Job Description
The Business Development Manager – Energy Infrastructure will drive regional and recurring business across core energy infrastructure frameworks and accounts, targeting a total addressable market of ~£150 million in the coming years. This role focuses on securing a consistent flow of mid-value projects in established market segments such as biomethane-to-grid connections, private gas networks, constructability services, and utility security upgrades.
This position complements the strategic efforts of the senior BD leadership by concentrating on shorter-cycle, framework-led contracts where agility, relationship management, and commercial savvy are critical. The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of utility procurement processes and regional market dynamics, coupled with the ability to convert qualified leads into awarded contracts efficiently. This is a hands-on, results-driven role, ideal for a business developer skilled at managing multiple pursuits and nurturing client relationships to drive volume growth.
Key Responsibilities
* Identify, pursue, and convert framework and repeat-business opportunities across target segments (biomethane, private gas, constructability, and security).
* Manage a high-frequency portfolio of projects ranging from £0.5 million to £15+ million in value, balancing quick-turn bids with ongoing client engagements.
* Lead opportunity qualification, pursuit strategy, solution development, and bid preparation for tenders within assigned sectors.
* Collaborate with internal bid, estimating, and commercial teams to ensure timely, competitive proposal submissions aligned with client requirements.
* Support the Director of Business Development on major strategic pursuits and key account initiatives as required, ensuring seamless coverage and knowledge transfer on large opportunities.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with clients across DNOs, IGTs, and key utilities (e.g. Cadent, SGN, National Grid), as well as developers and asset owners in target markets.
* Develop regional developer and supply chain networks to support cost-effective local delivery and execution for awarded projects.
* Track and manage pipeline performance using CRM tools, ensuring accurate forecasting, reporting, and proactive risk mitigation across all active pursuits.
* Support strategic framework positioning efforts in collaboration with senior BD leadership to expand pre-qualification statuses and access new framework opportunities.
* Monitor emerging client frameworks, regulatory updates (e.g. RIIO-3), and market tenders to identify new commercial opportunities and stay ahead of industry procurement cycles.
* Pursue small-scale FEED and constructability study engagements in core segments to build early client trust and position the business for subsequent larger EPC contracts.
* Contribute to business growth plans through cross-selling complementary services across frameworks and regions, leveraging our full capabilities to increase share-of-wallet with key clients.
Key Competencies
* Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships across utility and energy infrastructure organisations, from operational managers to procurement leads.
* Deep understanding of framework mechanics, pre-qualification processes (PQQ/FPQ), and competitive tendering in the utility/infrastructure sector.
* Commercial agility with familiarity across various delivery models (Design & Build, DBO, BOOT), enabling creative solutions to meet client procurement needs.
* Strong analytical and market intelligence skills to identify regional trends, emerging opportunities, and to inform bid/no-bid decisions.
* Effective at managing multiple concurrent pursuits without compromising quality or deadlines, maintaining focus on timely revenue conversion.
* Proficiency in CRM-based pipeline tracking and reporting, with attention to detail in forecasting and performance metrics.
* Excellent communication, networking and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage credibly with clients and partners and to present value propositions persuasively.
* Collaborative team player who can coordinate cross-functional inputs (estimating, design, legal) and also adapt to support high-value strategic bids when needed.
Qualifications
Qualifications and Experience
* Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience).
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in business development, sales, or client management within the utilities or energy infrastructure sector.
* Proven success in securing contracts through framework agreements or repeat business channels, and delivering against volume-based sales targets.
* Familiarity with UK gas and power network procurement routes (e.g. DNO frameworks, ICP/IGT processes, OJEU/Find a Tender service) and related compliance requirements.
* Experience coordinating with bid/proposal teams to develop high-quality tender submissions for capital projects.
* Track record of managing regional or sector-specific BD portfolios, with accountability for pipeline growth and revenue results.
* Flexible and self-motivated approach suited to a hybrid working environment and frequent national travel.
Additional Information
This is a hybrid role based primarily out of Warrington HQ, with regular travel to client offices, project sites, and industry events across the UK. The role offers an opportunity to play a key part in the UK’s energy transition and infrastructure resilience agenda – delivering projects in renewable gas, emerging hydrogen networks, and critical utility services. A competitive base salary, performance-related bonus, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits package are offered. This role is ideal for a proactive business developer who thrives equally in building client relationships on the ground and in managing a robust pipeline to drive sustainable growth.