We are looking to appoint a Business Development Manager / Director to join our team, based out of our Newbury office, to lead and drive growth across the Thames Valley and Central South Coast regions.
This is a pivotal role within our work‑winning function, responsible for identifying, shaping and securing high‑value opportunities while building a strong, sustainable pipeline of work. You will take ownership of developing and implementing a data‑driven business development strategy, ensuring a targeted and informed approach to market engagement and opportunity conversion.
What You'll Be Doing
- Developing and delivering a strategic, data‑led work‑winning plan aligned to regional and sector priorities
- Identifying and securing medium to large value construction opportunities across target sectors
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants and key stakeholders
- Analysing market intelligence, pipeline data and customer insights to inform decision‑making
- Leading early engagement strategies and positioning for key opportunities
- Working closely with pre‑construction, bid and operational teams to convert opportunities into wins
- Representing the business at industry events, forums and client meetings
- Supporting continuous improvement in business development processes and tools
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in a Business Development Manager / Director role within construction or the built environment
- Strong track record of securing medium to large value projects
- Experience in one or more of the following sectors: Defence, Healthcare or Life Sciences (preferred)
- Strong understanding of regional markets across the Thames Valley and Central South Coast
- Demonstrable experience developing and implementing data‑driven strategies
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship‑building skills
- A proactive, strategic and results‑focused approach
Why Join Wates?
- Play a key role in shaping and delivering regional growth strategy
- Work across high‑value, strategically important sectors
- Be part of a collaborative and high‑performing team
- Opportunity to influence major project opportunities from early engagement
- Competitive salary and benefits package, with flexibility where possible
Our commitments:
Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.
We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at recruitment@wates.co.uk
