Business Development Director (Projects)
Location: London (flexible working with UK & Ireland-wide travel)
Organisational Level: SLT-1
Function: Commercial
Reports to: Strategic Development Director, UK & Ireland
About ISS
ISS is a global leader in workplace experience and facility management, delivering placemaking solutions that enable organisations to perform at their best. We connect people and places to make the world work better – through scale, expertise and a relentless focus on quality.
Our UK & Ireland Commercial Team leads the delivery of our win, grow and keep strategy, with a clear focus on expanding services, deepening client relationships and delivering sustainable, profitable growth.
The Opportunity
ISS’s Projects business is one of the fastest-growing areas of our UK & Ireland operation. In 2026, we are on track to deliver in excess of £200m in project revenues across public and private sector clients. With strong alignment to our technical FM, energy and sustainability services, the growth potential is significant.
We are now seeking a senior, commercially driven Business Development Director (Projects) to play a defining role in shaping and accelerating this growth. Based in London, this role sits within the UK&I Commercial leadership team and works in close partnership with the Managing Director – Projects and senior stakeholders across the business.
This is a high-profile role for a proven leader who can open doors, influence at board level and convert opportunity into long-term value.
Purpose of the Role
To create, lead and deliver an ambitious growth strategy for ISS’s projects business – maximising opportunities across existing clients while selectively expanding through frameworks and new client acquisition. You will own the front end of the projects growth engine, from market engagement to contract award.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and execute the projects business development strategy in line with ISS UK&I objectives
* Identify, qualify and secure project opportunities across key markets including commercial office, financial services, healthcare, government and production
* Build senior-level relationships with clients, consultants, partners and influencers
* Act as executive sponsor and primary client interface throughout the project acquisition phase
* Lead project-related bids, tenders and framework opportunities, shaping winning strategies and solutions
* Coordinate internal stakeholders across bids, pricing, surveying, pre-construction and project delivery
* Build and maintain a strong, visible pipeline of opportunities with clear reporting to senior leadership
* Ensure growth is aligned to delivery capability, capacity and risk appetite
* Represent ISS at industry events and forums, strengthening market presence and brand credibility
* Monitor market dynamics, client demand and competitor activity to inform strategy
* Develop integrated project solutions leveraging ISS capabilities in asset management, technical services, energy and sustainability
About You
* A senior projects professional with a strong track record in business development and project delivery
* Minimum 8 years’ experience in business development, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role within construction or FM
* Proven success securing refurbishment and construction work via negotiated, competitive and direct award routes
* Strong understanding of the UK construction landscape, frameworks and procurement models
* Experience developing propositions, leading bids and shaping complex solutions
* Working knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts
* Confident operating at executive and board level with exceptional influencing skills
* Commercially astute, strategically minded and outcome-focused
* Experienced in leading cross-functional teams and driving collaboration at pace
Why Join ISS
This is a leadership role with real scale, autonomy and influence.
You will shape the future of one of ISS UK & Ireland’s most strategically important growth areas, working alongside senior leaders to build a market-leading projects proposition. You’ll have the platform, backing and investment to turn ambition into results – and the opportunity to leave a lasting commercial legacy within a global organisation.
If you’re ready to operate at the highest level, drive meaningful growth and lead from the front, ISS offers the opportunity to do exactly that.