Technical & Development Sales Manager

Technical & Development Sales Manager
Engineering Steel Oil & Gas Energy Nuclear Aerospace & Defence

Salary: £50,000 + Bonus + Benefits
Location: UK (with occasional travel to European mills)

Four Squared, on behalf of our client - a leading engineering and speciality steels manufacturer - are seeking a Technical & Development Manager to join their UK operation. This is a unique opportunity to combine commercial business development with deep technical expertise, representing a world-renowned steel producer across multiple high value sectors.

About the Role
As Technical & Development Manager, you will play a key role in expanding the company's presence across engineering, oil & gas, energy, nuclear, aerospace and defence markets. You'll act as the primary UK interface between customers and European production mills, driving growth through technical credibility, sector knowledge, and strong commercial acumen.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Account Management

• Grow sales of engineering steels and special alloys.
• Identify, target, and convert new business opportunities across all major sectors.
• Manage and develop key accounts, ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Conduct customer visits, commercial negotiations, and technical discussions.
• Maintain accurate forecasting for revenue, tonnage and profitability.

Technical Expertise

• Advise customers on steel grades, properties, applications and specifications.
• Review mill test certificates and ensure compliance with required standards.
• Advise on heat treatment processes, machining impact, and metallurgical behaviour.
• Explain and guide customers on NDE (Non Destructive Examination) techniques.
• Resolve technical queries by liaising with mill metallurgy and quality teams.

Liaison with European Mills

• Act as the UK link to the company's European production sites.
• Coordinate mill visits, product trials and technical presentations.

Commercial Activities

• Prepare quotations, tenders, and pricing proposals.
• Manage margins and optimise profitability.
• Monitor competitor activity and market pricing trends.
• Negotiate contracts, blanket agreements and long term supply arrangements.

Market Intelligence

• Strengthen the company's presence in engineering and O&G supply chains.
• Identify emerging applications and market shifts.
• Provide insight to management on risks, opportunities and sector developments.

Quality & Compliance

• Work within relevant certification frameworks.
• Support customers in interpreting inspection and testing documentation.
• Collaborate with quality teams on NCRs and corrective actions.

Key Skills & Experience

• Strong background in technical sales within engineering steel or related sectors.
• Knowledge of heat treatment, mechanical testing, and NDE (essential).
• Experience within oil & gas, engineering, OEM or related supply chains.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts.
• Commercial awareness with strong negotiation and customer focused mindset.
• Willingness to travel across the UK and to European production sites.

Performance Indicators

• Achievement of sales and growth targets.
• Ability to proactively identify and win new business.
• Customer retention and satisfaction.
• Speed and accuracy of resolving technical issues.
• Contribution to UK strategic growth plans.