Business Development Manager – Advanced Manufacturing
Manchester
Up to £44,000 per annum
Full-time, Permanent
The Role:
We are looking for a Business Development Manager to support inward investment activity within the Advanced Manufacturing sector.
In this role, you will focus on attracting new international manufacturing businesses to the region while supporting the growth of existing foreign-owned companies already operating locally. You will manage inward investment enquiries, build strong relationships with global stakeholders and help position the region as a leading destination for Advanced Manufacturing investment.
Working with partners and industry networks, you will play a key part in identifying and securing foreign direct investment opportunities that support long-term economic growth and job creation.
Key Responsibilities

• Attract new international manufacturing businesses and support expansion of existing foreign-owned organisations.
• Manage and progress inward investment enquiries, providing tailored solutions aligned to investor needs.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with global businesses and key stakeholders.
• Provide sector insight and contribute knowledge of international market trends and opportunities.
• Build and manage a pipeline of foreign direct investment opportunities.
• Engage proactively with senior international decision-makers.
• Represent the region at relevant industry events and networking opportunities.
• Support account management of established international manufacturing businesses.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to reporting and performance outcomes.

About You

• Experience in business development or investment attraction, with exposure to foreign direct investment activity.
• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with international stakeholders.
• Confident communicator with strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Comfortable managing complex investment opportunities from initial engagement through to outcome.
• Able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.
• Strong presentation and networking skills.
• Understanding of the Advanced Manufacturing sector is essential.
• Willing to travel nationally and internationally when required.

Skills Required

• Experience working across the foreign direct investment lifecycle.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and account management skills.
• Ability to identify and develop international investment opportunities.
• Strategic thinking and commercial awareness.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to influence and engage senior global decision-makers.
• Strong communication and relationship-building capability.

If this sounds like the perfect role for you then please submit your CV.

This vacancy is being handled by Aspire Recruitment. Please be aware we receive a high volume of applications and regularly receive applications from candidates who exceed the job credentials.
We will only contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview. Should you apply for this role, we will process your data as detailed in our Privacy Policy and by applying for this opportunity I agree that Aspire Recruitment will keep me informed about potential employment opportunities regularly and that I can choose to opt out of receiving information at any time.