Are you a relationship-driven commercial professional with strong technical understanding of fire detection and life safety systems? Do you thrive in an SME environment where you can make a real impact, develop new markets from scratch, and build long-term partnerships based on trust and technical credibility?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, independent fire and life safety provider that prides itself on integrity, responsiveness, and delivering the right solution.
As a Business Development Manager, you’ll take a consultative, problem-solving approach, understanding client challenges, conducting site assessments, and designing compliant, cost-effective fire safety solutions.
You’ll work proactively to open new doors, nurture early-stage relationships, and grow a strong, sustainable pipeline across housing providers, commercial customers, care settings, and local authorities.
Key Responsibilities
* Build, nurture, and grow strong, trust-based relationships across social housing, commercial, care, and public-sector clients
* Identify and develop new business opportunities, including opening new accounts and growing existing ones
* Conduct site visits and system assessments to understand client needs and compliance requirements
* Propose practical, fully compliant fire detection and life safety solutions tailored to each environment
* Keep up to date with relevant standards, legislation, and technological advancements
* Prepare detailed quotations, tender responses, proposals, and supporting documentation
* Work closely with internal engineering, design, and delivery teams to ensure projects run smoothly and exceed client expectations
* Represent the business professionally at meetings, industry events, and site visits, acting as a knowledgeable and trusted technical adviser
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven track record in business development or technical sales within fire detection, fire alarms, or broader life safety systems (preferred)
* Confidence engaging with clients at all levels—housing managers, FM teams, care providers, and decision-makers
* Genuine consultative selling ability: listening first, diagnosing needs, and building tailored solutions
* Comfortable working in an SME environment where adaptability, initiative, and self-motivation are essential
* Highly organised, able to manage your own pipeline and prioritise opportunities independently
* CRM and quoting software experience (SimPRO or similar) beneficial
* Technical understanding of/willingness to learn fire detection technology (conventional, addressable, networked systems)
* Familiarity with key manufacturers such as Advanced, Kentec, Gent, Ziton, Apollo, Hochiki, C-TEC, Aico
* Up-to-date knowledge of BS 5839, fire regulations, and best-practice system design
* Full UK driving licence with willingness to travel regionally/nationally
This is a rare chance to join a respected SME and play a pivotal role in shaping its growth. If you’re passionate about building meaningful client relationships, delivering solutions that truly improve safety, and growing business through trust, expertise, and technical understanding, we’d love to speak with you