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- Tasks: Lead relationship growth and industry engagement in civil engineering across the South West.
- Company: Reputable civil engineering contractor with a focus on collaboration and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, company pension, and mileage reimbursement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in civil engineering while enjoying autonomy and job satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: High-profile role with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 84000 £ per year.
A highly regarded, South West civil engineering contractor is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead relationship growth, industry engagement and regional presence across the South West. This is a senior, outward-facing role, perfectly suited to someone who understands how the civil engineering market really works — the contractors, the clients, the frameworks, the personalities and the pressure points. You will act as a connector, advocate and trusted face of the organisation across the region.
It’s not a hard sales role. It’s about relationships, credibility and influence.
As Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for strengthening existing relationships and growing new ones across the region, ensuring the organisation remains relevant, visible and pride of place in the market. Your role will involve a blend of strategic engagement, face-to-face meetings, events and industry representation, with a strong emphasis on being out in the market rather than stuck behind a desk.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with civil engineering clients and subcontractors across the South West
- Acting as a trusted point of contact and advocate for the business
- Hosting and attending regular industry meetings, liaison events and networking forums
- Organising and attending sector-focused events
- Supporting initiatives aimed at skills, careers and attracting new talent into civil engineering and the business as a whole
- Working collaboratively with peer organisations and professional bodies
- Supporting growth of the organisation's regional reach and engagement
- Representing the organisation professionally at conferences, awards and formal industry events
A typical week is varied and people-focused, including:
- Regular face-to-face meetings
- Industry events, breakfasts, lunches and the occasional black-tie evening
- Career fairs, awards ceremonies and sector forums
- Internal meetings and reporting
About You
This role will suit someone who already has strong credibility in the South West civil engineering market and enjoys relationship-led business development. You will either be in a Business Development role currently or keen to move into this type of role from an operational or commercial perspective.
You’re likely to bring:
- Previous experience working within civil engineering contracting or subcontracting
- A strong understanding of the South West construction and infrastructure market
- Experience in business development, client relationships or senior operational roles
- A personable, confident and professional approach
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- A network you can lean on — and the ability to grow it further
- A desire for a role that is influential, flexible and works around you
What’s On Offer
£65,000 – £70,000 salary based on a 4-day working week
Flexible working hours (approx. 31–38 hours per week)
Company pension (5% employer contribution)
Mileage paid at 45p per mile
Flexitime and hybrid working
A role with autonomy, influence and real job satisfaction
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-trust, high-profile role where your industry knowledge, relationships and personality genuinely matter. You’ll shape conversations, support the sector and play a visible role in the future of civil engineering across the South West.
Business Development Manager employer: GirlingJones
Contact Detail:
GirlingJones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend industry events, breakfasts, and even those black-tie evenings. The more people you meet, the stronger your connections will be, and that’s what this role is all about.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up. After meeting someone, drop them a quick email or message to keep the conversation going. It shows you’re genuinely interested and helps solidify that relationship.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage your existing network! Reach out to contacts in the civil engineering sector and let them know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. They might have leads or advice that could help you land that perfect role.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and support to help you navigate the job market. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the civil engineering world.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Development Manager. Highlight your experience in civil engineering and any relevant relationships you've built in the South West market. We want to see how you can connect with our clients and stakeholders!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your understanding of the civil engineering landscape and how your skills align with our needs. Remember, it's all about relationships, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Network: In this role, your connections matter. Mention any key industry contacts or networks you have in your application. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and leverage existing relationships to grow our presence.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at GirlingJones
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the South West civil engineering market. Understand the key players, current trends, and any recent developments. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Showcase Relationship Skills
Since this role is all about relationships, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully built and maintained professional connections in the past. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your influence made a difference, as this will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research the company’s recent projects and initiatives. During the interview, express genuine interest in their goals and how you can align your experience with their vision. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but are truly invested in their mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about their approach to industry engagement or how they measure success in this role. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and eagerness to contribute meaningfully to their team.
