Senior Business Development Manager in Leeds

Are you a proven new business professional with the drive to open doors, build relationships and win work in the construction and infrastructure sectors? At First Response Group (FRG), this is more than a traditional Business Development role. It is an opportunity to play a key part in our continued growth across the North of England, developing new client relationships and securing new business across our security, risk management and facilities solutions.

We are looking for a commercially driven, proactive and ambitious Senior Business Development Manager to take ownership of generating and converting new business opportunities across the region. This is a pure new business role – not account management – and will suit someone who thrives on identifying prospects, creating opportunities, building a strong pipeline and turning conversations into long-term client relationships.

First Response Group is not just a workplace. It is a vibrant community where passion fuels our excellence, integrity guides our conduct, empowerment shapes our successes, and a sense of community binds us together. We distinguish ourselves through the integration of cutting-edge technology, a commitment to employee development, and a culture rooted in inclusivity and positivity. At FRG, every team member’s contribution is valued, and collective success is celebrated.

The Role: Reporting to the Head of Construction & Infrastructure, the Senior Business Development Manager will focus on developing new business opportunities with construction and infrastructure clients across the North of England. You will be responsible for identifying target organisations, building relationships from scratch, creating and qualifying opportunities, and leading them through to successful close.

You will work closely with internal sales, bid and operational teams to develop winning solutions and deliver a strong client journey from first contact through to contract award. This role requires someone who is self-sufficient, credible, resilient and motivated by winning. Focus sectors may include construction, rail, utilities, infrastructure, energy and major projects.

What We Offer:

• Salary of £45,000 – £48,000, depending on experience
• Annual bonus
• A genuine new business role with autonomy to develop your region
• Support from a collaborative and experienced internal team
• The opportunity to work in a growing organisation with strong ambitions across key sectors
• Career progression opportunities as the business continues to expand

Key Responsibilities:

• Generate and win new business opportunities across the North of England, driving revenue growth in line with business targets
• Identify, target and engage new clients across construction and infrastructure, including principal contractors, developers and related supply chain partners
• Build, manage and convert a high-quality sales pipeline through proactive prospecting, networking, referrals, market engagement and targeted outreach
• Take ownership of opportunities from initial engagement through qualification, proposal development, negotiation and contract award
• Develop strong relationships with prospective clients and position FRG as a trusted partner for security, risk management and facilities solutions
• Work collaboratively with bid, operational and leadership teams to develop compelling, commercially competitive solutions for clients
• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations to secure profitable new business wins
• Monitor market activity, sector trends and competitor movement to identify new routes to market and growth opportunities
• Maintain accurate CRM and pipeline reporting, providing visibility of activity, conversion, forecasts and performance against targets
• Represent FRG professionally at client meetings, networking events, industry forums and sector-related opportunities

Proven experience in a business development, sales or client acquisition role, with a strong focus on new business generation. A demonstrable track record of winning new business and building a pipeline from scratch. Experience selling into construction, infrastructure, security, facilities management, risk management or related service sectors. Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify, qualify and convert opportunities into revenue. Confident communicator with excellent relationship-building, presentation and negotiation skills. A proactive, self-starting approach with the drive to create opportunities rather than wait for them. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, target-driven environment. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple opportunities across a regional territory. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the North of England.