Business Development Lead - Investment Zone

MIDAS, one of the UK's most successful inward investment agencies, is seeking a Business Development Lead - Investment Zone to lead business development in specific markets (either North America or APAC).

The successful candidate will need to have proven experience working in foreign direct investment, with a particular focus on Advanced Manufacturing and the themes of the Greater Manchester Investment Zone.

This role will drive the attraction of relevant, high value, businesses into Greater Manchester (GM) to create new jobs, increase innovation and add value to the ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

• Align business development efforts with the GM Investment Zone priorities, focusing on Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Materials and Digital Manufacturing Technologies in targeted international markets (US and APAC are priorities).
• Achieve annual goals for foreign direct investment (FDI) and job creation by securing high-value, research-driven investment projects into Greater Manchester.
• Identify key international businesses and cultivate long-term, C-level partnerships through a consultative, opportunity-led approach.
• Create and execute strategic international campaigns that raise GM's profile and generate qualified leads to meet inward investment targets.
• Initiate and manage initial stages of investment enquiries, offering bespoke services including research and stakeholder engagement, passing to the GM-based teams for property sourcing, local government facilitation and integration into the ecosystem.
• Plan and lead around three targeted roadshows annually, facilitating meetings with at least 10 active FDI prospects to accelerate engagement.
• Deliver a coordinated "after-care" service to support new investors in integrating sustainably into Greater Manchester's business ecosystem.
• Continuously identify new sector opportunities through research and client engagement, refreshing promotional strategies in collaboration with MIDAS and other stakeholders.

About You:

• Strong commercial awareness to garner credibility among and influence senior business leaders.
• Knowledge of the Advanced Manufacturing (including digital manufacturing) and Advanced Materials sectors and ideally some knowledge of working with companies in either North America or APAC.
• Ambitious, tenacious and focused - able to manage time effectively and efficiently, in order to succeed in a target driven environment.
• Entrepreneurial, innovative and adaptable approach to generating ideas to sell and promote Greater Manchester's attributes to specific clients.
• A natural ability to inspire trust and confidence in potential partners, through a mature approach, demonstrating an understanding of the bigger picture.

Requirements:

• Significant B2B "consultative" sales experience, within in a highly commercial environment, and/or evidence of market and network development.
• Demonstrable experience of working in the Foreign Direct Investment sector.
• Significant experience within the Advanced Manufacturing sector, ideally with a working knowledge of Advanced Materials and digital manufacturing.
• Good understanding of the full sales cycle, from research and planning to marketing and lead generation; through to project management; closing the deal and aftercare.
• Experienced and skilled negotiator, able to influence at the most senior level.
• A team player, with experience of working with and through others to achieve results.