Lotus Cars is renowned for crafting world-class, high-performance, and lightweight sports cars that are celebrated across the globe.
Lotus Cars Limited serves as the company’s manufacturing HQ in the UK, where we proudly produce iconic models such as the Emira and the all-electric Evija. As we continue to elevate our capabilities and global presence, we are seeking a Head of Business Development - Lotus Engineering to join our dynamic Third Party Engineering team at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hethel.
Summary:
The Head of Business Development will drive Lotus Engineering’s global growth by converting its core technical strengths—vehicle dynamics, control systems, vehicle architectures, and lightweight engineering—into high-value commercial opportunities. A critical dimension of the role is elevating Lotus Engineering’s market visibility through a clear, compelling marketing and PR strategy that reinforces its position as a world-leading performance and advanced engineering partner. The role will also unlock external revenue streams across adjacent capabilities, including low-volume vehicle manufacturing, shaping a strong and sustainable commercial pipeline.
What you'll do:
1. Strategic Growth & Market Positioning
Define and execute a business development strategy centred on Lotus Engineering’s core competencies
Identify priority markets and sectors where Lotus’ expertise delivers clear competitive advantage
Position Lotus Engineering as a premium partner in performance, efficiency, and advanced vehicle development
2. Core Capability Commercialisation
Translate Lotus’ core capabilities in vehicle dynamics, controls systems, vehicle architectures, and lightweight engineering into compelling client propositions
Package integrated engineering solutions that address OEM and client challenges
Work closely with technical teams to align market needs with evolving capabilities
3. Client Acquisition & Key Account Development
Secure new business with OEMs, Tier 1s, and emerging automotive and technology companies
Develop and grow strategic accounts with a focus on long-term partnerships
Build strong senior-level relationships to influence early-stage programme opportunities
4. Revenue Growth & Pipeline Ownership
Own revenue targets and deliver sustainable growth across core and adjacent services
Build and manage a high-quality, diversified opportunity pipeline
Ensure disciplined forecasting, reporting, and conversion of opportunities
5. Expansion into Adjacent Competencies
Drive external commercial opportunities in complementary Lotus capabilities, including low-volume vehicle manufacturing
Identify and develop programmes that leverage Lotus’ end-to-end offering
Collaborate across Lotus divisions to create integrated commercial propositions
6. Bid & Proposal Leadership
Lead the development of differentiated, high-quality proposals aligned to Lotus’ strengths
Ensure technical excellence is translated into clear commercial value for clients
Drive win strategies for complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programmes
7. Cross-Functional Integration
Work closely with engineering, programme delivery, and manufacturing teams to ensure alignment from sales through execution
Enable seamless handover of won business into delivery with clear scope and expectations
Influence internal prioritisation of high-impact opportunities
8. Leadership & Capability Development
Lead and develop a high-performing business development function
Embed best practices, tools, and governance across the commercial lifecycle
Foster a culture focused on technical credibility, client value, and commercial discipline
Essential:
- Proven senior leadership experience in business development, marketing, or commercial roles within automotive or advanced engineering
- Demonstrated success in combining business development with effective marketing and brand-building strategies
- Experience developing and executing marketing and PR campaigns, including media engagement and thought leadership
- Proven track record of winning complex engineering programmes with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers
- Strong network across automotive and mobility sectors
- Excellent communication (written and verbal), influencing, and stakeholder management skills
- Strong commercial acumen with ownership of revenue targets and pipelines
Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams, including marketing and communications
Desirable
- Experience within an engineering consultancy or performance-focused automotive brand
- Strong understanding of vehicle engineering, particularly vehicle dynamics, control systems, vehicle architecture, or lightweight design
- Exposure to low-volume vehicle manufacturing or niche vehicle programmes
- Knowledge of emerging trends such as electrification, software-defined vehicles, and advanced controls
- International experience across key automotive markets
- Experience working with media, PR agencies, or managing external communications partners
MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification
What we offer:
We provide access to a Company Car scheme (ECOS)
25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays: Recharge, explore, or binge-watch your favorite series with plenty of time to relax and enjoy life outside of work.
Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with an exciting, non-contractual bonus scheme—because great effort deserves great perks.
Future-Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.
Private Healthcare: Stay healthy and stress-free with premium healthcare coverage tailored to keep you at your best.
Additional Information:
Our Company:
Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with over 75-year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV, and in 2023 our fully-electric Hyper-GT, Emeya.
As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them.
Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship-winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines.
We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organisation. Read more here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Lotus Cars.
Do you want to know what Sophisticated, Rebellious and Pioneering mean for Lotus Cars Limited? Come and take a look at our career site and join the incredible adventure: https://lotusukmanufacturing.teamtailor.com/
