Business Development Director

OverviewElement has an opportunity for a Business Development Director (BDD). A BDD is a senior commercial individual contributor and first-step leadership role, bridging frontline sales execution and formal sales management.The role combines ownership of a portfolio of high-value customer accounts with coaching, mentoring, and day-to-day leadership support for a small business development and quotation development team.BDDs act as role models for commercial excellence, supporting the execution of Element’s sales strategy by improving deal quality, pipeline health, and selling capability across the team. They play a critical role in preparing both themselves and others for sales success while delivering strong personal revenue performance.The ideal candidate will demonstrate managerial courage, be action oriented, customer focused and have an entrepreneurial drive.ResponsibilitiesSENIOR SALES & ACCOUNT OWNERSHIPOwn and grow a portfolio of strategically important, high-value, or complex customer accountsLead multi-stakeholder sales cycles, including senior customer engagementIdentify and convert opportunities across the full breadth of Element’s servicesDevelop and execute robust business development strategies aligned to market growth and BU prioritiesDrive share-of-wallet growth through cross-selling and service expansionRepresent Element confidently in high-level customer meetings and negotiationsCOACHING, MENTORING & TEAM ENABLEMENTAct as a day-to-day coach and mentor for local commercial colleaguesSupport onboarding and ramp-up of new colleagues through deal reviews, shadowing, and guidanceShare best practice in prospecting, qualification, account planning, and closingProvide constructive feedback to support capability and confidence developmentPIPELINE, DEAL & COMMERCIAL GOVERNANCE SUPPORTLead or co-lead pipeline and opportunity reviewsSupport CRM discipline and data quality through role modelling and peer influenceCoach commercial colleagues on deal strategy, pricing consistency, and qualification standardsIdentify stalled or at-risk opportunities and support recovery actionsContribute to forecasting accuracy through strong pipeline managementCROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATIONWork closely with General Managers, Sales Managers, Operations, Finance, and Technical teamsSupport Strategic and Key Account activities as requiredTranslate customer needs into commercially viable solutions with internal stakeholdersContribute to BU-level commercial initiatives and continuous improvement activityCOMPLIANCE & CONDUCTComply with Element’s commercial policies and compliance requirementsDemonstrate Element’s values of Integrity, Care, and ProgressOperate within all applicable laws and uphold the highest ethical standardsPromote safe, respectful, and professional conduct at all timesONGOING DEVELOPMENTActively participate in leadership, coaching, and commercial development activitiesEngage with Element Academy and Commercial Excellence resourcesBuild readiness for future formal people leadership rolesStay up to date with Element’s service portfolio, markets, and competitorsShare knowledge and insights to strengthen overall team performanceSkills / QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEBachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experienceTypically 7–10 years of business development, B2B sales, or account management experienceProven success managing complex, high-value accountsDemonstrated experience supporting or coaching peers (formal or informal)Strong CRM experience and commercial data literacySkills & Attributes For SuccessStrong commercial acumen and deal leadership capabilityConfident influencer with customers and internal stakeholdersCoaching mindset with the ability to develop othersStrategic thinking balanced with hands-on executionHigh emotional intelligence and communication skillsOrganized, disciplined, and data-informedComfortable balancing personal sales targets with team contributionKEY BEHAVIOURSInfluences and elevates team performanceRole models Commercial ExcellenceDevelops capability through coaching and supportThinks and acts beyond personal targetsDemonstrates commercial maturity and sound judgementActs as a role model for values and professional conductDemonstrates readiness for future leadershipCompany OverviewElement is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization. Diversity Statement At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.