Business Development Manager

GirlingJones; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected civil engineering contractor is seeking a Business Development Manager to enhance relationships, drive industry engagement, and strengthen regional presence across the South West. This role emphasizes relationship-building over hard sales, expecting the candidate to possess strong credibility and experience in civil engineering. The position offers a competitive salary of £65,000 – £70,000 for a flexible 4-day work week, along with perks like a company pension and hybrid working options.

Benefits

£65,000 – £70,000 salary for a 4-day working week

Flexible working hours (approx. 31–38 hours per week)

Company pension (5% employer contribution)

Paid mileage at 45p per mile

Autonomy and influence in role

Qualifications

• Strong credibility in the South West civil engineering market.
• Experience in civil engineering contracting or subcontracting.
• Ability to grow a professional network.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and subcontractors.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for the business.
• Host and attend industry meetings and networking events.
• Support initiatives aimed at attracting talent into civil engineering.

Skills

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Credibility in the civil engineering market

Experience in business development

Networking ability

Personable and professional approach

Job description

The Opportunity

A highly regarded, South West “Civil Engineering” contractor are seeking a Business Development Manager to lead relationship growth, industry engagement and regional presence across the South West.

This is a senior, outward-facing role, perfectly suited to someone who understands how the civil engineering market really works — the contractors, the clients, the frameworks, the personalities and the pressure points. You’ll act as a connector, advocate and trusted face of the organisation across the region.
It’s not a hard sales role. It’s about relationships, credibility and influence.

The Role

As Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for strengthening existing relationships and growing new ones across the regional ensuring the organisation remains relevant, visible and pride of place in the market.

Your role will involve a blend of strategic engagement, face-to-face meetings, events and industry representation, with a strong emphasis on being out in the market rather than stuck behind a desk.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with civil engineering clients and subcontractors across the South West
• Acting as a trusted point of contact and advocate for the business
• Hosting and attending regular industry meetings, liaison events and networking forums
• Organising and attending sector-focused events
• Supporting initiatives aimed at skills, careers and attracting new talent into civil engineering and the business as a whole
• Working collaboratively with peer organisations and professional bodies
• Supporting growth of the organisation’s regional reach and engagement
• Representing the organisation professionally at conferences, awards and formal industry events

A typical week is varied and people-focused, including:

• Regular face-to-face meetings
• Industry events, breakfasts, lunches and the occasional black-tie evening
• Career fairs, awards ceremonies and sector forums
• Internal meetings and reporting

About You

This role will suit someone who already has strong credibility in the South West civil engineering market and enjoys relationship-led business development. You will either be in a Business Development role currently or keen to move into this type of role from an operational or commercial perspective.

You’re likely to bring:

• Previous experience working within civil engineering contracting or subcontracting
• A strong understanding of the South West construction and infrastructure market
• Experience in business development, client relationships or senior operational roles
• A personable, confident and professional approachStrong communication and stakeholder management skills
• A network you can lean on — and the ability to grow it further
• A desire for a role that is influential, flexible and works around you

What’s On Offer

• £65,000 – £70,000 salary based on a4-day working week
• Flexible working hours (approx. 31–38 hours per week)
• Company pension (5% employer contribution)
• Mileage paid at 45p per mile
• Flexitime and hybrid working
• A role with autonomy, influence and real job satisfaction

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-trust, high-profile role where your industry knowledge, relationships and personality genuinely matter. You’ll shape conversations, support the sector and play a visible role in the future of civil engineering across the South West.