Business Development Manager – Strategic Projects (UK & Ireland)
Field‑Based | £76,000–£87,000 + 20% bonus + £6,000 car allowance
We’re proud to partner with a global leader in industrial automation to appoint a Business Development Manager – Strategic Projects, driving high‑value, must‑win opportunities across the UK and Ireland. This position suits a commercially astute, consultative sales professional who excels at influencing stakeholders and shaping long‑term outcomes in complex industrial environments.
Acting as the lead on major capital automation projects within the process industries - chemical, oil and gas, energy, and power - you’ll position a market‑leading control and pressure management portfolio as the preferred partner in major engineering programs. Collaborating closely with end users, EPCs, and strategic accounts, you’ll ensure early specification, project inclusion, and long‑term revenue growth.
The Opportunity
- Lead high‑value project pursuits identified through the UK Top 25 project pipeline and regional cluster sales teams.
- Own the growth strategy for Final Control solutions and pressure management systems across major accounts.
- Collaborate with internal technical, sales, and global pursuit teams to align project strategies and deliver strong order intake.
Key Responsibilities
- Apply strategic and consultative selling to manage complex project pursuits from identification through to award.
- Build senior relationships with customer technical and commercial stakeholders, developing trust and influence at multiple levels.
- Develop and execute pursuit plans, incorporating customer analysis, risk assessment, and value‑based communication.
- Coordinate internal and partner resources, including executive sponsors, to secure specification and project wins.
- Lead early‑phase negotiations and contribute to compelling, competitive proposals.
- Prepare and present internal executive reviews and customer proposals at senior level.
About You
- Proven success in business development or pursuit sales within capital projects, automation, or related engineered solutions.
- Strong commercial and technical credibility, with the ability to lead negotiations and win trust at senior levels.
- Deep understanding of customer drivers, commercial frameworks, and buying processes in industrial sectors.
- UK‑wide travel required (valid driving licence essential).
- Advantageous: experience in the process automation sector and use of structured pursuit methodologies.
This role is perfect for a proactive, outcome‑driven sales professional who thrives on securing complex, high‑value opportunities and influencing strategy at the earliest project stages.
Package & Benefits
- Basic salary: £76,000–£87,000 (DOE)
- Annual bonus: 20%
- Car allowance: £6,000 per year (£500/month)
- 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays
- Healthcare, annual health check, and wellbeing benefits
- Death in service: 4× salary
- Pension: up to 9% employer contribution (tiered)
Culture & Career
You’ll join a globally respected automation business known for innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable performance across life sciences, energy, power, renewables, and process manufacturing. With award‑winning training and structured career pathways, this is a strong platform to progress within global business development or leadership roles.