Head of Business Development – Europe

Force; Old Connaught; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading labour hire business is seeking a Head of Business Development – Europe based in Ireland. This role will spearhead the company's expansion into the European construction sector, particularly in Scandinavia and mainland Europe. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in new business development, specifically within construction recruitment, and will be responsible for building client relationships and executing a growth strategy. Package available up to €100k+, along with commission tied to revenue.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in new business development within construction recruitment or construction labour hire.
• Experience selling construction workforce solutions into European markets.
• Deep understanding of construction labour models.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a European business development strategy focused on construction labour hire.
• Identify, target, and secure new construction clients.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders in construction.

Skills

New business development

Construction recruitment

Sales to European markets

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Head of Business Development – Europe

Company
Established Irish Labour Hire Business | €30m+ Turnover

Location
Ireland / Flexible – occasional travel to Head Office | Initial focus on Scandinavia, expanding into Mainland Europe

The Opportunity

Our client is a leading Irish labour hire business with annual turnover exceeding €20 million, operating successfully across the Irish construction sector. With a proven delivery model in Ireland and a team of experienced Account Managers, the business is now embarking on its next phase of growth with the launch of a European construction labour hire operation. They are seeking a Head of Business Development – Europe to spearhead this expansion. This will be the company's first dedicated sales hire in Europe, tasked with establishing new construction clients, opening new markets, and replicating a successful Irish construction labour hire model across the continent.

Role Overview

The Head of Business Development – Europe will have full responsibility for new business sales within the construction sector, initially targeting Scandinavia, with a structured expansion into mainland Europe once the Nordic region is established.

This is a pure new business, market-entry role, focused on winning construction clients, frameworks, and long-term labour supply agreements. You will work closely with senior leadership in Ireland to shape the European growth strategy and build a scalable, profitable construction-focused operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a European business development strategy focused on construction labour hire
• Identify, target, and secure new construction clients, including main contractors, subcontractors, and developers
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders such as Construction Directors, Project Directors, Commercial Managers, and Procurement teams
• Open new construction labour markets, initially in Scandinavia, then expanding into mainland Europe
• Win and grow long-term labour supply agreements across large-scale construction projects
• Replicate a proven Irish construction labour hire model in European markets
• Work closely with the newly appointed Head of Operations, based in Poland, for all compliance, accommodation, operations and resourcing needs
• Provide market insight on construction trends, labour demand, compliance requirements, and competitor activity
• Contribute to the long-term European strategy, including future sales and delivery hires

Candidate Profile

• Strong track record in new business development within construction recruitment or construction labour hire
• Experience selling construction workforce solutions into European markets (Scandinavia experience highly advantageous)
• Deep understanding of construction labour models (trades, general operatives, site-based workforce, project staffing)
• Commercial, entrepreneurial, and comfortable operating as a standalone senior sales hire
• Proven ability to win new construction clients and open new markets
• Confident engaging with senior construction stakeholders and decision-makers
• Willingness to travel across Europe as required

What’s on Offer

• Package up to €100,000+, depending on experience
• Commission directly tied to European construction revenue
• Opportunity to build and lead a European construction division from inception
• High autonomy and senior-level influence