Automotive Business Development Manager

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next‑generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world‑class experts in a fast‑moving, innovation‑driven environment.

This Position reports to: UK & Ireland Sales Manager

About ABB Robotics

ABB Robotics is shaping the future of automation, helping businesses around the world work smarter, safer and more sustainably. We design and deliver industrial and collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots and intelligent software used every day across manufacturing, logistics, electronics and healthcare. In 2025, ABB announced an agreement for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics, bringing together ABB’s deep engineering heritage with SoftBank’s long‑term vision for AI‑driven robotics and “Physical AI”. For our people, this marks an exciting next chapter — with continued focus on real‑world impact, increased investment in innovation, and the opportunity to shape how AI and robotics will transform industry.

Your role and responsibilities

In this role, you’ll lead strategic business development for ABB Robotics within the UK automotive sector. You’ll work with automotive OEMs and key suppliers to develop and win robotic and automation projects, owning the sales process from early engagement through to order closing.

You’ll focus on securing profitable, long‑term business aligned to both local and global go‑to‑market strategies — drawing on ABB’s market‑leading robot portfolio as well as standard and bespoke automation solutions delivered locally and through our Global Solution Centres.

The work model for the role is remote and you will only be required to come to the office for customer meetings and any other job related functions.

This role sits within the UK & Ireland ABB Robotics business, with close alignment and some reporting into the global ABB Robotics organisation.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Leading the development and implementation of the account plan(s) with support from the business.
• Understanding the key business drivers, including significant and emerging business risks (e.g., sustainability/digital/cybersecurity) of the relevant global customer’s business.
• Participating in the development of sales strategies for the account(s) through providing current business and long‑term plans for the customer.
• Defining individual sales targets, for each customer, giving input on market price developments monitoring competitors’ activity with the account and ensuring that appropriate response strategies are implemented.

Our team dynamics

You’ll be part of a collaborative and experienced sales team and you will work alongside someone else within the automotive business line. It’s a role where working closely with colleagues across ABB Robotics’ wider UK and global organisation is essential to grow the business. The role offers exposure beyond automotive, with opportunities to collaborate across multiple business lines and international teams.

Qualifications for the Role

• Enthusiastic and driven individual who thrives in fast‑paced environment, but can also work as part of a team
• Proven sales or technical engineering experience (5+ years), ideally within robotics or industrial automation, preferably in the automotive sector.
• Ability to demonstrate your experience in business development, sales strategy and related commercial roles
• Knowledge of complex system sales to End Users with an understanding of processes
• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills
• Mindset to innovate, take ownership and drive continuous improvement
• Full UK driving license and right to work in the UK

What's in it for you?

You’ll play a key role in shaping ABB Robotics’ automotive strategy across the UK & Ireland, with real influence over how the business grows in this critical market. This is a senior, visible role where you can make it your own — building long‑term customer partnerships, driving meaningful automation programmes, and contributing to the next phase of ABB Robotics’ growth.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous bonus scheme
• Private medical cover (with partner/family options)
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships and access to projects globally
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous employee referral scheme
• Home based / Flexible working

More about us

ABB Robotics is shaping the future of automation, helping businesses all over the world work smarter, safer and more sustainably. We design and deliver industrial and collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots and intelligent software that are used every day across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, electronics and healthcare.

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