Business Development Manager – AMR & Warehouse Automation (UK & Ireland)

About the Role
Hikrobot is looking for an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Manager to accelerate the growth of our Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and warehouse automation business across the UK and Ireland.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in AGV/AMR, intralogistics, warehouse automation, or related material handling technologies, together with an established local customer base and a strong network of system integrators.
This position requires a proactive business developer who understands the UK logistics automation landscape, can identify new project opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and drive complex automation projects from initial engagement through to commercial closure.
Key Responsibilities
1. Business Development & Market Expansion
* Develop and execute business development strategies for Hikrobot’s AMR and warehouse automation solutions across the UK and Ireland.
* Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities within warehousing, logistics, e-commerce, retail distribution, and third-party logistics (3PL).
* Proactively engage with key end users, warehouse operators, logistics companies, and automation decision-makers.
* Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline, managing opportunities from initial prospecting through to contract negotiation and closure.
* Identify market trends, customer investment plans, and emerging opportunities in warehouse and intralogistics automation.
2. System Integrator & Partner Development
* Establish and expand strategic relationships with local system integrators (SIs), warehouse automation providers, and material handling solution partners.
* Leverage existing industry contacts to generate qualified leads and accelerate market penetration.
* Develop long-term partnerships with integrators capable of delivering complete warehouse automation solutions.
* Support partners with solution positioning, technical-commercial discussions, project qualification, and joint business development activities.
3. Solution Sales & Project Development
* Promote Hikrobot’s AMR and intralogistics portfolio, including:
    * Latent Mobile Robots (LMR)
    * Carton Transfer Units (CTU)
    * Storage and Retrieval Solutions (STU)
    * Autonomous material handling and warehouse automation solutions
    * Robot Control System (RCS) and associated software solutions
* Understand customer operational challenges and translate business requirements into suitable automation concepts.
* Collaborate with application engineers, solution architects, product managers, and regional technical teams to develop competitive proposals.
* Support customer workshops, site visits, feasibility studies, ROI discussions, and project presentations.
* Lead commercial negotiations and coordinate internal resources to secure projects.
4. Strategic Account & Market Management
* Develop relationships with senior decision-makers, including Operations Directors, Logistics Directors, Supply Chain Leaders, Engineering Managers, and Automation Managers.
* Build strong market intelligence on competitors, local integrators, customer requirements, and industry developments.
* Provide accurate sales forecasts, pipeline reporting, and strategic account development plans.
* Represent Hikrobot at relevant industry exhibitions, customer workshops, and networking events.

Essential Qualifications & Experience
* Minimum 3 years of direct experience in AGV/AMR, warehouse automation, intralogistics, or closely related material handling automation industries.
* Proven track record of business development and solution sales in the UK market.
* Established network of UK-based system integrators, warehouse automation providers, and/or logistics industry customers.
* Strong understanding of warehouse operations, intralogistics processes, and automation applications.
* Practical knowledge of material handling technologies such as AGV, AMR, ASRS, shuttle systems, conveyors, robotic picking, or goods-to-person solutions.
* Demonstrated ability to independently identify, develop, and close complex B2B automation opportunities.
* Experience engaging with both system integrators and end users.
* Strong commercial skills, including solution positioning, ROI justification, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
* Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with international engineering and product teams.
* Based in the UK, with willingness to travel regularly across the UK and Ireland.
* Fluent professional English and a valid driving licence.
Preferred Qualifications
* 5+ years of sales or business development experience within the robotics or warehouse automation industry.
* Previous experience working for an AMR/AGV manufacturer, warehouse automation solution provider, or system integrator.
* Existing relationships with major UK logistics system integrators, 3PL providers, retailers, or e-commerce fulfilment operators.
* Experience selling complex, multi-robot or integrated warehouse automation projects.
* Familiarity with WMS, WCS, RCS, and warehouse software integration concepts.
* Understanding of warehouse automation project lifecycles, including solution design, system integration, implementation, and commissioning.
* Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Robotics, Logistics, or a related discipline.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are particularly interested in candidates who:
* Already understand the UK warehouse automation ecosystem and can bring relevant industry relationships.
* Have hands-on commercial experience selling AGV/AMR or integrated warehouse automation solutions.
* Are comfortable engaging with both technical stakeholders and senior business decision-makers.
* Can proactively generate new business rather than relying solely on inbound leads.
* Understand how warehouse automation projects are evaluated, specified, tendered, and awarded.
* Have the ability to develop long-term strategic partnerships and turn opportunities into successful projects.
What We Offer