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- Tasks: Lead business development efforts and coordinate with senior leaders to drive growth.
- Company: Join Buttress Architects, a vibrant community passionate about creating extraordinary spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, health insurance, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Be part of an employee-owned practice focused on profit, people, and the planet.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that values creativity and diverse perspectives.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in business development or bid leadership, with strong strategic judgement.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Business Development Lead is responsible for shaping and coordinating Buttress’ business development activity including supporting the Directors and fee earning colleagues in their business development activity. This includes pipeline management, sector coordination, client development and bid decision-making, ensuring growth activity is structured, informed and aligned with the practice’s strategic priorities. This role bridges strategy and delivery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate sector business development plans with Directors/Associates
- Support opportunity identification and prioritisation.
- Lead bid/no-bid discussions using evidence, capacity and alignment.
- Maintain the BD pipeline and CRM.
- Track opportunities, conversion rates and performance.
- Produce clear reports for Directors and the Leadership Team
- Support Directors and Associates with client engagement planning.
- Track market intelligence, frameworks and sector trends.
- Ensure BD activity reflects sector priorities and capability.
- Bid leadership (strategic input)
- Provide strategic direction for high-value bids.
- Support win themes, positioning and messaging.
- Work closely with the Bids Writer / Coordinator on delivery.
- Works closely with the Marketing Director to ensure business development priorities, bid strategy and market positioning are aligned.
ABOUT YOU
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has 5+ years in business development or bid leadership within the built environment.
- Enjoys working closely with senior leaders and project teams.
- Has strong commercial and strategic judgement.
- Is comfortable operating in an EOT environment.
- You don’t need to know everything from day one; curiosity and a willingness to get stuck in matter just as much as experience.
Be part of an employee-owned practice with a strong sense of purpose. A role with real variety and responsibility.
ABOUT US
Buttress Architects is a practice of 80+ individuals based across Manchester and Leeds. We are a vibrant community, united by a shared vision and a passion for creating extraordinary spaces. We believe in more than just financial success; we embrace a 'triple bottom line' approach that values profit, people, and the planet as equal measures of our achievements. We strive to make a positive impact in all that we do. People are the driving force behind our business. We recognise that their talent, creativity, and dedication are our greatest assets. That’s why we are committed to their growth and development, investing in coaching, training, and endless opportunities to enrich both their professional and personal lives. We foster a studio environment that encourages authenticity, celebrating diverse perspectives and personalities. We believe that by embracing our differences, we can unleash unlimited creativity and innovation, ultimately shaping better places for people to enjoy.
What we offer
We understand that loving where you work is vital. We work hard to create a company culture that is supportive, inclusive, and fun. We celebrate our differences and ensure everyone has a voice and is respected, valued, and heard.
- Workplace pension with employer contributions and an optional salary sacrifice scheme
- 30 days holiday pro rata (including bank holidays) with full closure over the Christmas period
- Employee Assistance Programme and health insurance, currently through Vitality
- Annual staff trip with travel and accommodation paid by the business
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- Wellbeing initiatives and mental health first aiders
- Cycle to work scheme
Salary: £45,000 to £65,000 per annum, subject to experience
Business Development Lead employer: Buttress
Contact Detail:
Buttress Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Lead
✨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 on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your past successes in business development. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've driven growth and made an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Buttress, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on market trends and sector developments relevant to business development in the built environment. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show potential employers that you’re genuinely passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in business development and bid leadership, especially within the built environment. We want to see how your skills align with our strategic priorities!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've contributed to pipeline management or client engagement planning. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and diverse perspectives, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what drives you. A genuine passion for business development will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll get a feel for our culture and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buttress
✨Know Your Business Development Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of business development, especially in the built environment. Understand key concepts like pipeline management and client engagement planning, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you've previously contributed to bid leadership and strategic direction. Think of specific examples where your commercial judgement made a difference, and be ready to explain your thought process behind those decisions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Buttress’ Values
Dive into Buttress’ mission and values before your interview. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with their triple bottom line approach, and how you can contribute to their goal of making a positive impact.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your curiosity about the role and the company. Inquire about their current business development strategies or how they track market intelligence, which will demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their success.