MacTaggart Scott
Head of Business Development
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CLOSING DATE: Thursday 9th July 2026
Head of Business Development
The Head of Business Development at MacTaggart Scott is a key leadership role focused on driving the company's strategic growth and profitability. The position is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities, ensuring alignment with the company's overall objectives. The Head of Business Development will lead the Sales & Marketing team, guiding all business development activities to strengthen market position and build long-term customer relationships.
This role is essential for developing and executing marketing and business strategies that foster sustainable growth. It involves identifying new markets, forming partnerships, and positioning MacTaggart Scott as a preferred supplier. The Head of Business Development will also play a central role in managing the bidding process, ensuring strategic capture of opportunities from initial engagement to contract award.
About Us
MacTaggart Scott primarily supports the Naval Defence industry, providing complete solutions to customer needs from analysis of initial requirements, through design and manufacture, and right through to commissioning and through-life support. Established in 1898, we are proud of our history and tradition but believe that sustainable competitive advantage can only be achieved through continuous improvement, investment, and a commitment to business excellence at every level within the company.
Key Responsibilities
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Leadership and People Development
- Lead, motivate and develop the Business Development team, ensuring roles, responsibilities and objectives are clearly defined and understood.
- Create a high-performance culture by providing coaching, support and regular performance feedback.
- Act as the first point of contact for employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary issues, absence management and holiday approvals.
- Identify training and development needs, creating development plans to maintain and enhance team capability.
- Ensure departmental policies, procedures and best practices are consistently applied.
- Promote and maintain a strong health and safety culture, with particular focus on employees working off-site.
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Business Development
- Develop and implement business development and marketing strategies that drive growth, profitability and market expansion.
- Identify and evaluate new markets, customers and strategic partnership opportunities.
- Develop and maintain Director-approved capture plans for key prospects, positioning the company as the supplier of choice and influencing customer buying decisions.
- Lead the business winning process by identifying opportunities early, conducting gate reviews in line with the Company's Business Winning Process, and supporting Bid/No Bid decision-making before Invitations to Tender (ITT), Requests for Proposal (RFP) or other inquiries are received.
- Support the preparation of compelling, customer-focused proposals that clearly communicate the company's value proposition and competitive differentiates.
- Monitor market trends, customer requirements and industry developments to identify emerging opportunities, risks and competitive threats.
- Conduct competitor analysis to understand market positioning and develop strategies that strengthen the company's competitive advantage.
- Build, develop and maintain long-term customer relationships that deliver sustainable business value and repeat opportunities.
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences and customer meetings, enhancing brand awareness and maintaining regular communication with Directors on market activity and opportunities.
- Manage relationships with global business advisors, ensuring alignment with company objectives and compliance with advisor agreements.
- Develop and manage short- and long-term business development plans and budgets, monitoring performance and reporting against Order Intake targets.
- Work closely with Sales, Marketing and Research & Development teams to ensure product development aligns with market needs, supporting successful product launches and maximising return on R&D investment.
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Requirements
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Strong leadership abilities, building trust, motivating and developing teams to perform at their best
- Skilled at building and maintaining long-term relationships, with the ability to engage and communicate effectively at all levels
- Collaborative with the ability to navigate conflict, office politics, and build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Persuasive, using tact and diplomacy to influence decisions and maintain trust
- Effective negotiator, knowing when to compromise or take a stand to achieve win-win outcomes
- Adaptable and resilient, staying calm under pressure and bouncing back from setbacks
- Excellent attention to detail and a personable demeanour that makes others feel at ease
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Business Intelligence
- In-depth knowledge of the company's products and services, as well as competitors' strengths and weaknesses
- Stay up to date with industry trends and economic developments
Research & Strategy
- Strong research skills with the ability to gather and analyse data to inform strategic decisions
Selling
- Patient, consultative selling approach focused on building trust and understanding client needs
- Tailor pitches based on deep understanding of individual customer requirements
Project Management
- Proven experience in planning, managing, and delivering projects, including budget management
- Ability to assess and mitigate commercial, technical, and schedule risks
IT Skills
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
Essential Qualifications
- Degree related to mechanical / electrical / electronic engineering or equivalent
Benefits
- Your Future And What We Offer:
- Flexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (Mon-Thurs 07:00-19:15 with core hours 09:30-15:30, Friday 07:00 - 16:00 with core hours 09:30 - 12:00), allowing you to fit work around your life
- Leave Entitlements: Inclusive annual leave, paid parental leave, military reservist leave, annual leave buy and sell, and more
- Career Development: Supportive environment with a dedicated Learning & Development team and clear pathways to grow your career
- Wellbeing Support: Access to our comprehensive wellbeing programme, Employee Assistance Programme, onsite nurse, and life insurance
- Health & Protection: Sick pay, free flu vaccinations, and comprehensive health & wellbeing initiatives
- Onsite Facilities: Canteen, free parking, and cycle-to-work scheme for convenience
- Financial Benefits: Generous company pension plan and exclusive employee discounts
If you are looking for an opportunity to take ownership, lead technical delivery, and make a real impact within a fast paced engineering environment, then apply today.
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