Business Development Manager

Cross Works; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cross Works in London is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to lead growth across domestic and international markets. You will identify opportunities, build client relationships, and work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to expand the firm’s pipeline across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

The role requires strong commercial acumen, exceptional communication, and the ability to manage multiple pursuits in a fast-paced creative environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in business development within architecture/urban design or built environment sectors.
• Ability to identify opportunities across national and international markets (UK, Europe, MENA, Central Asia).
• Proven track record in developing and implementing BD plans with senior leadership.
• Strong proposal, bid coordination and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of BD strategy and pipeline.
• Identify and pursue opportunities across target markets.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, developers, and partners.
• Prepare expressions of interest, RFPs and tender submissions with design teams.
• Support CEO and senior team with fee discussions and negotiations.
• Travel nationally and internationally as required.

Skills

BD in architecture

Relationship-building

Bid coordination

Market research

Communication

Travel readiness

English fluency

Job description

Cross Works is looking for an experienced Business Development Manager to join its team in London, with an international remit.

We are on the lookout for a talented and experienced business development lead with excellent relationship-building and communication skills and strong commercial acumen. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced creative environment and is able to identify new opportunities, develop client relationships and manage multiple pursuits simultaneously, working closely with our CEO and Senior team to support the growth of the business, across our 3 main offices and beyond.

We're currently working on a number of projects internationally, spanning a diverse range of typologies and scales, from mixed-use architectural projects through to large-scale / city-wide masterplanning schemes and megaprojects, to technology initiatives in the built environment. We're looking to expand our pipeline across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, and keen to bring on board someone who can support this strategy.

The following knowledge, capabilities and experience will be required in order to be shortlisted for interview. Please read carefully prior to applying to ensure it's a role you would be fit for:

• Demonstrable professional experience in business development within architecture, urban design, cities or the wider built environment
• Strong understanding of the architecture and urban design sectors, with the ability to identify relevant opportunities across national and international markets, particularly in those aforementioned geographies
• A client-focused relationship builder with the ability to establish and maintain connections with prospective clients, developers, consultants and strategic partners
• Experience in developing and implementing business development plans in collaboration with our CEO and senior leadership team
• Ability to research prospective clients, projects and markets, assess opportunities and prioritise those that align with the practice's capabilities and ambitions
• Experience in managing a pipeline of opportunities, maintaining accurate client records and tracking progress from initial introduction through to appointment
• Strong proposal and bid coordination skills, with experience in preparing expressions of interest, RFPs, tender submissions and presentation materials alongside design teams
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and an ability to clearly convey the value of the practice's work to different audiences
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to support the CEO / Senior team with fee proposals, scope discussions and negotiations
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple opportunities and deadlines concurrently
• Strong command of the English language, both written and spoken; other languages (particularly Arabic and Central Asian / CIS languages) are a benefit
• Ability / interest in supporting directors with marketing activities, industry events and the development of strategic partnerships
• Comfortable to travel nationally & internationally for client meetings, industry events, conferences & presentations when required
• Successful candidate must be willing to travel to our offices in KSA / Uzbekistan and elsewhere as required
• Proficiency in standard office and presentation software (MS365), with the ability to maintain clear reporting on business development activity and outcomes

We offer a generous salary and benefits (dependent on experience and capabilities).

This position will require working in an office environment five days a week in London. Eligibility to work in the UK is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all those who fulfil the job description and eligibility requirements above, regardless of sex, gender, orientation, nationality, ethnicity or age.