Business Development Manager - North East

We are seeking a highly motivated, confident and experienced Business Development Manager with a focus in the North East region. This role is critical for driving our growth strategy in the region expanding our client base, and fostering long-term relationships with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business development, excellent communication skills, and a passion for innovation. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties) 

• Implement Place-based Growth Strategies: Execute comprehensive business development plans, in collaboration with the Place Team to achieve company growth targets within the North East region.  

• Client Acquisition: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including lead generation, prospecting, and closing deals within the North East region. 

• Focus on low value opportunities (initially <£100k, to be reviewed and updated), with a goal of building and maintaining 3x target late-stage deals in the pipeline. 

• Supporting programme delivery with acquisition of industry partners from across the Commercial Team network. 

• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients, regional partners, and industry stakeholders across our target sectors. 

• Support the development of commercial accounts where appropriate 

• Collaboration: Work closely with the Leadership, Markets, Sales enablement and Place Teams to align business development efforts with overall company goals. 

• Identifying potential high value opportunities to develop in collaboration with the Commercial Team 

• Pitching DC Offerings Prepare and present compelling pitches and presentations of our offerings to potential clients. 

• Performance Tracking: Monitor and report on business development activities, performance metrics, and outcomes. 

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Experience) 

• Experience: Significant experience in business development, preferably within the North East region or our target sectors (Energy and Utilities, Aerospace & Defence, Creative Industries and Transport & Infrastructure). 

• Education: Ideally educated to degree level in Business, Marketing, or a related field (such as engineering where domain knowledge is developed) or qualified by experience. An MBA or equivalent is advantageous. 

• Skills: Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to think strategically and execute tactically. 

• Attributes: Self-confident, driven and determined, results-oriented,  able to work independently / autonomously and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

• Network: Established network in local government in the North East and within the industry is highly desirable, with a focus on Industrial Supply Chains, Defence, Energy, Infrastructure and/or manufacturing. 

Deadline for Applications: Monday 3rd March @ 5pm

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. We are part of the Catapult network and we are actively committed to our Inclusivity in Innovation Charter, about which you can find out more here.  

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated. 

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process. 

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer. 

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.

We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.

We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.