Acorn is a leading provider of Hard Facilities Management services across London, the Home Counties and the South of England. We deliver a comprehensive range of technical and engineering solutions that ensure the safe, compliant and efficient operation of Mechanical, Electrical and Hard FM assets.
Our client base spans premium commercial offices, selected retail, high-end residential, education, healthcare and hotels. We are proud of our long‑term partnerships, tailoring solutions that integrate seamlessly with our clients’ operations and allow them to focus on their core business.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Business Development Director to drive Acorn’s next phase of growth. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for revenue growth, market expansion and the development of high‑value strategic partnerships.
You will lead a multidisciplinary team covering business development, bidding and marketing, while working closely with the Managing Director, Operations Director and wider Mecsia Group colleagues. The role requires a strong balance of strategic thinking and hands‑on delivery, with involvement across complex public sector tenders and bespoke commercial proposals.
Why Join Acorn
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future growth of a respected, technically strong FM business, with the backing of a wider Group and the autonomy to make a real impact.
Location: Slough, Berkshire
Hours: Mon-Friday, 37.5 hours.
Company Benefits
Company Events
Wellbeing Benefits – 24 hours turnaround GP appointment for the whole family
25 days holiday (not including bank holidays)
Key Responsibilities
Take ownership of Acorn’s new business revenue targets across service, maintenance and projects
Identify, develop and convert new business opportunities across target sectors
Analyse market trends, customer needs and competitor activity to inform strategy
Lead and support the end‑to‑end bid, tender and proposal process
Build and maintain a strong professional network to generate sustainable opportunities
Negotiate and close deals at operational, executive and board level
Represent Acorn at industry events, conferences and networking opportunities
Strategic Customer Relationships
Own and develop executive‑level relationships with key clients and partners
Define and execute account strategies focused on long‑term value and growth
Identify opportunities for upselling, cross‑selling and service expansion
Work collaboratively with clients and partners on joint campaigns, content or events
Leadership and Team Development
Build, lead and mentor a high‑performing business development and bid team
Embed best practice, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
Ensure team capability aligns with Group‑wide commercial and growth objectives
Performance and Improvement
Monitor business development performance, pipelines and win rates
Use data, feedback and debriefs to drive continuous improvement
Keep abreast of industry developments, procurement trends and emerging opportunities
About You
Experience
Significant senior‑level experience in business development or sales leadership, ideally within Hard or Soft FM or related technical services
A strong track record of winning complex, high‑value public and private sector tenders
Experience creating compelling, commercially robust proposals for diverse clients
Skills and Attributes
Deep understanding of public sector procurement processes and frameworks
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to shape flexible, client‑focused solutions
Confident leader with excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Analytical, results‑driven and highly organised
Comfortable using CRM systems and Microsoft Office tools
Personal Qualities
Strategic thinker who remains hands‑on and adaptable
Collaborative, pragmatic and solutions‑oriented
Aligned to an SME culture, with high standards of integrity and professionalism
Willing to travel as required to support clients and business development activity
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