At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development and secure new contracts in the security sector.
- Company: Join a top 10 security service provider with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission scheme, private medical insurance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving growth and innovation in security solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience in B2B, strong negotiation skills, and strategic thinking.
A fantastic opportunity to join a long-established Top 10 Security service provider. The position of Business Development Director is to meet and exceed the company's Security new business revenue targets, with clear accountability for securing new contracts in line with, or above, agreed growth objectives. The Business Development Director leads and supports all new client acquisition and existing contract re-tender activity across the Company. The Business Development Director is responsible for developing and delivering tailored, innovative security solutions that align with client requirements while remaining commercially competitive and delivering best value.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to grow the Company’s customer portfolio, delivering sustained, year-on-year revenue growth across agreed sectors, with clear accountability for securing new contracts in line with, or exceeding, sales targets.
- Drive the expansion of the company’s Security products and services across both new and existing customers, identifying opportunities to increase market share and revenue streams.
- Build, maintain and actively manage a high-quality, sustainable sales pipeline capable of delivering agreed sales and profit targets, ensuring a consistent flow of opportunities at all stages.
- Proactively generate new business opportunities through effective networking, market engagement and brand representation, enhancing the company’s Security market presence and reputation.
- Lead a robust pre-sales and customer engagement strategy to strengthen client relationships, shape opportunities early, and increase overall probability of success.
- Establish and maintain an accurate and up-to-date prospect database for the designated territory, developing opportunities aligned to both sector and geographic priorities, ensuring sufficient pipeline to meet and exceed annual sales targets.
- Prepare high-quality, compliant tender submissions, together with the Bid Team, in line with company estimating guidelines, utilising approved costing models and ensuring commercial viability.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop integrated, best-value solutions, including both security guarding, technological, innovative, Intel and electronic security offerings where appropriate.
- Produce (with Bid Team) and deliver compelling, high-quality sales proposals and presentations tailored to prospective and existing clients, clearly articulating value, differentiation and return on investment.
- Lead and present bids in a professional and credible manner, leveraging central support functions to maximise the likelihood of successful outcomes.
- Ensure a seamless handover of all new and renewed contracts to the operations team and support functions, providing full and accurate information, and supporting mobilisation activities as required to ensure successful contract implementation.
- Provide accurate, timely and insightful reporting on pipeline, performance and forecasts to the Sales and Marketing Director.
Key Competencies & Skills
- Significant sales experience within a B2B environment, preferably in soft FM or related services.
- Proven track record of delivering sales targets exceeding £3m.
- Strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking and sound judgement.
- Excellent client relationship management, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to deliver high-impact presentations and manage tender/bid processes.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and tender writing.
- Professional, credible, and able to operate at a senior stakeholder level.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and sales systems.
Key behaviours & attributes
- Demonstrates strategic thinking, balancing commercial objectives with innovation and operational delivery.
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across operations, sales, technology, compliance, and senior leadership teams.
- Highly organised and structured, with the ability to manage competing demands effectively.
- Proactive and self-motivated, taking ownership of performance, continuous improvement, and professional development.
- Resilient and adaptable, responding constructively to change, ambiguity, and business challenges.
- Maintains a strong client-focused mindset, building trusted relationships and delivering commercial value.
- Applies a pragmatic and analytical approach to problem-solving, balancing risk, compliance, quality, and commercial outcomes.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: £75,000 p/a
Car: Company car or car allowance (car allowance: petrol/diesel - £7,016 p/a; hybrid plug in - £7,800 p/a; electric - £8,100 p/a)
Commission: Commission scheme; £5m annual target of new business.
Other benefits (qualifying criteria apply):
- Company Sick Pay
- 25 days annual leave (increasing with length of service) + BH
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI) BUPA (solo or couple)
- Company Pension
- Death in Service insurance
- Enhanced Family/Bereavement leave and pay
- Other standard enhanced Company's benefits
Business Development Director employer: Cavendish Search & Selection
Join a leading Top 10 Security service provider as a Business Development Director in London, where you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises innovation and client satisfaction. With competitive benefits including a generous salary, commission scheme, and comprehensive health coverage, the company fosters employee growth through continuous professional development and a commitment to excellence. Experience the unique advantage of working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance while contributing to meaningful security solutions for clients.
Contact Details:
Cavendish Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Director
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Business Development Director at Cavendish Search & Selection, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Cavendish Search & Selection. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Business Development Director. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Cavendish Search & Selection:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Cavendish Search & Selection. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cavendish Search & Selection
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Cavendish Search & Selection that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Cavendish Search & Selection that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Cavendish Search & Selection’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
