At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth in the NDT and inspection tech sector across aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join a leading recruitment partner in engineering and technical sales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £55,000 plus bonuses and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work autonomously in a supportive environment with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic industry with complex sales processes and strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B sales experience, ideally in NDT or regulated sectors.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to support growth within the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and inspection technology sector. This role is focused on strategic business development, account growth, and market expansion across aerospace, defence, military, and other highly regulated engineering environments.
The position suits a technically credible commercial professional who can drive opportunity development, manage complex sales processes, and support long-term growth initiatives across a national territory.
Key Responsibilities- Business Development & Growth
- Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities across NDT, aerospace, defence, and regulated industrial sectors
- Build and execute strategic plans to expand market share and revenue
- Manage complex sales cycles from opportunity identification through to contract agreement
- Technical & Commercial Development
- Support solution development through technical understanding of NDT and inspection technologies
- Contribute to bid development, proposals, and commercial submissions
- Work closely with internal engineering, service, and supplier teams to ensure solutions meet technical and commercial objectives
- Account & Market Management
- Develop and expand existing key accounts and strategic partnerships
- Maintain structured engagement plans to support repeat and long-term business
- Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities within existing accounts
- Market Intelligence & Reporting
- Monitor competitor activity, market trends, and emerging opportunities
- Maintain accurate pipeline and forecasting data via CRM systems
- Support marketing activity including exhibitions, events, and industry engagement
- Essential
- Proven experience in B2B business development or sales management within NDT, inspection
- Strong understanding of consultative and solution-led sales methodologies
- Experience operating within aerospace, defence, military, or regulated industrial environments
- Commercially astute with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable managing long sales cycles and high-value opportunities
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and capable of working autonomously
- Full UK driving licence
- Desirable
- Background in NDT technologies (e.g. radiography, ultrasonics, UV inspection, related systems)
- Experience with capital equipment or technically complex solutions
- CRM experience (NetSuite, Salesforce, or similar)
- Engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) or equivalent technical background
Sales Director, Retail Planning employer: WR Engineering
At WR Engineering, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to engage with leading industries such as aerospace and defence. With a competitive salary package and a national remit, our team enjoys the flexibility and support needed to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the Non-Destructive Testing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director, Retail Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events, exhibitions, or even online forums. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and services, especially in NDT and inspection technologies, so you can speak their language and show you’re the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the best candidate!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director, Retail Planning
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 B2B sales, especially within NDT and regulated sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in business development and how they relate to the aerospace and defence industries.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Since this role involves NDT and inspection technologies, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical understanding. We love candidates who can bridge the gap between technical solutions and commercial success!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WR Engineering
✨Know Your NDT Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Non-Destructive Testing technologies. Be ready to discuss specific methods like radiography or ultrasonics, and how they apply to the aerospace and defence sectors. This will show that you’re not just a sales manager, but someone who understands the technical side of the products.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to talk about how you've successfully identified and developed new business opportunities in the past. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to build and execute strategic plans for market expansion. This will highlight your capability to drive growth in a complex sales environment.
✨Master the Art of Relationship Building
Since account management is key, think of ways you've maintained long-term relationships with clients. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve developed engagement plans and identified upselling opportunities. This will illustrate your skills in nurturing existing accounts while also seeking new ones.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with CRM systems like Salesforce or NetSuite, as well as how to maintain accurate pipeline data. During the interview, mention how you’ve used data to monitor market trends and competitor activity. This shows that you’re not only proactive but also analytical in your approach to business development.
