Job Description

The Role

ADS Northern Ireland is seeking a proactive and relationship-driven Business Development Manager to support and grow our Member base across the region. Reporting directly to the ADS Ireland Director, this role is central to delivering value to our Members by identifying market opportunities, enhancing engagement, and expanding our regional presence.


As Business Development Manager, you will work closely with ADS colleagues and external stakeholders to understand the needs of Member companies and provide tailored support. You will act as the primary point of contact for Members in the region, offering account management and helping them navigate opportunities within the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors.


A key part of the role involves planning and delivering a programme of Member-focused activities, including networking events, webinars, forums, and working groups. These initiatives are designed to maximise Member participation, satisfaction, and retention. You will also be responsible for ensuring Members benefit from the full range of ADS services and national sector initiatives, including supply chain programmes such as SC21 and Aero Excellence.


This position requires a strategic mindset and strong interpersonal skills, as you will be building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies and industry working groups. Your work will contribute directly to regional growth strategies and help shape the future of the ADS sectors in Ireland.

The Candidate

We are looking for a confident and credible professional with a proven track record in business development, ideally gained within a commercial or trade association environment.


The ideal candidate will bring knowledge or experience of the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space sectors, with a particular emphasis on Aerospace, which represents the largest Member group in the region.


They will be a strong communicator with excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, capable of engaging effectively with individuals at all levelsfrom apprentices to CEOsand working collaboratively with public sector partners.


A proactive, customer-focused approach is essential, along with the ability to instigate, develop and deliver impactful projects.


The successful candidate will be self-motivated, able to prioritise their workload, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a wider team.


A good understanding of the economic development landscape and its stakeholders is important, as is a flexible attitude to travel, including overnight stays.


You must be willing and eligible to undergo security clearance as part of your employment with us.

The Contract & Benefits

Contract; Permanent, fulltime role, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week


Location; Hybrid working- 3 days in the Belfast office and 2 days from home


Benefits; Bonus, pension, private health insurance, life insurance, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, 9-day fortnight, hybrid working, extended remote working, enhanced parental leave, 28 days annual leave, buy additional annual leave, long service additional annual leave


; Business Development Manager 2025 .docx