Head of Business Development

ESP Utilities Group Ltd; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities company is seeking a strategic Head of Business Development in Leatherhead. The role involves driving customer acquisition and retention strategies, managing tenders, and leading a high-performance team. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in the utilities sector and strong leadership skills. Join now to be part of a growing company where your impact and ideas are valued.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in driving strategic growth within the utilities sector.
• Strong critical thinking abilities with a track record of delivering value.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a robust strategy to drive customer acquisition.
• Cultivate relationships with Developers and Contractors.
• Lead tendering lifecycle ensuring competitive submissions.

Skills

Strategic Growth

Customer Relationship Management

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

Leadership & Team Management

Job description

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Head of Business Development

ESP Utilities is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Business Development to join our expanding team. Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), this role will lead the development and execution of ESP's customer acquisition and retention strategy. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, securing tenders, and fostering long-term partnerships to achieve annual growth targets. A key objective is to position ESP as the utility partner of choice for developers and construction stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Growth — Design and implement a robust strategy to drive customer acquisition and retention across gas, electricity, and water networks.
• Customer Relationship Management — Cultivate and strengthen relationships with Developers, Independent Connection Providers (ICPs), Consultants, Contractors and Construction partners to maximise quoting and conversion opportunities.
• Tender Management — Lead the full tendering lifecycle, ensuring submissions are competitive, compliant, and aligned with business objectives.
• Pre-Sales & Bid Support — Engage directly with customers to provide technical insight, support commercial leads, and demonstrate ESP's value proposition through problem-solving and relationship-building.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration — Partner with Operations, Commercial, and Regulatory teams to ensure seamless project delivery and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Market Intelligence — Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activity, and regulatory developments to inform strategic decisions and maintain a competitive edge.
• Performance & KPI Management — Define, monitor, and report on key performance indicators related to quoting, conversion rates, wallet share, and customer engagement.
• Sales Forecasting & Planning — Lead the sales planning, forecasting, and budgeting processes. Own the definition and reporting of sales KPIs and OKRs aligned with business strategy.
• Strategic Insight — Maintain a comprehensive view of the addressable market and competitive landscape. Provide actionable insights and recommendations to inform strategic planning.
• Team Leadership — Lead and develop a high-performing business development team. Provide clear direction, coaching, and support to drive both team and individual success.

Person Specification

• Industry Expertise — Proven experience in driving strategic growth and customer acquisition within the utilities or infrastructure sector.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills — Strong critical thinking abilities with a track record of identifying challenges, developing solutions, and delivering value to both customers and the business.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills — Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Leadership & Team Management — Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including team motivation, delegation, and leading by example.
• Adaptability & Resilience — Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Open to new ideas and able to pivot strategies when needed.
• Attention to Detail — A meticulous approach to work, ensuring accuracy and quality in all deliverables.
• Time Management — Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines consistently.

Why Join ESP Utilities Now?

This is an exciting time to be part of ESP Utilities. As the business continues to grow and evolve, we are investing in innovation, expanding our market presence, and strengthening our partnerships across the utilities sector. With a clear strategic vision, a collaborative culture, and a strong leadership team, ESP is well-positioned to shape the future of multi-utility infrastructure in the UK. Joining us now means being part of a forward-thinking organisation where your impact will be visible, your ideas valued, and your career supported.