Business Development Associate

Business Development Associate

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Buro Happold Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive business growth by analysing market data and supporting strategic decisions.
  • Company: Join Buro Happold, a global consultancy focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a range of attractive perks.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth and international opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that shapes the future of business development.
  • Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a proactive mindset; interest in business development is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Want to shape how a global consultancy wins work? Join Buro Happold and drive our work‑winning growth strategy. This role can be based in our Edinburgh office on a hybrid working model. At Buro Happold, we are driven by a passion for delivering exceptional outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and insight. We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded Business Development (BD) Associate to join our team and play a key role in strengthening our work‑winning capability and market position.

About The Role

This is a high‑impact, future‑focused position at the intersection of finance, strategy and market intelligence. You will translate complex internal and external data into clear, executive‑ready insights that support faster, better leadership decisions. Rather than focusing on historic reporting, you will connect market trends, competitor intelligence and internal performance drivers to identify risks, opportunities and strategic options across global markets. The role requires strong analytical capability alongside clear communication and storytelling skills.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as a key point of contact for market, sector and discipline leads, supporting the development and delivery of business development strategies.
  • Develop and implement tactical plans to improve pipeline growth and work‑winning activity.
  • Analyse market data, dashboards and trends to provide meaningful insights and inform decision‑making.
  • Identify and support key client relationship management activities, including gathering feedback and driving engagement plans.
  • Support the development of value propositions, capability statements and sector messaging in collaboration with marketing teams.
  • Track opportunities and manage pipeline reporting, supporting pre‑positioning and pursuit strategies alongside bidding teams.
  • Contribute to external engagement activities, including events, networking and campaigns aligned to sector strategies.
  • Provide coaching and guidance to work‑winning teams on research, planning and client engagement activities.

About You

  • Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights.
  • Proactive, inquisitive and forward‑thinking approach, with a natural curiosity for markets and client needs.
  • Confident communicator with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Experience or interest in business development, strategy, marketing or consultancy within a professional services environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and bring structure to complex or evolving projects.
  • Strong written communication skills with experience in preparing clear and persuasive content.
  • Collaborative mindset with a willingness to support and enable others to achieve shared goals.

Why Join Buro Happold

At Buro Happold, we believe in creating a better, more sustainable world. You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration and excellence. We offer a supportive environment where your contributions make a real difference.

What We Offer

  • Hybrid working arrangements.
  • Attractive salary and benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection.
  • 10% car allowance.
  • Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum (exclusive of bank holidays) and flexible holiday arrangements.
  • Generous company pension scheme.
  • Flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans and corporate discounts.
  • Enhanced parenthood leave policies.
  • 3pm finish on the last Friday of the month.
  • Commitment to continuous development with learning programmes.
  • Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions.
  • Commitment to wellbeing through a comprehensive employee assistance programme and wellbeing activities.
  • Supportive and inclusive environment with social and outreach activities, mentoring and the Young Employees Forum.
  • International culture that supports career mobility across Buro Happold.

Business Development Associate employer: Buro Happold Limited

Buro Happold is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Business Development Associate to thrive. With a hybrid working model based in Edinburgh, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth, offers a competitive salary and benefits package, and promotes work-life balance through flexible holiday arrangements and enhanced parental leave policies. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a vibrant international culture that encourages career mobility and personal development.

Buro Happold Limited

Contact Details:

Buro Happold Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Associate

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Associate role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your analytical skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, be ready to discuss how you can turn complex data into actionable insights. Share examples from your past experiences where you've done this successfully – it’ll really make you stand out!

Tip Number 3

Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like Buro Happold, and express your interest in their work. A little initiative can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm and commitment.

Tip Number 4

Utilise our website for applications! We’ve got all the resources you need to apply effectively. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your strengths in business development and strategy. It’s your chance to shine, so make it count!

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Associate

Analytical Skills
Market Intelligence
Data Interpretation
Communication Skills
Relationship Management
Business Development
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Associate role. Highlight your analytical skills and experience in business development, as these are key to what we’re looking for at Buro Happold.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written communication is essential, use your application to demonstrate how you can convey complex ideas clearly. We want to see your storytelling skills shine through in your writing!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got experience in strategy, marketing, or consultancy, make it front and centre in your application. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission to drive work-winning growth strategies.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Buro Happold.

How to prepare for a job interview at Buro Happold Limited

Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the current market trends and competitor strategies relevant to Buro Happold. This will not only show your proactive approach but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their work-winning growth strategy.

Master the Art of Storytelling

Since the role requires clear communication and storytelling skills, practice presenting complex data in a simple, engaging way. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully turned data into actionable insights.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've analysed market data or trends. Highlight how your insights led to strategic decisions or improved outcomes, demonstrating your strong analytical capability.

Build Relationships

During the interview, focus on your ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders. Share examples of how you've engaged with clients or team members in the past, showcasing your collaborative mindset and proactive approach.