Senior Business Development Manager & Civil Nuclear & Defence

BILFINGER; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and maintenance provider is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to spearhead growth in the UK Civil Nuclear and Defence sectors. The ideal candidate will have a proven business development record, strong client engagement skills, and the ability to develop strategic market initiatives. Responsibilities include managing client relationships, leading high-value opportunities, and collaborating with senior leadership. This role offers the opportunity to drive significant revenue growth within highly regulated environments.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development within the UK Civil Nuclear and/or Defence sectors.
• Experience in complex bid management and strategic sales.
• Ability to work in a matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies for the UK Civil Nuclear and Defence markets.
• Build and maintain relationships with government bodies and industry partners.
• Lead qualification and pursuit of high-value opportunities.

Skills

Business development expertise

Client relationship management

Strategic sales experience

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Network within regulatory bodies

Ability to work independently

Education

Degree in engineering, business, or a related field

Job description

Bilfinger UK is a leading engineering and maintenance provider, supporting customers across the chemical & petrochemical, nuclear, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals & biopharma, power & energy, utilities, renewables and food & beverage markets. We enhance the efficiency of assets, ensuring a high level of availability and reducing maintenance costs.

We have extensive experience in offshore and onshore facilities; specialising in asset management services throughout all life cycle phases from consulting, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, operations, maintenance, and decommissioning.

This commitment is delivered by an experienced and highly competent workforce of over 4,500 employees operating from 14 offices in strategic industrial hubs, upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance and quality.

Senior Business Development Manager – UK Civil Nuclear & Defence Sector

Location: UK (Flexible with travel to client sites and offices)

Reporting to: UK Region Business Development Director

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Senior Business Development Executive to lead growth initiatives across the UK Civil Nuclear and Defence sectors. This role is pivotal in identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities, fostering long-term client relationships, building beneficial collaborations, and driving revenue growth in engineering, construction and maintenance within highly regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Growth & Market Development
  • Develop and execute business development strategies for the UK Civil Nuclear and Defence markets
  • Identify emerging trends, market shifts, and opportunities for expansion
  • Lead strategic capture planning and bid development for major infrastructure frameworks
• Client Engagement & Relationship Management
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including government bodies, Tier 1 contractors, and industry partners.
  • Represent the company at industry events, forums, and client meetings.
• Opportunity Management
  • Lead the qualification and pursuit of high-value opportunities.
  • Collaborate with internal teams (engineering, operations, commercial) to shape compelling value propositions.
  • Oversee the development of proposals, presentations, and commercial offers.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Work closely with senior leadership to align business development activities with corporate strategy.
  • Foster new collaborations and develop consortiums for targeted major frameworks.
  • Management of internal stakeholders and development of cross selling opportunities.
• Reporting & Forecasting
  • Maintain accurate pipeline reporting and forecasting.
  • Provide regular updates to senior management on progress, risks, and market intelligence.
  • Diligent management of company SRM and compliance with M2O procedure and governance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven track record in business development within the UK Civil Nuclear and/or Defence sectors.
• Strong network across regulatory bodies, and industry sector stakeholders.
• Experience in complex bid management and strategic sales.
• Excellent commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrixed environment.
• Degree in engineering, business, or a related field (preferred).

Desirable Attributes

• Knowledge of UK nuclear decommissioning, new build, or defence infrastructure programmes.
• Familiarity with frameworks such as CCS, DIO, MOD procurement, and NDA supply chains.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive mindset.

If you wish to speak to a member of the recruitment team, please contact 01224 246246.

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