Head of Business Development

IES Utilities Group LTD; Manchester; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities firm is seeking a Head of Business Development for its Power Division in Manchester. This role involves driving growth through new contracts and partnerships, managing client relationships, and leading a team. The ideal candidate has a strong background in business development within the utilities or power sector and a proven track record in securing major contracts. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for developing a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development or commercial leadership within the utilities sector.
• Experience in winning major contracts and partnerships in electricity projects.
• Strong commercial acumen and relationship building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the business development strategy.
• Lead the identification and pursuit of new contracts and partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Business development in utilities sector

Commercial leadership

Stakeholder management

Bidding and tendering processes

Relationship building

Job description

Reports to: Divisional Director Power

Direct Reports: Business Development Managers / Bid & Proposals Team

Location: Manchester

Salary: Up to £70,000 including competitive senior package

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Business Development for the Power Division will be responsible for driving growth through securing new & organically growing current contracts, frameworks, and client partnerships. Working closely with the Divisional Director, Operations Director, and broader leadership team, this role will lead the business development and client engagement strategy, ensuring the division delivers sustainable and profitable growth as IES scales up to £200m+ turnover. This role will focus on identifying opportunities, building strong client relationships, leading bids and tenders, and positioning IES as the partner of choice for electricity infrastructure delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the business development strategy for the Power Division.
• Align growth activities with divisional and companywide objectives.
• Support the Power Operations Director & Managing Director in shaping long-term market positioning and client strategy.

Business Growth & Winning Work

• Lead the identification and pursuit of new contracts, frameworks, and partnerships in the electricity sector.
• Drive the tendering, bidding, and proposals process, ensuring submissions are commercially competitive and operationally deliverable.
• Secure high value opportunities to support IESs growth to £200m+ turnover.

Client Engagement & Market Positioning

• Build and maintain senior relationships with key clients, DNOs/IDNOs, regulatory organisations, and industry stakeholders.
• Represent IES at industry events, forums, and networking opportunities to raise the profile of the Power Division.
• Position IES as a trusted and innovative delivery partner across electricity markets.

Team Development & Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Business Development team, including bid managers and client engagement staff.
• Build capability, resilience, and succession within the business development function.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.

Collaboration with Operations

• Work closely with the Operations Director to ensure all opportunities pursued can be mobilised and delivered successfully.
• Provide commercial insight and client feedback to support operational improvements and market alignment.
• Ensure strong handover from bid to operational delivery.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in business development or commercial leadership within the utilities, power, or infrastructure sectors.
• Experience in winning major contracts, frameworks, and partnerships in electricity projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with understanding of bidding, tendering, and negotiation processes.
• Excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills at senior levels.
• Ability to lead and develop business development teams, with experience in managing bids and proposals.
• Knowledge of regulatory, client, and market frameworks in the electricity and power sector.

Key Measures of Success

• Securing significant new contracts and frameworks to support divisional growth.
• Delivery of profitable and sustainable pipeline aligned with business targets.
• High levels of client satisfaction, retention, and repeat business.
• Development of a high performing business development team.
• Contribution to the Power Division achieving growth targets up to £200m+ turnover.
• Recognition of IES as a leading partner in the UK electricity market.