Commencing salary of £38,000 - £43,000 - dependent on experience.

Lyon Equipment Limited is proud to be an employee‑owned business with a long-standing heritage in the work at height and outdoor industries. Based just off the M6 at Tebay - perfectly positioned between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks - we have been equipping people to ‘venture further’ since 1973. We supply market‑leading products and expertise across the Cycle, Outdoor, Water Sports, and Work at Height industries. Lyon is also home to the Petzl UK Agency.

We are seeking to appoint a Sales and Business Development Manager to join our highly successful Work and Rescue Department.

Work and Rescue

As one of the market leaders in rope access, work at height, and rescue we provide equipment, expertise and training to a wide range of customers in these sectors. Over the years we have played a leading role in the development of safety at height globally, including being a founding member of the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA). We continue to take a lead on driving safety practices at height across the UK and further afield, building long-standing partnerships with many of the UK’s emergency services to meet their specific training needs.

Additionally, we manufacture a range of bespoke work at height PPE and accessories in our production facility in Tebay under our own brand. Our products are used by our customers in a range of industries including renewables, offshore oil and gas, railway infrastructure, film and television, adventure parks, emergency services, volunteer rescue services and military.

With 50 years of expertise behind us, we are proud to be the go-to company for the best equipment, training and technical knowledge for the Work & Rescue industry.

About the role of Work and Rescue Sales and Business Development Manager

Primarily based at our head office in Tebay, Cumbria; you will be responsible for the growth and development of our Work and Rescue sales department and the associated brands, including our own Lyon manufactured product range.

Reporting to the Head of Work and Rescue, you will be responsible for:

· Developing our Work and Rescue B2B, B2C and training sales strategy to increase revenue and profitability

· Managing projects to develop new sales opportunities for the department

· Product range development and costings

· Identifying market opportunities for Lyon Manufactured products

· Developing strategies to bring Lyon Equipment manufactured products to market

· Management of our office-based Lyon Work and Rescue Sales Team and our Technical Sales Representatives out on the road

· Working with the Head of Work and Rescue to develop new lines of business

· Working with the Head of Work and Rescue and the Marketing Manager to develop our annual marketing plan

The person we seek will ideally have the following:

· Proven sales management experience

· Demonstrated project management experience

· Knowledge of Ecommerce environments, including B2B and B2C

· People management skills, capable of coaching and developing the team

· Knowledge and interest in the work at height and rescue markets (desirable but not essential)

· Experience of sales analysis, product range development and pricing strategy

· Ability to identify, develop and launch new market opportunities

Hold a current full car driving licence (preferably clean) and a current passport
· Critical thinking skills and a willingness to take the initiative

The benefits (some after successful probation)

· 30 days holiday entitlement per annum including public holidays with loyalty increments (up to 5 extra days holiday)

· Inclusion into our qualifying pension scheme

· 2pm Friday finish for all staff

· Company healthcare scheme

· Staff social fund

· Friday off the week of your birthday in addition to holiday entitlement

· Digital Wellbeing platform

· Generous trade and staff discount

· Cycle to Work scheme

· Free parking onsite including electric charging facilities

· Opportunity to purchase up to one week’s additional annual leave

· Paid volunteering time out

· 24/7 employee assistance and counselling services (including an Employee Assistance Programme as part of the Healthcare scheme)

Join IRATA International as our Equipment and Standards Technical Officer

Location: Ashford, UK (Head Office)

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Do you possess deep technical knowledge of rope access equipment and standards? IRATA International, the world’s leading authority in industrial rope access, is looking for an Equipment and Standards Technical Officer to serve as the vital connection between our Equipment and Standards Committee and global operations.

This is a specialist technical role where you will:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Equipment and Standards Committee (ESC) and IRATA Head Office, facilitating seamless information flow and coordination.
• Collaborate closely with the ESC Chair to orchestrate committee meetings, from agenda development and venue coordination to materials distribution, minute-taking, and action tracking.
• Communicate IRATA policies and decisions relating to equipment and standards across the global network.
• Deliver comprehensive reports on equipment developments, standards evolution, and emerging risks to inform strategic decision-making.
• Direct and manage ESC projects and working groups, ensuring timely completion aligned with organisational objectives.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive standards libraries and technical resources for member organisations.
• Build strategic relationships with associate members and industry partners to stay current with technological advances and market developments.
• Represent IRATA on relevant standards committees and industry forums, enhancing our professional standing and influence.

What we are looking for:

• Strong understanding of standards and equipment relating to industrial rope access.
• Proven ability to create and collate industry-related technical guidance and documentation.
• Experience providing training, coaching, mentoring, or consultancy regarding rope access equipment and standards.
• Exceptional organisational skills with demonstrated experience working with professional committees.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
• IRATA rope access qualification or equivalent expert industry knowledge.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• GCSE English and Maths Grade 5 or above (or international equivalent).

Personal attributes we seek:

• Strong command of English; additional languages advantageous.
• Confidence in presenting to diverse professional audiences.
• Self-motivated and disciplined approach with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships across all organisational levels.
• Commitment to representing IRATA professionally in all interactions.
• Flexibility regarding working hours and travel requirements.

Why choose IRATA?

This role offers the opportunity to influence equipment standards and safety protocols that protect workers worldwide. You’ll collaborate with industry experts, equipment manufacturers, and standards bodies, ensuring IRATA maintains its position at the forefront of technical innovation and safety excellence.

If you combine technical expertise with strong relationship-building skills and want to shape the future of rope access equipment standards, we encourage your application.

Apply today and help define tomorrow’s safety standards.

Click here to download the Equipment and Standards Job Description

How to apply

Please submit a comprehensive CV with a covering email to [email protected]. In the subject line of your submission state “Equipment and Standards Technical Officer”

The covering email should state:

• Your reasons for applying
• What you think you would bring to IRATA with specific reference to the role details
• Current notice provisions and salary expectations

Please note we review applications as we receive them and encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience. Due to the high number of applications, we can only respond to successful candidates. If you have not received a response within four weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.