Senior Sales and Business Development Manager - United Kingdom

Company Description

Since its spin-off in September 2025 AUMOVIO continues the business of the former Continental group sector Automotive as an independent company. The technology and electronics company offers a wide-ranging portfolio that makes mobility safe, exciting, connected, and autonomous. This includes sensor solutions, displays, braking and comfort systems as well as comprehensive expertise in software, architecture platforms, and assistance systems for software-defined vehicles. In the fiscal year 2024 the business areas, which now belong to AUMOVIO, generated sales of 19.6 billion Euro. The company is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany and has about 87.000 employees in more than 100 locations worldwide.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Senior Sales & Business Development Manager to join our team in Lichfield, UK. As the Senior Sales & Business Development Manager for the UK region, you will play a crucial role in driving our company's growth and expansion in these key markets.

• Develop and implement sales and business development strategies for Defence & Security in the UK region

• Actively identify and pursue new business opportunities, markets, and partnerships

• Customer acquisition and relationship management (Customer Intimacy)

• Act as the voice of the customer while delivering the best outcomes for the company, shaping business strategy in a rapidly changing market

• Identify, qualify, advocate for, and track opportunities, focusing on gathering customer and market intelligence and building strong relationships with the military/MOD customer base

• Lead negotiations and close contracts in alignment with company objectives

• Oversee individual bid strategy, pricing, and proposal strategy, including requirement interpretation and solution option generation (make/team/buy strategy), acting as customer advocate throughout solution development

• Manage the transition from opportunity pursuit through the proposal process to closure and handover to delivery

• Manage a coherent portfolio of captures/opportunities and plan campaigns accordingly

• Contract management including NDA, MOU, and Terms & Conditions

• Conduct price negotiations and ensure competitive offers

• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to adapt strategies

• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings

• Collaborate with internal teams (engineering, project management, compliance, commercial, and finance) to ensure successful project delivery

• Work with strategy and marketing functions at UK and business line level to deliver messaging in support of business development objectives

• Prepare sales forecasts, reports, and presentations for senior management

• Ensure compliance with defence regulations and export control requirements

• Undertake occasional ad-hoc duties consistent with the nature of a senior business development role, as required by the needs of the business

Qualifications

• Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or equivalent, or sufficient equivalent experience in a relevant role and/or industry

• Minimum 10 years of experience in sales or business development, ideally in Defence & Security with demonstrable experience of working directly with the Military customer

• Experience of the Land domain and associated use cases

• Proven track record in managing complex sales cycles and closing high-value deals, including leadership and management of complex bids/captures

• Understanding of the defence market and regulatory environment in the UK, including the primary drivers, stakeholders, and competitors

• Comprehensive experience and understanding of the capture/business-winning lifecycle

• Extensive client and stakeholder management experience

• Experience of working across organisational boundaries, including familiarity with commercial management and finance functions

• Ability to construct solutions that meet market needs, both commercially and technically

• An effective team player, able to interface at all levels within the organisation and operate successfully in a multi-cultural environment

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills

• Fluent in English (negotiation level)

• High willingness to travel within the UK region and Europe

• Strategic mindset, strong and inspirational leadership skills, and the ability to build long-term partnerships

• Strong network of industry contacts in the UK market (preferred)

Additional Information

This role may require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held; however, if not currently held, the successful applicant may be required to undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

To be eligible for full SC, candidates generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years' residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Benefits

• 25 days Annual Leave

• Private Medical Insurance

• Life Assurance & Group Income Protection

• up to 7.5% matched pension

• EAP

• Cycle to work Scheme

• Gym and Retail discounts

• Eyecare vouchers.

Ready to take your career to the next level? The future of mobility isnt just anyones job. Make it yours! Join AUMOVIO. Own Whats Next.