Automotive Business Development Manager

Kestrel Talent is recruiting an Automotive Business Development Manager on behalf of an established business within the vehicle repair sector.

This is a highly visible, people-focused position combining client relationship management, business development and corporate hospitality.

You will spend much of your time out in the market: meeting clients, visiting automotive businesses, attending industry events and representing the company at golf days, award ceremonies and other hospitality occasions.

The role would suit someone who enjoys being around people, is genuinely interested in cars and vehicles and knows how to make clients feel valued. You will become a recognisable and trusted representative of the business while helping to strengthen existing relationships and create new commercial opportunities.

This is not a heavily scripted or desk-based sales role. Personality, judgement and the ability to build genuine relationships will be central to your success.

THE ROLE

You will:

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing clients.

• Arrange regular client visits and maintain consistent face-to-face contact across London, the M25 and the Home Counties.

• Host and attend client hospitality, including golf days, networking events, dinners, award nights and industry ceremonies.

• Represent the business professionally and confidently in both formal meetings and more relaxed social settings.

• Make clients and prospective clients feel welcomed, valued and well looked after.

• Identify and develop new business opportunities through introductions, referrals, industry contacts and networking.

• Build relationships with accident management companies, insurers, fleet operators, vehicle repair groups and other relevant organisations.

• Work closely with the management team and repair network to ensure client requirements and commercial opportunities are followed through.

• Maintain accurate records of meetings, conversations, opportunities and agreed actions.

• Keep informed about developments within the accident repair and wider automotive market.

THE PERSON

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced within automotive repair, bodyshop, accident management, insurance, fleet or a closely related vehicle sector.

• Genuinely enthusiastic about cars, vehicles and the automotive industry.

• Outgoing, engaging and comfortable starting conversations with new people.

• Confident entertaining clients and representing a business at social and corporate events.

• Able to build rapport naturally with people at every level.

• Commercially aware and capable of recognising and developing new opportunities.

• Professional and credible, while still being warm, approachable and enjoyable company.

• Organised, reliable and able to manage a field-based territory independently.

• Comfortable attending occasional evening events, award ceremonies and hospitality functions.

• In possession of a full UK driving licence and willing to travel regularly throughout the region.

You may already work in business development, account management or client relations. Alternatively, you may come from an operational automotive or bodyshop background where building relationships has been one of your strongest skills.

THE PACKAGE

• £35,000–£45,000 basic salary, depending on experience.

• Company car.

• Permanent, full-time employment.

• A varied role involving client visits, automotive events, golf days, hospitality and industry award ceremonies.

• The opportunity to become a visible and trusted representative within the automotive repair market.

• Real scope to influence client relationships and contribute to future business growth.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with your CV and a short explanation of your relevant automotive experience, the relationships you have developed and why this type of client-facing role appeals to you.

Kestrel Talent is acting as an employment agency in relation to this permanent vacancy.