Carter Manufacturing | Abingdon, Oxford | Full-time, Permanent
Join a thriving precision engineering company that's been providing revolutionary ideas in motion since 1999, We're seeking an ambitious Business Development Manager who thrives on prospecting, relationship-building, and turning technical challenges into commercial success stories.
Who We Are
Carter Manufacturing provide technical expertise and industry-leading bearing and tooling solutions, adapted to meet each client's requirements. Setting us apart from our competition, our accomplished team of engineers are able to react quickly and provide original bearings that tackle the world's most demanding applications.
Our Expertise:
* Globally acclaimed supplier with over 25 years' experience in aerospace and defence applications
* First choice supplier for top-tier companies
* Accredited with AS9120B & BS EN ISO 9001:2015 quality approval, and an approved supplier with world-leading companies
From cryogenic testing for liquid hydrogen applications to ultra-high vacuum environments in semiconductor manufacturing, Carter Manufacturing pushes the boundaries of what's possible in precision engineering.
The Role
As our Business Development Manager, you'll be the driving force behind our continued expansion across diverse high-tech sectors including aerospace, defence, medical equipment, motorsport, robotics, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. This role combines hunting for new opportunities with nurturing existing partnerships across our global network. You'll be selling cutting-edge solutions from cryogenic bearings for space applications to ultra-high vacuum bearings for semiconductor manufacturing. Working closely with the Sales Director and our world-class team, you'll provide technical solutions that solve the most challenging bearing applications while building lasting relationships with industry leaders.
Benefits
Competitive Package:
* Generous company bonus scheme
* Company pension
* Free flu vaccination
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Ample free on-site parking
The Team
You'll report directly to the Sales Director and work alongside our collaborative internal sales and marketing team. Your role will involve working with our engineering partners for technical customer visits and project support. You'll be the key external face of Carter Manufacturing at exhibitions and industry events, while maintaining strong internal relationships to ensure seamless customer experiences and effective lead development across all departments.
Responsibilities
Strategic Business Development:
* Develop new business opportunities in key sectors and re-establish relationships with dormant accounts
* Utilize LinkedIn Sales Navigator to identify, research, and engage high-value prospects across target markets
* Pre-schedule weekly customer visits with a focus on systematic lead generation and relationship building
* Revive and grow dormant accounts through strategic re-engagement initiatives
Customer Relationship Management:
* Build and maintain strong relationships with distributors, national/international accounts, and large end users
* Handle customer requests promptly and professionally, positioning yourself as their trusted advisor
* Make technical recommendations regarding product requirements, working closely with Engineering support
* Prepare and deliver customised presentations that showcase solutions tailored to specific customer challenges
Collaboration & Intelligence Gathering:
* Work alongside Engineering partners on new projects and customer visits requiring technical expertise
* Collaborate with internal sales and marketing teams to schedule strategic customer visits and develop targeted campaigns
* Provide weekly reports on customer visits, feedback, and business opportunities with clear progression paths
* Feed industry intelligence to marketing team to support campaign development based on current market climate
Territory & Diary Management:
* Maintain clear, planned schedules that maximise customer contact while optimising travel efficiency
* Link main customer visits with additional smaller visits in local areas to maximise territory coverage
* Represent Carter Manufacturing as the key person at industry exhibitions and trade shows. 1-2 key industry exhibitions annually (2-5 days each)
* Manage pipeline development across both existing and prospective customer base
Essential Experience & Skills:
* Proven track record in B2B business development with demonstrable success in target-driven environments
* LinkedIn Sales Navigator expertise – you understand modern prospecting techniques and social selling methodologies
* Strong sales performance in business-to-business environments, preferably within technical or engineering sectors
* Experience selling technically based solutions and services to diverse customer levels, from shop floor to Director level
* Excellent organisational, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
The Ideal Candidate:
* Self-motivated prospector who sees opportunities where others see obstacles
* Commercially aware and target-driven, comfortable working under pressure and to tight timescales
* Adaptable professional who can quickly understand technical concepts and translate them for various audiences
* Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build lasting relationships and trust with customers at all levels
* Initiative-taker who can prioritise competing demands and make sound decisions independently
* Team player who thrives in collaborative environments while taking ownership of their territory and results
* Ability to speak a second language: ideally German, French, Italian or Polish
* Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
Desirable Qualities:
* Experience in precision engineering, aerospace, defence, medical devices, or advanced manufacturing sectors
* Understanding of high-tech applications such as robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, or space exploration
* Willingness to travel internationally on occasion
* Passion for building long-term partnerships with industry-leading companies
Job Type:
* Full time, permanent
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday 2-3 days outbound, 1-2 days office based with a priority on telephone activity and working on follow ups from the week's visits.
* Weekend working may be necessary when travelling/exhibiting.
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Abingdon: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Ready to build lasting partnerships while driving business growth?
If you're an ambitious business developer who combines modern prospecting techniques with genuine relationship-building skills, we want to hear from you.
Carter Manufacturing is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United Kingdom. However, we are not able to sponsor visas