Head of Business Development

Role Overview

MacTaggart Scott is seeking a senior business development leader to help shape growth, improve profitability, and expand the company’s market position. This role is responsible for finding, developing, and converting new opportunities while keeping activity aligned with wider business goals. The successful candidate will lead the Sales and Marketing function and help build durable customer partnerships.

The position also carries responsibility for setting business development direction, identifying target markets, pursuing partnerships, and strengthening the company’s reputation as a preferred supplier. A major part of the role is overseeing the bid and capture process from early engagement through to contract award.

About the Company

MacTaggart Scott serves the Naval Defence sector, delivering end-to-end solutions from early requirement analysis through design, manufacture, commissioning, and through-life support. Founded in 1898, the business combines a long heritage with a strong focus on continuous improvement, investment, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct, coach, and develop the business development team so that duties, expectations, and objectives are fully understood.
• Build a strong performance culture through guidance, encouragement, and regular feedback.
• Handle employee relations issues as the first point of contact, including grievances, disciplinary matters, absence control, and holiday approvals.
• Spot training needs and create development plans that strengthen team capability.
• Ensure company policies, procedures, and best practice standards are followed consistently.
• Support a strong health and safety culture, especially for staff working away from the main site.
• Create and execute marketing and business development plans that support growth, profitability, and expansion into new markets.
• Assess opportunities in new customer segments, markets, and strategic partnerships.
• Maintain Director-approved capture plans for priority prospects and help position the business as the supplier of choice.
• Lead the business winning cycle by identifying opportunities early, carrying out gate reviews, and supporting Bid/No Bid decisions before ITTs, RFPs, or similar enquiries arrive.
• Contribute to persuasive, customer-focused proposals that explain the company’s value and competitive advantages.
• Track market movements, customer needs, and industry changes to identify opportunities, risks, and competitive pressures.
• Carry out competitor analysis and use the findings to improve market positioning and strengthen advantage.
• Develop and sustain long-term customer relationships that generate repeat business and lasting value.
• Represent the company at events, conferences, and customer meetings while maintaining regular updates to Directors on market activity and opportunities.
• Oversee relationships with global business advisers and ensure these relationships remain aligned to company goals and agreement terms.
• Prepare and manage short- and long-term business development plans and budgets, monitor performance, and report progress against Order Intake targets.
• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Research and Development teams so product plans reflect market needs and new launches are supported effectively.

Requirements

• Proven leadership ability with the confidence to build trust, guide teams, and help people perform well.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to handle disagreements, office politics, and stakeholder management constructively.
• Persuasive communication style with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong negotiation skills and the judgement to know when to compromise or hold firm for a balanced outcome.
• Resilience and adaptability, including the ability to remain calm under pressure and recover quickly from setbacks.
• Excellent attention to detail and a personable manner.
• Good understanding of the company’s products and services, along with competitor strengths and weaknesses.
• Awareness of current industry trends and wider economic developments.
• Strong research and analytical ability to support strategic decisions.
• Consultative selling style focused on trust, discovery, and customer needs.
• Ability to shape proposals and pitches around individual customer requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in project planning, delivery, and budget control.
• Ability to identify and reduce commercial, technical, and schedule risks.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Degree in mechanical, electrical, or electronic engineering, or an equivalent qualification.

Benefits

• Choose between a 4-day or 5-day working week with flexible hours.
• Working pattern: Monday to Thursday, 07:00-19:15 with core hours of 09:30-15:30; Friday, 07:00-16:00 with core hours of 09:30-12:00.
• Annual leave and additional leave options, including paid parental leave, military reservist leave, and the option to buy or sell leave.
• Career growth support through a dedicated Learning and Development team and clear progression opportunities.
• Access to a wellbeing programme, Employee Assistance Programme, onsite nurse, and life insurance.
• Additional health support including sick pay, free flu vaccinations, and wider wellbeing initiatives.
• Onsite canteen, free parking, and cycle-to-work support.
• Company pension plan and employee discount benefits.

Additional Information

Closing date: Thursday 9th July 2026.

This opportunity is aimed at candidates who want to take ownership, lead technical delivery, and contribute meaningfully in a fast-paced engineering environment.

MacTaggart Scott’s business is rooted in naval defence and long-term engineering support, and the role contributes directly to strategic growth, order intake, and market expansion.