Business Development Manager Water

OCU; Reading; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility engineering contractor in Reading is seeking a Business Development Manager to identify new opportunities and develop strategic partnerships. Applicants should have a strong background in business development, excellent communication skills, and a Bachelor's degree. This role offers an opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment, with a focus on personal growth and career progression.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development or sales roles.
• Experienced in achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify new business opportunities and develop strategic partnerships.
• Conduct market research to inform business strategies.
• Develop marketing collateral to support business development efforts.

Skills

Business Development

Sales

Communication

Negotiation

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

Salesforce

Google Analytics

Email marketing software

Job description

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice.

We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

Role Overview

A Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and driving growth initiatives to expand the organisation's market presence and revenue streams incorporating developing and executing marketing strategies to promote the company's brand. This role involves building relationships with potential clients, understanding their needs, and proposing tailored solutions to meet those needs. Particular focus will be southern water utilities and commercial opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Market Research and Analysis :
• Conduct market research to identify potential business opportunities, market trends, and competitive threats.
• Analyse industry developments, customer preferences, and regulatory changes to inform business strategies.
• Plan and execute integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including digital, social media, email, events, and traditional media.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop campaign messaging, creative assets, and promotional materials.
• Create compelling content for various marketing channels, including websites, blogs, social media, and print materials.
• Manage social media channels, develop content calendars, and engage with followers to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
• Develop marketing collateral, such as brochures, presentations, case studies, and sales tools, to support sales and business development efforts.
• Participate in industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to promote the organization's products or services.
• Develop sales strategies, tactics, and action plans to achieve revenue targets and business objectives.
• Forecast sales volumes, revenue projections, and pipeline metrics to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
• Track sales performance, analyse sales data, and identify areas for improvement or optimization.
• Identify and prospect potential clients through networking, cold calling, and other lead generation methods.
• Qualify leads, assess client needs, and develop targeted proposals and presentations to win new business.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with clients to secure new partnerships and agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients, understanding their business objectives and challenges.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver high-quality products or services that meet client expectations.
• Identify potential partners, vendors, or collaborators to enhance the organisation's product offerings or market reach.
• Negotiate partnership agreements, joint ventures, or alliances to drive mutual business growth and value creation.
• Manage partner relationships, monitoring performance and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is desirable.
• Proven experience in business development, sales, or related roles, with a track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence decision-makers.
• Excellent negotiation and presentation abilities, with a focus on understanding client needs and proposing tailored solutions.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, with the ability to identify market opportunities and formulate effective strategies.
• Familiarity with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and sales analytics tools for tracking and managing sales activities.
• Industry knowledge and understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscape, and customer preferences within relevant sectors.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms, including Google Analytics, social media management tools, and email marketing software.

Driven by values, powered by inclusion.

At OCU, our values guide everything we do : integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle — it’s the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong.

Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve. If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do apply now and help us shape the future together.

If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for you. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.