Business Development Manager – Major projects

City, Leeds
ADVANCE TRS

Job Description – Business Development Manager – Major Projects

Sector: Power, Substations, Heavy/Light Rail
Location: Remote, must be prepared to travel
Contract Type: Permanent
Reports To: Head of Business Development

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager with a strong track record in the power, substation, and/or heavy or light rail infrastructure sectors. Dats centre experience would also be very relevant. The successful candidate will lead growth initiatives across key markets, identify new business opportunities, and develop long-term relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners.

This role requires a blend of technical understanding, commercial acumen, and the ability to operate effectively within complex engineering and infrastructure environments.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities across power, substation, and rail infrastructure sectors.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline aligned to business targets and strategic growth areas.
• Lead bid strategies, presentations, proposals, and tender submissions.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities.
• Deliver against revenue, margin, and growth objectives.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain long-term relationships with key clients, industry partners, suppliers, and contractors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for new and existing customers, ensuring excellent service delivery and client satisfaction.
• Represent the organisation at industry events, networking forums, and trade exhibitions.

Strategic & Commercial Input

• Contribute to the development of business strategy and market positioning within relevant sectors.
• Work closely with engineering, operations, and delivery teams to prepare accurate and competitive proposals.
• Provide input into pricing models, commercial strategies, and partnership approach.
• Support internal teams with customer insights, forecasts, and commercial intelligence.

Collaboration & Internal Engagement

• Collaborate with technical, engineering, project, and commercial teams to ensure solutions meet client needs.
• Report regularly on pipeline progress, sales forecasts, and market activity.
• Support business planning activities, including budgeting and revenue projection.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Proven experience as a Business Development Manager within the power, substation, heavy rail, or light rail sectors.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure environments, engineering processes, and industry standards.
• Demonstrated success delivering sales growth and securing major contracts.
• Ability to build relationships at senior levels within client and partner organisations.
• Excellent commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and strategic thinking.
• High-level communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage complex sales cycles and multi-disciplinary opportunities.

Desirable

• Knowledge of UK infrastructure clients (e.g., DNOs, TOs, Network Rail, Transport Authorities).
• Experience working with EPC contractors, engineering consultancies, or rail/power OEMs.
• Technical background in electrical engineering, power systems, rail engineering, or related field.
• Existing network of industry contacts.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Business, or related discipline (preferred but not essential).
• Professional memberships (IET, IRSE, etc.) beneficial but not required.
• Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required.

Behavioural Competencies

• Results-driven with a strong commercial mindset.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently.
• Persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and commission/bonus structure.
• Opportunities for progression within a growing business.
• Supportive, collaborative working environment.
• Exposure to major infrastructure and engineering projects across the UK.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.