Business Development Manager

Collins McNicholas Recruitment & HR Services Group; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins McNicholas Recruitment & HR Services Group is seeking a Business Development Manager for Utilities & Energy in Ireland. The role focuses on leading growth across four business units: Energy, Water, Transport & Civils, identifying opportunities and building strategic partnerships.

The successful candidate will blend commercial drive with technical understanding, engaging with engineering and delivery teams to convert opportunities into lasting revenue.

Qualifications

• Third-level qualification in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
• Combination of technical education and commercial experience is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in a business development, commercial, or sales role within engineering, construction, infrastructure, utilities, or related sectors.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation capability.
• Ability to understand and communicate technical solutions clearly and credibly.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new markets, clients, and revenue streams across Ireland’s four business units.
• Generate and qualify leads aligned with growth objectives and maintain a robust pipeline.
• Lead commercial discussions and collaborate with teams to develop competitive proposals and bids.
• Work with marketing, technical, and operations teams to ensure deliverable solutions meet client needs.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Relationship building

Commercial awareness

Opportunity identification

Education

Engineering or related degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Business Development Manager, Utilities & Energy - Location flexible

Are you a Business Development Manager seeking a leadership role shaping the growth of a leading Irish engineering and infrastructure business across its four business units: Energy, Water, Transport & Civils?

This role is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding our clients’ presence across key Irish infrastructure and engineering markets.

The successful candidate will combine commercial drive with technical understanding, working collaboratively with engineering and delivery teams to convert opportunities into sustainable revenue.

A strong understanding of the Irish energy, water, and transport sectors including key clients, frameworks, and market dynamics - will be a significant advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Growth:

• Identify and develop new markets, clients, and revenue streams across our clients’ four business units in Ireland.
• Generate and qualify leads aligned with the company’s strategic growth objectives.
• Build and manage a strong, visible pipeline of opportunities across public and private sector clients.
• Support the development and execution of medium- and long-term business development strategies.

Market & Sector Insight:

• Conduct market research to identify trends, client investment plans, and emerging opportunities within the Irish energy, water, and transport sectors.
• Monitor competitor activity and market positioning to inform strategic decision-making.
• Provide market intelligence to senior management to support planning and investment decisions.

Client & Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, consultants, contractors, and industry stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted commercial interface between clients and our clients' technical teams.
• Represent our client at industry events, networking forums, and client meetings.

Commercial & Deal Management:

• Lead and support commercial discussions and negotiations with prospective clients and partners.
• Collaborate with estimating, engineering, and legal teams to develop competitive, high-quality proposals.
• Contribute to bid strategy, positioning, and value propositions for tenders and negotiated opportunities.

Collaboration & Internal Engagement:

• Work closely with marketing teams on sector-specific messaging, campaigns, and client engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with technical and operational teams to ensure proposed solutions are deliverable and aligned with client needs
• Support continuous improvement of business development processes and tools, including CRM and pipeline reporting needs.

Candidate Requirements

Education:

• Third-level qualification in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
• A combination of technical education and commercial experience is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Proven experience in a business development, commercial, or sales role within engineering, construction, infrastructure, utilities, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Irish energy, water, and/or transport markets, including public sector clients and procurement routes.
• Track record of identifying opportunities and contributing to successful contract awards.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation capability.
• Ability to understand and communicate technical solutions clearly and credibly.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic mindset with a proactive, opportunity-focused approach.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.

Personal Attributes:

• Results-driven, self-motivated, and commercially focused.
• Professional and credible when engaging with senior clients and stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to influence across disciplines.
• Aligned with our clients' values, including safety, quality, and sustainability.