Darren Rhodes

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

Business Development Manager at AIS

Newton Aycliffe, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Darren is a Business Development Manager at AIS with a focus on global energy projects, backed by 35 years of combined experience as an Army Reserve officer and former regular soldier. He holds a BSc in Engineering and Management from the University of Portsmouth. People who have worked with him describe him as passionate, knowledgeable, and hard-working.

His personal passion lies in supporting the armed forces community, which is evident through his previous role as a Regional Employer Engagement Director for veteran employment initiatives. He founded Endex Learn to help entrepreneurs gain essential skills and is committed to promoting social value and equity through his work.

Darren brings a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership from his extensive military career, including training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Personality Overview

Big Vision Person

Early Adopter

Fast But Thoughtful

They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together.  They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily. They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time.

Topics They Care About

Veteran Advocacy
He is passionate about promoting veterans' skills and has held roles like Regional Employer Engagement Director for the North of England, supporting the Armed Forces Covenant.
Energy Sector
In his role at AIS, he focuses on major global energy projects across upstream, midstream, and downstream markets, and attends industry events like Offshore Europe.
Employer Engagement
His previous work involved connecting businesses with service leavers, reserves, and veterans to create employment and training opportunities, demonstrating a deep understanding of corporate/military liaison.

Media Appearances

Darren has no verified media appearances

Work History

8-2025
Business Development Manager at AIS
9-2021
Founding Director at Endex Learn
6-2021
Managing Director at My Endex App
2-2025 - 8-2025
Security Professional at HSS Hinson Security Services
12-2023 - 3-2025
Founding Executive Director at SINE CIC

Education

Education details unavailable from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
2009 - 2011
BSc (HONS) from University of Portsmouth

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 4 Location : Newton Aycliffe, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Middle Designation : Business Development Manager at AIS
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Insights For Selling To Darren

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them at the end if they see a strong value prop in your product; expect an honest answer
  • Use phrases like 'your team deserves', 'best in class' etc.
  • Come across as a trustworthy professional and be respectful, they usually know their game

DONT's

  • Don't get into pricing discussions early on, steer conversation towards proven results
  • Don't focus too much on mutual contacts or bother about other stakeholders, focus on them
  • Don't shy away from asking hard questions, but be extra polite

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Darren is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Darren

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Darren move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Darren take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Darren

Personality Compatibility


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