Job Description

Job Title: Business Development Manager

Location: Portsmouth

There's never been a better time to join Wightlink. After the continued success of the Commercial Sales team, we are now looking to expand and recruit two dynamic Business Development Managers. These are newly created roles, reporting to the Head of Commercial Sales.

What you'll be doing

Responsible for managing your own account base, developing existing accounts to understand their needs and protect long standing relationships

Win new business through making connections, promoting services to the business industry, keeping track of customers' needs and staying up to date with events in the industry

Visit customers and sites on a regular basis to grow and maintain relationships

Attend trade shows and other industry events to maximise networking and relationship-building opportunities

What we're looking for

You will have demonstrable business development skills and experience with a positive and proactive approach to BD. You will have the ability to identify client needs in advance, develop sales campaigns, and support the construction of compelling proposals.

Applicants must have a strong client relationship and business development mind-set. It would be advantageous to have existing knowledge of the marina, logistics or travel markets, however, we will consider any sales/business development professionals from any industry.

If you are looking to progress in your sales career and can demonstrate a pro-active, target driven, client focussed attitude this could be the perfect position for you.

Who we are

We are Wightlink. We are Captains, Baristas, Accountants, Engineers, Cleaners, Port Operators Technicians and many more

We've been carrying people across the Solent for over 160 years and things have changed a lot in that time. Bigger ferries, more passengers, quicker crossing times - but some things remain the same; not least our dedication to providing the best service possible and our passion for the Isle of Wight.

Our mission is to be the easiest way to cross the Solent with outstanding customer service and we're always looking for outstanding people who can help us deliver on it. We're an equal opportunities employer with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we're backed by some of the world's leading investors.

We take our commitment to the environment seriously and you can play a part in helping us achieve our goals. We already operate England's first hybrid energy ship, Victoria of Wight, and have implemented a wide range of initiatives to protect the sea, land and air that surround us. With big plans for the future, it's a great time to join us - we've pledged to further reduce our carbon emissions significantly over the next decade.

We're often asked why it's so great to work at Wightlink. Perhaps it's because we offer:

A competitive salary

33 days pro-rata annual leave

Clear and supported career progression

A generous pension scheme

Concessionary ferry travel for you and your family

Discount on food & drink as well as exclusive discounts at a range of Island and Mainland businesses

Free parking

A chance to make a difference to the communities that depend on our lifeline service

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Free flu jabs Free or subsidised travel Free parking On-site parking Referral programme Store discount
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 13/07/2025