Business Development Manager in Bristol

Business Development Manager
Location: Bristol
Sector: Structural Engineering Consultancy
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000
About the Practice

This well-established established and growing structural engineering consultancy delivering innovative, practical and cost-effective engineering solutions across residential, commercial, industrial, education and defence projects.
With a reputation for technical excellence, collaborative working and client-focused delivery, we are seeking an ambitious Business Development Manager to increase our market presence, strengthen client relationships and support continued growth.
The Role

As Business Development Manager, you will lead the development of new business opportunities, manage strategic client relationships and enhance the visibility of the practice across the built environment sector.
Working closely with Directors and engineering teams, you will combine traditional business development activity with modern digital marketing approaches, using networking, industry engagement, social media and LinkedIn to build brand awareness and generate opportunities.
This role would suit a commercially minded individual with experience in the built environment, ideally within structural engineering, civil engineering, architecture, construction, property development or professional services.
Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Growth

• Develop and deliver business development strategies aligned with company growth objectives.
• Identify new opportunities across Bristol, the South West and wider UK markets.
• Build relationships with architects, developers, contractors, consultants, local authorities and key industry stakeholders.
• Generate new leads through networking, referrals, events, digital engagement and targeted outreach.
• Manage and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective projects and clients.
• Support the conversion of opportunities from initial enquiry through to appointment.

Client Relationship Management

• Build long-term trusted relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Identify opportunities for repeat business and account growth.
• Maintain regular communication with key contacts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Represent the practice at industry events, professional forums and networking opportunities.
• Promote the company’s expertise, services and project experience.

LinkedIn & Social Media Marketing
Develop and manage the company’s LinkedIn presence to increase brand awareness and engagement.
Create and coordinate regular content showcasing:

• completed projects
• engineering expertise
• company news
• team achievements
• industry insights
• technical knowledge

• Identify opportunities to increase reach, engagement and follower growth.
• Encourage and support internal teams with thought leadership content and professional profiles.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity and relevant market conversations.
• Use LinkedIn and digital channels to identify potential clients, partners and project opportunities.
• Support wider marketing campaigns, newsletters and digital communications.

Bids, Proposals & Marketing Support

• Assist with preparation of fee proposals, capability statements and tender submissions.
• Work with technical teams to create compelling, client-focused responses.
• Develop case studies, project profiles and marketing materials.
• Support attendance and visibility at industry events and networking activities.
• Identify opportunities through frameworks, partnerships and strategic relationships.

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Maintain awareness of construction, property and development trends.
• Provide insight into competitor activity and market opportunities.
• Identify emerging sectors and areas for commercial growth.
• Report regularly on business development activity, leads and opportunities.

Skills & Experience Required
Essential:

• Proven experience in business development, sales, client relationship management or marketing within a professional services environment.
• Experience within the built environment sector (structural engineering, civil engineering, construction, architecture, property or consultancy preferred).
• Strong understanding of relationship-led business development.
• Experience using LinkedIn and social media platforms for brand development and lead generation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong networking and stakeholder management ability.
• Commercially aware, organised and self-motivated.

Desirable:

• Existing network within the Bristol/South West construction sector.
• Experience promoting technical services or engineering consultancy offerings.
• Experience creating digital content, articles, case studies or campaigns.
• Understanding of tender processes and consultancy appointments.

Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:

• Proactive, entrepreneurial and commercially focused.
• Confident engaging with senior industry professionals.
• A strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with technical teams.
• Creative in finding new ways to promote the practice.
• Passionate about helping a growing engineering consultancy increase its profile.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunity to shape the growth strategy of a successful engineering practice.
• Flexible and collaborative working environment.
• Exposure to a wide range of exciting construction projects.
• Opportunity to build a recognised industry profile.
• Career progression within a growing consultancy.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious Business Development professional with a passion for the built environment and digital engagement, we would like to hear from you.