assigned territories. Delivering a high level of service and compliance to technical and commercial standards, fostering long-term customer partnerships.

Key Responsibilities of the Business Development Manager – Aviation Sales:

• Generate demand and pursue sales opportunities among current and potential customers.
• Deliver timely and competitive quotations aligned with revenue, margin, and risk targets.
• Source pricing for non-catalogue items via direct supplier interaction or internal coordination; utilize inventory systems for catalogue products.
• Close sales in line with the company commercial policies, including terms and target margins.
• Manage ongoing customer relationships, both for ad-hoc needs and long-term contracts.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders (Regional Strategic Director, Operations Director) on complex proposals or large-scale agreements.
• Support the preparation of contracts, long-term agreements, and detailed proposals.
• Align internal stakeholders (Finance, Operations, etc.) with customer requirements and sales commitments.
• Actively participate in dispute resolution with customers in coordination with the Regional Sales Director.
• Visit customers regularly in a structured and cost-effective manner to influence sales outcomes and meet revenue goals.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the addressable market and support pipeline building and budget forecasting.
• Document leads and opportunities in collaboration with the Regional Sales Director and Operations Director to ensure seamless qualification and development.
• Manage assigned resources within the Shared Service Centre to ensure timely generation of sales quotations and orders.
• Maintain professional, proactive communication with customers throughout the fulfilment process.
• Meet performance metrics set by the Regional Sales Director.
• Assist Finance in expediting overdue payments and resolving billing-related issues.
• International Travel is a key part of this role, so applicants must hold a UK or EU passport.

To be Considered for the Business Development Manager – Aviation Sales:

• Ideally you will be a motivated post-graduate with a keen interest in exploring a career in Aviation.
• You’ll be eager to learn, contribute and grow within a dynamic and supportive team within the Aviation industry.
• Previous aviation experience is beneficial but not essential, what matters most is a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and flexibility to travel. Comprehensive training will be provided.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• UK or EU Passport with availability to travel internationally.

For more details, contact Willis Global - a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Aviation & Aerospace industry.