Portwest
Senior Business Development Manager - Energy

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
PORTWEST
A leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 6000 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
Job Summary
Portwest is currently seeking applications for the position of Senior Business Development Manager – Energy, based in Westport Ireland or Manchester UK, on a permanent basis reporting to Director of Commercial Strategy. Portwest is a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE, founded in 1904, employing over 6000 staff worldwide with 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, on a mission to become the world's most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand. This role focuses on driving commercial growth in one Portwest industry sectors (Energy or Industrial) with regular international travel to customers, markets, and trade shows.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the commercial strategy for your sector, globally deciding where to focus, what to offer, and which customers and channels to prioritise.
- Translate said commercial strategy for your sector into operational plans & guide their execution.
- Set and manage a growth budget for your sector, and track performance against targets.
- Build strong relationships with key accounts, distributors, and industry partners in your sector.
- Identify new business opportunities—new customers, applications, channels, or markets—and bring them into the commercial plan.
- Work with colleagues across Product Development, Sales and Marketing to make sure what Portwest offers genuinely fits customer needs in your sector and that plans are executed effectively, bringing market feedback into planning.
- Represent your sector to senior leadership, presenting performance, opportunities, and decisions that need their support.
- Involves regular international travel to key markets, customers, trade shows, and Portwest offices as required.
- Be a confident relationship-builder, a strong influencer & negotiator both internally & externally, credible with senior buyers, procurement teams, and channel partners.
- Take ownership of growth and go-to-market approach in one of Portwest's focus industry sectors (Energy, including Oil & Gas, Chemical, Utilities, Mining, Solar and renewables; or Industrial, including Construction, Aviation, Transport & Logistics and related sectors)
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Requirements
- 10+ years in commercial, business development, or sales leadership within a B2B environment, with a track record of driving revenue growth
- Experience selling through distributors is an advantage, understanding both channel and end-customer needs.
- Strong communication skills, ability to confidently present externally and influence at senior leadership level internally.
- Strong knowledge of at least one relevant industry sector, such as Energy, Industrial, Construction, Manufacturing, Logistics, or Retail.
- Comfortable using market data and performance trends to shape strategy.
- Background in PPE, workwear, or safety products is helpful, but not essential.
- A second language relevant to a key Portwest market (German, French, Spanish, or Polish) is an advantage
- Willingness to travel internationally as required


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Company Awards
- Great Place To Work 2024
- Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
- Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025
Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.
Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills