Job Description
Business Development Manager – Civil, Structural & Geotechnical Engineering
Location: Leeds or Manchester (with regular UK travel)
Employment Type: Permanent (Part-time or Full-time by agreement)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience, track record, and working hours
About the Company
My client is a long-established multidisciplinary consulting engineering practice providing civil, structural, building services, and geotechnical engineering expertise across the UK. With offices in Leeds and Manchester, the business delivers integrated design and advisory services from early-stage feasibility through to detailed design, construction, and project completion. Renowned for its collaborative approach, it supports a wide range of sectors including residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial development, combining technical excellence with practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
About the Role
My client is seeking a motivated and commercially minded Business Development Manager to support the continued growth of our civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering teams.
The role will focus on identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities with both existing and new clients. This will directly contribute to increasing turnover, improving profitability, and supporting the planned expansion of the technical teams.
The position can be based in either our Leeds or Manchester office, with regular travel across the North of England and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK. The role may initially be part-time, with scope to increase hours as workload and success grow.
Working closely with the Directors and technical team leaders, you will play a key role in strengthening market presence, building long-term client relationships, and developing a sustainable pipeline of profitable work aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
* Identify and develop new client relationships across target sectors including residential and commercial developers, architects, contractors, project managers, and public sector bodies.
* Strengthen and maintain relationships with existing clients to secure repeat business and referrals.
* Focus on opportunities aligned with the company’s long-term strategy and target margins, prioritising quality and profitability over volume.
* Identify early-stage project opportunities and track them through planning, procurement, and delivery stages.
* Lead and coordinate responses to frameworks and tenders, including pre-qualification submissions and full fee proposals.
* Work with Directors and team leaders to prepare capability statements, proposals, and bid documentation, ensuring commercial viability.
* Undertake regular client meetings, site visits, and networking activities to promote services and maintain strong relationships.
* Gather and share market intelligence on competitors, frameworks, and upcoming opportunities.
* Coordinate with technical teams to confirm resource availability and ensure realistic delivery commitments.
* Support the development of key client accounts, ensuring relationships are held at company level rather than individually.
* Contribute to marketing materials, including case studies, project profiles, and website content, working alongside an external marketing agency.
* Provide input for social media content (e.g. LinkedIn), with a focus on strengthening client engagement and brand visibility.
* Agree annual business development targets with the Directors and report regularly on progress, including profitability and quality of secured work.
Candidate Profile
* Proven experience in business development, work-winning, or a client-facing role within the construction, engineering, or property sectors.
* Strong understanding of how civil, structural, and/or geotechnical engineering services are procured and delivered.
* Demonstrable success in winning work, developing client relationships, and securing framework or tendered opportunities.
* Commercial awareness, with the ability to assess margins, pricing, and profitability.
* Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical services into clear, client-focused language.
* Highly organised, with the ability to manage a pipeline of opportunities and meet deadlines.
* Comfortable contributing to marketing and promotional activity where required.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
* Full UK driving licence and eligibility to work in the UK.
Benefits
A competitive and flexible package is offered, reflecting the seniority and impact of the role. This includes a strong emphasis on work-life balance, hybrid working, and early Friday finishes, alongside a supportive and collaborative working environment. Additional benefits are available and can be tailored depending on experience and working arrangement
If you are interested in this role, or looking for something within the structural or civil engineering market, please don’t hesitate to contact 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗯 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁