Witan Search is a specialist executive search and recruitment firm connecting top talent with leading companies in the chemicals, manufacturing, and personal care sectors. With deep industry knowledge and a global network, we help businesses secure professionals who drive innovation and growth.
Our consultative approach ensures we understand each client’s unique needs, delivering candidates aligned with their goals. We prioritise integrity, transparency, and quality in every search.
Position Summary
Our client is a respected European manufacturer of metalworking fluids, coolants, industrial part cleaners, and rust preventative chemicals. They are seeking an experienced and self-motivated Business Development Manager to drive growth across their portfolio within the Precision Engineering space. This is a customer-facing, technical sales role focused on identifying customer needs, delivering tailored chemical solutions, and building long-term relationships within the industrial manufacturing and metalworking sectors. Based in the North UK region, this role offers the opportunity to lead sales expansion in a strategically important territory.
The ideal candidate will combine strong technical knowledge with proven sales ability, capable of working independently while collaborating closely with technical service and product management teams.
Develop and implement sales strategies to expand market share for metalworking fluids, industrial part cleaners, and corrosion inhibitors/rust preventatives
Identify and pursue new business opportunities while managing and growing existing accounts
Conduct on-site customer visits to assess applications, troubleshoot issues, and recommend optimal solutions
Collaborate with customers on fluid trials, process evaluations, and system conversions
Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supply terms to close deals and maintain profitability
Monitor fluid maintenance programs, usage trends, and plant performance to ensure product effectiveness
Coordinate with internal technical and service teams to deliver high-quality customer support
Represent the company at trade shows, technical symposiums, and industry events
Stay informed on market trends, competitor products, and regulatory updates
Minimum 3 years' experience in industrial chemical sales, ideally with metalworking fluids, industrial cleaners, or rust preventative products
CNC machining coolants and chemistry knowledge
Strong understanding of machining, metal forming, and surface treatment processes
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a consultative sales approach
Technically credible and comfortable engaging with engineers, plant managers, and purchasing personnel
Self-starter with excellent organisational and time management abilities
Able to work independently and travel regularly within assigned territory
Professional demeanour with a commitment to delivering customer satisfaction
Familiarity with fluid maintenance systems and in-plant chemical management
Join a globally active manufacturer with a reputation for reliability and quality
Be part of a medium-sized business where your work truly matters and your voice is heard
Experience a people-first culture built on trust, respect, and long-term commitment
Enjoy direct access to leadership and short decision paths
Grow with us through continuous learning and technical training
Work with a diverse portfolio of high-performance chemical solutions
Benefit from competitive compensation and performance-driven incentives