We are looking for a Business Development Manager to be responsible for developing both new and existing marine markets across Europe, with a focus on expanding the surface protection business of a growing client based either near Nottingham or Manchester.
The main function of the role is to grow opportunities across new and existing marine markets in Europe, including shipyards, yacht builders, naval contractors, offshore facilities, and marine suppliers.
This senior role requires a strong background in business development, and a willingness to travel throughout Europe to engage clients and partners.
Knowledge of the marine industry would be beneficial but not essential.
Day to Day Responsibilities Include
* Market Expansion: Identify, develop, and grow opportunities across new and existing marine markets in Europe, including shipyards, yacht builders, naval contractors, offshore facilities, and marine suppliers.
* Strategic Sales: Develop and execute a targeted sales and business development strategy aligned with company objectives.
* Client Engagement: Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers within the marine industry.
* Product Fit: Collaborate with internal teams to ensure that surface protection solutions meet marine-specific needs and technical requirements.
* Partner Development: Establish and manage relationships with distributors, agents, and strategic partners across priority European regions.
* Market Intelligence: Gather market insights, monitor competitor activity, and provide detailed reporting to senior leadership.
* Travel: Willingness to travel regularly across Europe to meet clients, attend trade events, and oversee business development activities.
Minimum skills, qualifications & experience include:
* Marine Industry Background: Marine experience is preferred but not essential.
* Business Development Experience: 5 years’ experience in Sales and Business Development,
* International experience is preferable.
* Commercial Acumen: Strong contract negotiation, pricing, and sales planning skills.
* Surface Protection or Construction Knowledge: Experience with surface protection materials, coatings, or temporary protection solutions is highly beneficial.
* Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
* Self-Starter: Highly motivated, proactive, and able to work independently while collaborating with wider teams.
* Languages: Fluency in English is required; multilingual candidates are strongly preferred (especially European languages)
* • Mobility: Must be willing and able to travel extensively across Europe.
Physical and environmental considerations include:
* Office-Based & Field Role: The role requires frequent travel across Europe to shipyards, marine facilities, trade shows, and client sites.
* Travel Demands: Regular air and ground travel (including international travel) is expected. This may involve overnight stays and periods away from home.
* Site Visits: The role may involve visits to active construction or industrial environments (e.g. docks, shipyards, or offshore facilities), which may include walking on uneven surfaces, exposure to loud noise, and wearing PPE.
* Flexible Working Hours: Travel and client meetings may require occasional early starts, late finishes, or working outside standard office hours.
* Environmental Exposure: The candidate may be exposed to outdoor conditions including varying weather when visiting marine construction or refurbishment sites.
* Technology Use: Prolonged use of a computer and digital communication tools is required for reporting, presentations, and CRM use.
* Health & Safety Compliance: Adherence to all safety protocols at client sites is mandatory.
Mayflower is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.