We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.

SGS’s Industries and Environment services help businesses ensure safety, sustainability, and compliance through testing, inspection, certification, and consulting—supporting sectors from manufacturing to infrastructure and environmental management.

Business Development Executive 

Location: Offices nationwide and internationally
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent

SGS United Kingdom is seeking a dynamic and driven Business Development Executive to lead sales and marketing initiatives within the UK Defence sector. This is a high-impact, revenue-focused role designed to accelerate our market share by identifying and securing new business opportunities across our diverse service portfolio.

About the Role

As Business Development Executive, you will:

• Lead strategic sales efforts to generate new revenue within the UK Defence sector.
• Work independently and collaboratively with wider sales teams to secure new clients.
• Represent SGS across a broad range of services including engineering, product design, testing, certification, and environmental services.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Develop and execute business development strategies aligned with company goals.
• Drive sales, negotiate contracts, and close deals to meet revenue targets.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support business development initiatives.
• Attend industry events and conferences to expand SGS’s reach.
• Maintain accurate records in Salesforce CRM.
• Stay informed on market trends, regulatory developments, and competitor activity.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven success in a technical B2B sales environment.
• Strong understanding of the defence market or a similar sector.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Commercial acumen and consultative selling approach.
• Ability to work autonomously and travel nationally/internationally.
• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems.

Desirable

• Knowledge of SGS’s service sectors and the TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) industry.
• Experience in ecology, environmental, or engineering sectors.
• Sales forecasting and budgeting experience.

Qualifications

Essential

• Sales qualification or equivalent experience.
• Full clean UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Degree in a relevant scientific, technical, or engineering discipline.
• Project Management qualification (e.g. Prince2, Six Sigma).
• Customer Service qualification.

At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:

• Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
• Private medical cover (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• An additional day off for your birthday
• Retailer Discounts
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
• Length of Service Awards
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives
• Discounted Gym Membership

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

APPLY NOW for full consideration, you can be sure that your application will be treated confidentially and impartially, and you will always receive an update within 10 business days.