Business Development Manager at Element… · Bristol

Overview

Element has an opportunity for a Business Development Manager for either our Bristol or Derby location.

As a Business Development Manager – Digital Engineering, you will be responsible for selling Element’s full portfolio of digital and engineering services to customers within the Aerospace and Defence sectors.

Responsibilities

About Element Digital Engineering

Element Digital Engineering is a leading provider of specialist engineering simulation, design, and consultancy services, supporting clients across highly regulated and technically demanding industries including Nuclear, Aerospace, Energy, and Defence, both in the UK and internationally.

Our expertise spans the full spectrum of engineering analysis and design, from first-principles engineering judgement and hand calculations through to advanced digital engineering, simulation, and test-led solutions. We pride ourselves on applying the right level of technical fidelity to deliver robust, practical, and commercially relevant outcomes for our clients.

As part of the global Element Materials Technology Group, we also support Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) programmes worldwide, working closely with Element laboratories. This provides a unique end-to-end offering, combining digital engineering capability with real-world testing, qualification, and certification.

You will leverage Element’s advanced digital engineering capabilities to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions including:

• Full product development lifecycle support
• Model-Based Engineering
• Simulation and Analysis
• Liquid Hydrogen Testing
• Test Rig Design and Build
• Systems Engineering, Development, and Analysis

You will manage a defined portfolio of existing customers and target prospects, spending significant time in the field meeting clients in person. Regular travel is required, with occasional overnight stays. You will also support Strategic and Key Account activities, contributing to the development of long-term customer relationships and sustainable commercial outcomes.

Success in this role relies on strong relationship-building skills, technical and commercial understanding, and the ability to identify, develop, and close opportunities, while collaborating effectively with colleagues across commercial, operational, and finance teams.

Business Development & Sales

• Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities within Aerospace & Defence
• Grow revenue and share of wallet across assigned customer accounts
• Lead customer meetings, presentations, and technical-commercial discussions
• Develop and deliver winning proposals in collaboration with technical and commercial teams

Account Management & Client Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships at multiple organisational levels
• Support Strategic and Key Account plans, contributing to long-term growth strategies
• Act as the primary commercial interface between customers and internal delivery teams

Collaboration & Internal Engagement

• Work closely with Digital Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Commercial teams to ensure successful project delivery and commercial outcomes
• Accurately forecast pipeline and revenue, maintaining CRM and sales reporting disciplines

Skills / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant sales or business development experience
• Proven experience in a field-based B2B sales or business development role, ideally within engineering, aerospace, defence, or other technically complex sectors
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to engage credibly on technical solutions
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining senior customer relationships
• Willingness and flexibility to travel regularly within the assigned territory

Why Join Element Digital Engineering?

• Opportunity to sell genuinely differentiated, high-value engineering solutions
• Access to a broad, end-to-end capability spanning digital engineering and global testing
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays
• Life insurance
• A values-driven culture built on Care | Integrity | Progress

Make an Impact

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in growing Element’s Digital Engineering business within Aerospace and Defence, shaping long-term customer partnerships and delivering commercially meaningful outcomes within a globally respected engineering organisation.

If you are driven by sales excellence, customer relationships, and real-world engineering impact, we would love to hear from you.

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To apply please email derek.grist@element.com

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.