Business Development Manager (Remote)

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles); Coventry; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Excellent workplace pension scheme

Health care cash plan

Bike2Work scheme

Job summary

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) is seeking a Business Development Manager to secure new opportunities and manage end-to-end bid processes in the UK rail sector. The role combines strategic business development with meticulous bid management to win contracts, leveraging extensive UK rail contacts and strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

The ideal candidate will have exceptional project management capabilities, commercial acumen, and a proactive, results-driven approach to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Strong understanding of the UK rail market and regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record of commercial success in managing bids and securing high-value contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the bid management process from opportunity identification through to submission and contract award.
• Develop winning bid plans and coordinate cross-functional teams across the UK and CAF SA.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the UK rail industry, focusing on rolling stock projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, partners and industry bodies.

Skills

Project management

Commercial acumen

Negotiation

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

About Caf

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community.

About Caf

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community.

Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers.

Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be!

We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way.

What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
• Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting‑edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.

What will be your role in the company?

The Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role in securing new business opportunities and managing the end‑to‑end bid process. This role combines strategic business development with meticulous bid management to ensure the successful acquisition of contracts within the UK rail industry. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of and established contacts in the UK rail sector, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, exceptional project management skills, and a proven commercial acumen.

Role And Responsibilities

Bid Management

• Lead the bid management process from initial opportunity identification through to submission and contract award.
• Consider CAF position relative to the competition to develop winning strategies for consideration by senior management
• Develop and manage bid plans, ensuring all activities are aligned with timelines and requirements.
• Coordinate and challenge cross‑functional teams, including engineering, finance, Social value and manufacturing, across the UK and CAF SA, to compile comprehensive and compelling competitive bids.
• Ensure all bids are high quality and compliant with client specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for each bid.
• Prepare and present bid reviews and approval documentation to senior colleagues within the sales & commercial team.

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the UK rail industry, focusing on rolling stock projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, and industry bodies.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, competitor activities, and potential areas for growth.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and meetings to promote our capabilities and solutions.

What will make you successful in this position?

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related field is desired.
• Strong understanding of the UK rail market, including regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Proven track record of commercial success ideally through successfully managing complex bids and securing high‑value contracts.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in developing cost models and pricing strategies.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and results‑oriented approach.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to challenge and give feedback in a constructive manner
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing market conditions and client needs.

Required Travel

Due to the nature of the role, regular travel throughout the UK and international travel is required. Flexibility to travel at short notice, where necessary, would be advantageous.

About What We Offer

A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter, we’ve a lot to shout about at CAF.

Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including 25 days annual leave, an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us), not forgetting to mention our generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme just to name a few!

Looking for career development? Our Professional Sponsorship scheme will help you to achieve your goals while our Flexible Working policy and Family Friendly culture mean everyone is supported to thrive at CAF.

As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including tree‑planting, company‑wide donation drives, and providing support to the homeless community and refugees. We’re creating waves of positive change through delivering meaningful social value impact on and off the tracks!