Ashton Recruitment require a Business Development Manager for our client based in Belfast.
Position: Business Development Manager (Utilities)
Location: Belfast
Duration: Permanent
Pay Rate: Competitive salary (subject to experience)
The Business Development Manager will report directly to the Directors and will be responsible for driving and managing marketing strategies, cultivating and strengthening relationships with existing clients, identifying new business opportunities, and securing orders in alignment with a rolling five-year business plan.
Based at the company’s Belfast head office, this role will involve regular travel and will require flexibility to meet business development objectives.
You will lead the delivery of the business development strategy and oversee all pre-contract activities, including marketing, networking, estimating, bid preparation, and submission.
Success in this role will be measured by your ability to develop and implement effective strategies, build a robust procurement pipeline, and secure contracts that align with the company’s portfolio and long-term growth goals.
This position is ideal for a motivated professional with a proven track record in business development who is eager to grow with a thriving company. The ideal candidate will bring strong commercial presence and deep knowledge of the utilities sector, with a particular focus on grid support, network transformation, sustainability, NERS ICP/IDNO projects, and multi-disciplinary specialist contracting.
Duties will include (but not limited to):
1. Support the development and implementation of business growth strategies for short-, medium-, and long-term objectives.
2. Identify key opportunities to increase market share within the target sector.
3. Define the scope and take ownership of a comprehensive marketing plan.
4. Enhance and expand local brand recognition and presence.
5. Build and maintain a strong, results-driven procurement pipeline.
6. Conduct agile SWOT analyses to evaluate market dynamics and external influencing factors.
7. Sustain and nurture relationships with existing clients.
8. Proactively generate new business leads and foster strong client relationships.
9. Manage business development opportunities through the internal approval process, engaging relevant stakeholders.
10. Lead the preparation and submission of competitive bids and proposals.
11. Monitor and track the progress of all submissions.
12. Develop detailed contract guidance and ensure effective handover to operational delivery teams.
13. Provide regular performance and progress updates to the Directors.
14. Identify and propose innovative approaches to elevate the company’s profile and develop new revenue streams.

Essential Criteria:

• A demonstrable track record of successfully securing contracts within the utilities sector.
• Proven experience in contract procurement specific to the power industry.
• Current or recent experience working within the UK utility or grid support sector.
• Possession of a full, clean UK driving licence.
• Enthusiastic and confident in engaging effectively with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional organisational abilities with a strong focus on setting and achieving goals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and statistical analysis tools.
• Skilled in preparing and delivering professional presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Adaptable communication style tailored to suit different stakeholder groups.
• Capable of promoting brand visibility and effectively communicating the organisation’s mission, vision, and values.
• Able to convey both technical and non-technical information clearly and concisely to colleagues and clients.
• Strong planning skills with the ability to compile comprehensive monthly and annual performance reports.

Desirable Criteria:

• Proven experience working within the NERS ICP/IDNO market sector.
• Additional expertise and operational knowledge of the Republic of Ireland (ROI) market.
• Strong understanding of UK and ROI government investment strategies, as well as private sector funding initiatives.

Main Benefits

• Bonus opportunity.
• Car allowance
• Fuel card
• Paid annual leave plus bank holidays
• Additional annual leave purchase scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Health insurance
• Volunteer day
• Access to company benefits & development initiatives
• Full Training & Support
• Supported further education programmes.

Ashton Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agenc

Please refer the Job description for details