Business Development Manager - Public Sector in England

Company Akkodis is a global leader in engineering, technology, and R&D, harnessing the power of connected data to drive digital transformation and innovation for a smarter, more sustainable future. As part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis combines the expertise of AKKA and Modis, with over 50,000 engineers and digital specialists across 30 countries in North America, EMEA, and APAC. Our teams bring extensive cross-sector knowledge in critical technology areas such as mobility, software services, robotics, simulations, cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics, enabling clients to tackle complex challenges in today’s rapidly evolving markets.

With a comprehensive solution portfolio across four service lines—Consulting, Solutions, Talents, and Academy—Akkodis supports clients from concept through to full-scale deployment and optimisation. Our diverse offerings help organisations rethink product development, accelerate productivity, reduce time-to-market, and prepare for the future. At Akkodis, you’ll join a dynamic environment that values continuous learning and global collaboration, where you can make a meaningful impact through innovative projects that shape the future of technology.

Scope

This role operates within Akkodis Consulting & Solutions UK and is primarily responsible for driving commercial growth through strategic, relationship-led business development. The Business Manager will focus on acquiring new clients, growing existing accounts, and ensuring long-term client satisfaction. The role requires close collaboration with the Technical Operations and Talent Acquisition teams to align solutions with delivery capabilities and ensure resourcing is matched to client needs.

Role

The Business Manager (BM) is a key commercial lead within Akkodis Consulting & Solutions UK, focused on consultative, solutions-led business development. The BM builds long-term client relationships by understanding strategic challenges and positioning Akkodis as a trusted partner. They will drive new opportunities, grow existing accounts, and manage the full sales cycle—from bid response through to deal closure. Working closely with the Technical Operations team, the BM ensures proposed solutions are viable and aligned with delivery capability. They also collaborate with Talent Acquisition to brief on recruitment needs. This role suits someone ideally with a strong commercial mindset and experience in complex, consultative sales involving multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage long-term client relationships based on trust, consultation, and shared goals.
• Generate new business through strategic prospecting, solution positioning, and insight-led engagement.
• Identify opportunities to expand services within existing client accounts, focusing on high-value, multi-stream growth.
• Lead and coordinate the response to client RFIs, RFPs, and technical bids, aligning delivery models with client objectives.
• Build accurate cost models, ensuring margin protection and commercial viability.
• Present proposals and technical solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Work in close collaboration with the Technical Operations team to scope client needs, shape solution designs, and confirm delivery feasibility.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to define recruitment needs, communicate role requirements, and support resourcing for active and pipeline engagements.
• Track client satisfaction, revenue growth, and margin performance across your accounts, addressing risks and identifying upsell/cross-sell opportunities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends, client sectors, and competitor strategies.

Required Experience

• Demonstrated success in consultative or solution-based selling within technology, engineering, or professional services sectors.
• Proven ability to manage longer sales cycles, with a track record of nurturing client relationships from first contact to commercial closure.
• Ideally have experience in managing RFIs, RFPs, and complex bid responses.
• Exposure to technical solution design and the ability to translate client needs into commercially viable offerings.
• Familiarity with working alongside delivery and recruitment functions to shape and execute client engagements.

Required Skills

• Strong consultative sales skills with the ability to uncover client challenges and co-develop solutions.
• Commercially astute with experience in pricing, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
• Effective communicator and relationship builder, able to influence senior decision-makers across technical and commercial functions.
• Collaborative, proactive, and able to operate cross-functionally within a matrix organisation.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple parallel sales opportunities and client engagements.

Required Education

• Degree in Business Management, Engineering, IT, or a related commercial or technical discipline, OR Equivalent professional experience in a business development or account management role within a technology or consulting-led environment.