Client Executive - Government & Infrastructure (G&I) - Associate Director - Permanent - UK Wide

EY; Luton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Career development

Competitive total rewards

Job summary

EY is seeking a Business Development Associate Director for Government & Infrastructure. You will lead strategic growth, build government relationships, and drive the full sales cycle from engagement to contract negotiation.

Experience with MOD/Defence or national security is advantageous; active SC clearance or eligible for vetting is required. You will work with cross-functional teams to win complex services contracts in the public sector.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of the UK public sector and procurement processes.
• Proven track record selling to government agencies at senior levels.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across organisations.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute strategic business development plans for government accounts.
• Lead and manage the full sales cycle from engagement to contract close.
• Develop compelling proposals and coordinate with cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Public Sector

Government

Stakeholder Management

Sales Leadership

Complex Deals

Proposal Writing

CRM Proficiency

Influencing

Job description

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence. We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go.

Join EY and help to build a better working world.

Position Title: Business Development Associate Director – Government & Infrastructure (G&I)

Please note, candidates must already hold active SC clearance or be willing and eligible to undergo the required security vetting.

Overview:

• The Business Development Associate Director for EY's Government & Infrastructure (G&I) industry, is a reliable sales and commercial leader, integral to the Industry, working alongside the Industry Leader to create and execute a comprehensive strategic growth plan.
• You will spearhead the development and execution of innovative strategies to secure business with government entities, dedicating most of your time driving market demand and managing the sales cycle in the external marketplace.
• This pivotal role requires a proactive approach to identifying new opportunities, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, and managing the complete sales cycle—from initial engagement to contract negotiation.
• Experience working with MOD, Defence, or National Security organisations would be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Design and implement targeted business development strategies for your account(s), encompassing market analysis, opportunity identification, and competitive assessments.
• Relationship Management: Forge and nurture robust relationships with government officials, agencies, and key decision-makers to enhance business opportunities.
• Opportunity Identification and Qualification: Proactively identify and assess potential business opportunities within your account(s), ensuring alignment with EY's capabilities and strategic goals.
• Proposal Development and Management: Lead the creation of compelling proposals, bids, and presentations, collaborating with internal teams to ensure high-quality submissions that resonate with government stakeholders.
• Sales Cycle Management: Oversee the entire sales cycle, ensuring timely and effective execution from initial contact through to contract negotiation and closure.
• Market Knowledge: Stay informed on market trends, regulatory changes, and procurement processes within the government sector, adapting strategies as necessary to maintain competitive advantage.
• Performance Tracking and Reporting: Monitor and report on business development activities, including pipeline progression, sales forecasts, and revenue targets, to inform strategic decision-making.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, and legal, to ensure a cohesive and effective approach to government business development.

Skills and Experience:

• Public Sector Expertise: Extensive knowledge of the government landscape, including key stakeholders, decision‑making processes, and relevant regulations.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in selling to government agencies, with a comprehensive understanding of public sector procurement processes.
• Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to establish rapport and trust with government officials.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong capability to develop and execute effective business development strategies that drive results.
• Sales Leadership: Experience in leading and motivating teams, driving sales performance, and managing complex sales cycles.
• Negotiation and Influencing: Advanced negotiation and influencing skills, adept at navigating complex deals to secure favourable outcomes.
• Proposal Writing: Proven experience in crafting compelling proposals, bids, and presentations that meet client needs.
• Influencing Skills: Ability to engage and mobilise stakeholders at multiple levels to achieve project objectives, even when they do not report directly to you.
• CRM Proficiency: Familiarity with CRM systems and other sales tools to enhance business development efforts.

Supervision Responsibilities:

• Limited, although you may be asked to counsel other members of the wider sales and commercial excellence team.

Qualifications:

• In‑depth understanding of the UK public sector context, with established credibility among public sector decision‑makers, gained through substantial experience working alongside or within public sector organisations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of public sector tender processes, including Government Frameworks applicable to Central Government.
• Significant business development experience in the professional services and solutions arena.
• Proven track record of leading teams in selling complex services and solutions at senior levels within the public sector.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills, capable of engaging effectively at all organisational levels.
• Strong business acumen and insight into major industry sector trends, with experience in delivering client‑focused solutions tailored to customer needs.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and adaptability in managing multiple project requirements and tight deadlines, with meticulous attention to detail.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with MyReward you can select benefits that suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well‑being, insurance, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers, and promotions. Plus, we offer:

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

Please note.

Prior to finalizing your application, you will be asked to provide personal information across several dimensions of diversity and inclusiveness. The information you provide is kept entirely confidential and will not be used to evaluate your candidacy. We collect this data to help us analyse our recruitment process holistically and implement actions that promote diversity and inclusiveness. While optional, we encourage you to provide this information to hold us accountable towards our goal of building a better working world. Read more about our commitment to diversity & inclusiveness here. We ask because it matters!

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