Company Nigel Wirght is delighted to be supporting a growth orientated manufacturing business in North Yorkshire who are seeking a seasoned European Business Development Manager to lead their European market expansion. This pivotal role involves extensive European travel and offers hybrid working flexibility after three months. Role Market Analysis: Achieve and exceed sales targets consistently. Conduct in-depth research on selected European markets, assessing economic conditions, industry trends, competitive landscapes, and regulatory environments. Identify and evaluate key market indicators, including market size, growth potential, and barriers to entry. Develop and maintain a systematic framework for ranking markets based on their potential and alignment with the company’s strategic objectives. Strategic Market Selection: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align market analysis findings with business goals and capabilities. Create detailed Market Feasibility reports and presentations to recommend priority markets for further exploration and development. Implement market-specific actions and achieve rapid sales following implementation. Assess risks and opportunities for each market, considering financial, operational, and strategic factors. Business Development Planning: Develop tailored market entry strategies for selected priority markets, including partnerships, distribution channels, or direct investments. Monitor and adjust strategies based on evolving market conditions or new insights. Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with marketing and operations teams to align on market strategy and execution plans. Liaise with external partners, government agencies, and industry associations to gather insights and explore potential collaborations. Performance Tracking and Reporting: Establish KPIs to track the progress and success of market analysis and entry efforts. Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Experience and Skills Strong sales skills with a proven record of selling into different market reach scenarios. Experience in operating cross-functionally in a technical, safety-critical product and service environment. Analytical skills, with a proven ability to synthesise complex market data into actionable insights. Proficiency in using market research tools, databases, and CRM systems. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Fluency in English; proficiency in at least one additional European language (ideally French) is highly desirable. Experience in sales of safety-critical high-performance products using a value proposition-based consultative sales approach. Expertise in strategic planning, market entry strategies, and risk assessment. Ideally 5 years of experience in business development, sales, market analysis, or a related role with a strong focus on European markets. Personal Attributes: Action-focused “Doer” mindset with a proactive and solution-oriented approach. Strong organisational skills and the natural ability to take the initiative and get things done Ambitious and driven, yet a considerate team player. Willingness to travel within Europe as required, up to 30% of the time on average, 50% at peak times.