Business Development Director

Company Overview

Our client is an award-winning specialist engineering and construction business, established in 2007, delivering high-quality engineering solutions across the UK and Ireland. The company provides fully integrated, end-to-end services, supporting projects from initial engineering and construction through to commissioning, start-up, and long-term operations and maintenance, all with cost certainty.

With a strong focus on safety, precision, and technical excellence, the business operates in complex and safety-critical environments where reliability and performance are essential. Its multidisciplinary expertise spans electrical, instrumentation, and mechanical engineering, alongside specialist capabilities in offshore wind, telecoms and data infrastructure, and advanced systems integration.

The company has built a strong reputation for successfully delivering large-scale, complex projects through a collaborative “one team” approach, working closely with clients, departments, and project teams to ensure the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and quality throughout the project lifecycle.

Projects are delivered across a diverse range of sectors including Offshore Wind, Power & Renewables, Oil, Gas & Chemicals, Mining, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, Data Centres, Industrial Manufacturing, and Nuclear & Defence. This broad industry experience enables the business to understand the unique challenges of each sector while delivering tailored, innovative engineering solutions.

Through its commitment to technical excellence, safety, and collaboration, the company continues to support critical infrastructure and industrial development across key markets.

Role Overview

The Business Development Director is a high-impact executive role responsible for shaping, steering, and executing the company’s long-term commercial growth strategy.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will drive sustainable revenue growth, maximise profitability, and expand the business across the Electrical, Instrumentation, High Voltage, and specialist engineering sectors.

You will lead high-value contract negotiations, develop strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, and position the business as the engineering partner of choice for Tier One clients and manufacturing partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director to develop and deliver commercial strategies aligned with the company’s long-term vision and growth objectives.
• Develop and lead market entry strategies into new geographical regions and sectors including Offshore Wind, Data Centres, Nuclear, and Renewables.
• Lead the Estimating department throughout the complete tender process, from Invitation to Tender (ITT) through to executive presentations and successful contract award.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Business Development and Marketing teams, creating a high-performing commercial culture.
• Build, secure, and strengthen strategic relationships with key clients, developers, manufacturing partners, and industry influencers to generate a sustainable pipeline of opportunities.
• Work closely with Operations and Project Delivery teams to ensure projects are delivered successfully and client relationships are maintained through completion, encouraging repeat business.
• Monitor market trends, economic factors, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to identify growth areas and minimise commercial risk.
• Manage the Business Development department budget, ensuring maximum return on investment across marketing activity, exhibitions, events, and business development initiatives.
• Prepare and present commercial updates and board reports for senior leadership and potential investors.
• Identify and evaluate strategic growth opportunities including joint ventures, consortiums, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Lead the Business Development function in identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities.
• Utilise and expand an established network of senior decision-makers across target markets to generate new business opportunities.
• Develop and implement market positioning strategies to strengthen the company’s competitive advantage.
• Define and monitor strategic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) alongside the CEO and Managing Director to measure commercial success and long-term growth.
• Use market intelligence and customer insight to develop targeted marketing campaigns and effectively communicate the company’s value proposition.
• Ensure strong collaboration between Business Development, Estimating, Marketing, and Operations teams to maximise commercial success.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and industry partners.
• Provide leadership in the development of marketing materials and campaigns that promote the business and its capabilities.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Engineering or possess relevant industry experience.

Experience

• Significant experience in Business Development, Sales Leadership, or Strategic Growth within the Engineering and Construction sector.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Proven executive-level experience within Sales, Commercial, or Business Development leadership in the Engineering and Construction sector.
• Demonstrable success securing complex multi-million-pound engineering contracts.
• Experience managing long-cycle procurement and tender processes.
• Strong commercial acumen with an excellent understanding of financial performance, ROI, profitability, and sustainable revenue growth.
• Ability to communicate complex engineering concepts through clear and persuasive presentations.
• Extensive professional network and proven ability to build strategic relationships.
• Excellent presentation, networking, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong track record of delivering revenue growth, winning major projects, and expanding market presence.
• Excellent knowledge of the UK Construction industry.
• Outstanding leadership and people management skills with experience developing high-performing teams.

Desirable

• Advanced understanding of commercial financial metrics and profit modelling.
• Experience producing executive-level commercial proposals and presentations.
• Existing network of senior decision-makers across key engineering sectors.
• Experience using CRM platforms, pipeline analytics, and AI-driven business development tools.
• Strong understanding of Electrical & Instrumentation Construction and Commissioning services.
• Previous experience within an Electrical & Instrumentation engineering contractor or project-based engineering business.

Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Comply with all Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality policies and procedures.
• Promote a safe working environment and maintain excellent housekeeping standards.
• Support customers, contractors, visitors, and third parties in complying with company safety requirements.
• Observe all health, safety, and environmental legislation while visiting customer and supplier sites.
• Challenge and report unsafe working practices.
• Proactively identify opportunities for improvements in safety, quality, and environmental performance.
• Support environmental sustainability initiatives including waste segregation, responsible energy usage, and efficient resource management.

Additional Information

The duties outlined within this job description are not exhaustive and may change in line with business requirements.

The successful candidate may occasionally be required to undertake additional responsibilities, work at different company locations, travel throughout the UK and internationally, and attend customer meetings, training courses, or industry events where required.