Key Account and Business Development Consultant in Manchester

AEC is looking for a Contract Sales Consultant to join our high‑performing sales team. The role combines contract management, account development and targeted business development to maximise revenue opportunities, client retention and long‑term strategic relationships. Working closely with operational teams, the consultant will ensure contracts are commercially managed effectively, client expectations are exceeded and additional service opportunities are identified and converted into sustainable revenue growth. The role will focus primarily on developing existing client accounts while identifying and securing new business opportunities within agreed target sectors.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Contract Management
  • Maintain regular and clear communication with key stakeholders within the contracts you are responsible for.
  • Attend site visits and client meetings to discuss works and KPIs.
  • Review and monitor contract responsibilities, key performance indicators, renewals dates and yearly CPI increases.
• New Business Acquisition
  • Develop new client relationships across target industries.
  • Follow up on targeted hot leads to develop new opportunities.
  • Conduct client meetings, presentations and calls.
• Sales Strategy and Target Achievement
  • Maintain high levels of pipeline velocity and pipeline hygiene within CRM systems (e.g., opportunity stage management, probability tracking, expected close dates).
• Compliance Knowledge Application
  • Understand and articulate the full range of AEC compliance services, value propositions, and differentiators.
  • Keep abreast of changes in regulatory frameworks (e.g., HSE regulations, safety reforms, asbestos legislation) to ensure compliance conversations remain current and credible.
• Client Relationship Management
  • Develop lasting relationships with key decision‑makers.
  • Manage handover of new clients to operational delivery teams ensuring a smooth onboarding experience.
  • Ensure continuous client engagement through project updates, upselling opportunities, and satisfaction feedback loops.
• Reporting and Data Management
  • Update CRM systems daily with meeting notes, pipeline changes, prospect status, and deal information.
  • Produce weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports summarising activities, conversion rates, pipeline forecasts, and competitor intelligence.
  • Attend weekly sales meetings and quarterly strategic reviews.
• Team work and collaboration
  • Work closely with the technical teams, marketing, and operations teams to ensure client needs are fully met.
  • Provide feedback to the marketing team on lead quality and campaign effectiveness.
  • Participate in tender teams, client feedback sessions, and innovation workshops.

Experience in either contract support, strategic account management, relationship management, commercial forecasting, reporting, cross‑selling, pipeline management, B2B sales techniques. Experience within a service‑based/contract management role, selling consultancy time. Ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and persuasively. Must be willing to travel throughout the UK as required. Experience in the asbestos compliance industry or construction, facility management or building related sales discipline. Health & Safety qualifications (e.g., IOSH, NEBOSH) advantageous but not essential.

Qualifications

• Contract management or strategic account management experience.
• Strong CRM skills and pipeline management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of compliance regulations in the built environment.
• Willingness to travel within the UK.
• Experience in B2B sales or service‑based consulting.
• Health & Safety qualification is a plus.

Benefits

• 23 days leave (plus bank holidays).
• Private healthcare.
• Pension scheme.
• Holiday buy‑back.
• Sick pay and loyalty bonus.