Business Development Manager / Commercial Manager (M&A)

Octagon Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK private security services provider is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager / Commercial Manager to drive strategic growth across the business. This senior role focuses on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), new business development, and managing commercial contracts. Candidates should have a military, police, or private security background, with skills in contract negotiation and a proven track record in business development. The position allows for remote work with regular travel to London.

Benefits

Commission

Bonus

Qualifications

• Experience delivering successful M&A transactions.
• Proven track record in business development and commercial management.
• Background in military, police or private security.

Responsibilities

• Lead M&A strategy and transactions from identification to integration.
• Identify and secure new security contracts.
• Manage business development activities across security services.

Skills

Business development

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

M&A transactions

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Business, Finance, Economics or similar

Job description

Business Development Manager / Commercial Manager (M&A)

Location: London & Home Counties | Remote with regular London travel
Sector: Private Security / Security Services
Salary: £50,000 - £75,000 + Commission + Bonus
Start Date: Q1 2026

A leading UK private security services provider is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager / Commercial Manager to drive strategic growth across the business. This senior role has a strong focus on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), new business development, commercial contracts and tender management within the security sector.

The position would suit an ex-military or ex-police professional, or an individual with significant private security experience, who has progressed into a senior commercial, business development or strategic growth role and is based within easy commuting distance of London or the Home Counties.

Business Development & Commercial Growth

You will be responsible for identifying and delivering growth opportunities through M&A activity, commercial partnerships, contract acquisition and tender submissions across the private security market.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading M&A strategy and transactions from opportunity identification through negotiation and integration
• Identifying, pursuing and securing new commercial security contracts
• Managing business development activities across guarding, close protection and security services
• Building and maintaining senior-level relationships with clients, partners and acquisition targets
• Leading tendering, bid writing and procurement processes end-to-end
• Conducting market research, commercial analysis and financial assessments
• Preparing and presenting business cases and growth strategies to senior stakeholders
• Supporting wider commercial initiatives to increase revenue and market share

About You

• Background in the military, police or private security sector
• Currently operating in a Business Development Manager, Commercial Manager or Strategic Growth role
• Demonstrable experience delivering successful M&A transactions
• Proven track record in business development, commercial management and contract negotiation
• Experience within security services, facilities management or related professional services (desirable)
• Strong financial, commercial and analytical skills
• Degree educated (Business, Finance, Economics or similar)
• Experience with tenders, bids, procurement or framework agreements (highly desirable)
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• UK-based, with regular travel to London and occasional international travel