Business Development Manager

Automation | Automotive | Transport | Technical Sales | UK Wide

Base salary: £50,000–£60,000 (OTE c. £15,000+)

Plus: Company car | Bonus scheme

Location: Hybrid – Ideally within 2 hours travel of our Wolverhampton office (travel as required)

About the Role

Fortress Safety is seeking a driven Business Development Manager / Field Sales Engineer to accelerate new business growth across the automotive, transport, commercial vehicle, vehicle battery manufacturing and Tier-1 / Tier-2 supplier sectors.

This is a role for a proactive new-business hunter who thrives on building relationships across the entire supply chain — OEMs, integrators, machine builders and Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers — and converting complex, technical opportunities into long-term commercial success.

You will lead end-to-end technical sales and business development, combining commercial acumen with engineering understanding to deliver high-value safety and automation solutions.

You’ll be representing a global leader in machinery safety and interlocking, part of Halma plc (FTSE 100).

Why This Role Matters

This is a high-impact position for a proactive new business hunter who thrives on building relationships and delivering complex technical solutions. You’ll work closely with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and integrators to identify, develop, and convert high-value opportunities aligned with our strategic growth objectives.

What you’ll be doing

• Drive new business growth and market penetration across automotive & transport sectors
• Build and develop relationships with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, integrators and machine builders
• Lead the full business development lifecycle – from opportunity identification to order conversion
• Promote high-value technical safety and automation solutions
• Develop strategic sales plans for automotive and EV battery manufacturing
• Work collaboratively with internal and international sales teams
• Create a strong pipeline across the whole supply chain

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience in factory automation / machinery safety / controls / functional safety
• Successful track record in technical B2B sales of complex solutions
• Experience working with automotive, EV battery manufacturing or transport sector customers
• Strong business development and account growth capability
• Commercial negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to turn complex technical concepts into compelling value propositions
• Engineering degree or equivalent hands-on experience
• Willingness to travel and work within a global business

About Fortress Safety

Since 1977, Fortress Safety has protected people and equipment in hazardous environments worldwide. Headquartered in Wolverhampton, we operate across the UK, Europe, USA, Australia, China and India, and are proud to be part of Halma plc, a purpose-driven global group focused on safety, health and the environment.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension (up to 10.5% employer contribution)
• Company bonus scheme
• Car allowance / company car
• Life assurance
• Halma annual share vesting scheme
• Bike to work scheme
• Eyecare & wellbeing support
• Long-service recognition
• Travel & airport parking discounts

Inclusion & Belonging

We celebrate difference. We are committed to building an inclusive environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during recruitment, just let us know.

Ready to drive growth in the automotive and transport sector?

Apply now and help us shape the future of safety, automation and mobility manufacturing.