Description
Job Title: Business Development Engineer
Company: Salt Separation Services
Location: Rochdale, on-site + regular travel required
Department: Sales
Compensation: £50,000 - £55,000 + Company bonus + Company car
Salt Separation Services is a well-established, family-owned business based in Rochdale with over 35 years of expertise in desalination and water treatment technologies. We design, build, and maintain high-quality reverse osmosis (RO) systems used in a wide range of industries including naval, offshore oil and gas, marine, and defence. Our bespoke solutions help organisations across the globe gain reliable access to clean, drinkable water.
At Salt Sep, we combine deep technical expertise with a commitment to service excellence. Our mission is to simplify access to water treatment systems, supporting clients with tailored engineering solutions and a full lifecycle service, from initial consultation through to long-term maintenance. We value quality, innovation, communication, and integrity, with a strong focus on health, safety, and family values.
As we continue to grow, we’re investing in expanding our commercial team and are looking for passionate, technically skilled professionals to be part of our exciting journey.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
· Sales & Promotion: Proactively promote our RO and water treatment solutions to both new prospects and existing customers.
· Business Development: Identify new markets, nurture opportunities, and convert leads into long-term business relationships.
· Client Engagement: Meet clients regularly, attend trade exhibitions, host technical discussions, and act as a trusted technical advisor.
· Account Management: Build and sustain strong relationships with key clients, understanding their evolving needs.
· Market Intelligence: Monitor industry trends and competitor activity to inform sales strategies.
· Sales Forecasting & Targeting: Collaborate with the Technical & Commercial Director to develop and meet sales targets, producing accurate forecasts.
· Quotations & Proposals: Create tailored technical and commercial proposals, handling customer queries confidently.
· Contract Negotiation: Understand client requirements and negotiate terms to close high-value deals.
· Mentoring: Support junior sales colleagues through mentoring, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Skills & Attributes
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· Commercial awareness and negotiation ability
· Highly organised with strong time management
· Confident in presenting technical information to a range of stakeholders
· Self-motivated and able to work independently
· Analytical mindset, comfortable working with data and KPIs
· Committed to continuous personal and professional development
Experience & Qualifications:
· We’re looking for someone who brings a blend of commercial experience and technical expertise:
· Proven background in technical sales, business development, or account management
· Experience in water treatment, capital equipment, or engineering solutions
· Familiarity with long and complex sales cycles
· Experience in regulated industries such as MOD, Aerospace, Marine, or Industrial sectors is advantageous
· Ability to collaborate with senior leadership and influence strategic initiatives
· Desirable understanding of reverse osmosis systems and associated technologies
Why Salt Sep?
Benefits:
We take pride in creating a supportive and rewarding environment for our people. Benefits include:
· Bonus Scheme linked to personal and company performance
· Employer-matched Pension Scheme (Aviva)
· Life Insurance & Income Protection
· Employee Assistance Programme (including mental health support, GP access, and financial advice)
· Early Finish Fridays… work ends at 1pm!
· Holiday Allowance with holiday buy-back options
· Ongoing Training & Development
· Excellent Team Culture with regular team-building activities and social events
· Modern, collaborative workplace where your ideas and input are valued
At Salt Separation Services, you’ll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects in a dynamic environment, as part of a small family-owned business.
We have some big goals on our horizon, we take pride in supporting our employees' own growth and provide a culture that values quality, communication, integrity, health and safety and family.
We'd love to hear from you! Apply now...
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV and cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications.
The next steps
1. Our team will help look into your application
2. If successful, we'll arrange a quick chat
3. Interview 1, will be with the People Team
4. Interview 2, will be with the hiring manager and there will be an element of demonstrating your skills
5. As a final stage, we believe it's important to meet your team, and include a peer interview so you can have the chance to meet some of the wonderful people you'll be working along side.
6. Offer, and hopefully, acceptance!
Salt Separation Services is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued, we encourage all candidates from all backgrounds, and are very happy to facilitate any adjustment you might need.
When it comes to desalination technology, Salt Separation Services are the comprehensive solution. As a one-stop-shop, and over 30 years' experience, our extensive network of partners and suppliers means we can streamline the process, minimising the number of contracts you need to manage.
As you’d expect, we have all the right approvals. We can handle complex specifications and deliver a bespoke plant, tailored to your needs with every consideration met.
But for us it doesn’t stop on delivery, our relationship with you continues with our service team, aiming to support you with quick and easy access to spares, repairs and maintenance, keeping you fully functioning 24/7.