Business Development Manager – Marine & Industrial Coatings

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager with a focus on marine and industrial coatings to join our commercial team in Cardiff. The role is full‑time and UK‑based, concentrating on new‑business generation, client relationship management, and driving sales growth across marine, offshore, shipping and industrial sectors.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, pursue and convert new sales opportunities within marine, offshore and industrial markets; develop territory plans, target accounts and pipeline forecasts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with shipowners, shipyards, asset owners, contractors, specifiers and distributors.
• Provide product and application knowledge to clients and internal teams; support technical presentations and prepare tailored proposals.
• Lead preparation of commercial proposals, pricing, scope definitions and terms; coordinate with estimating, operations and supply chain for competitive bids.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and regulatory changes; contribute to go‑to‑market strategies and product positioning.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, delivery schedules and service agreements while protecting margins.
• Ensure smooth handover to operations and supply chain; maintain client satisfaction through proactive communication.
• Collaborate with R&D, technical services, quality and production teams to influence product development and resolve technical queries.
• Maintain accurate sales records, opportunity updates and forecasts in the CRM system; prepare regular sales reports for senior management.
• Represent the company at trade shows, conferences and client meetings, delivering technical or commercial presentations.

Required profile

• Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in business development or sales within marine, offshore, shipping or industrial coatings.
• Strong technical knowledge of protective coatings combined with commercial acumen.
• Ability to act as a trusted advisor and primary commercial contact for key clients.

Required skills

• Protective coatings knowledge
• Marine coatings expertise
• Industrial coatings expertise
• CRM system proficiency