At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth by identifying opportunities and building relationships across the UK, EMEA, and MENA.
- Company: Join a creative and entrepreneurial team at a leading real estate firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the real estate market while developing your professional network.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and strong knowledge of the London real estate market.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a collaborative and innovative setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At IA our team members are collaborative, creative, and entrepreneurial subject matter experts. Being part of our team requires relevant experience, the curiosity and drive to continuously improve and innovate, daring, multi-faceted leadership, a commitment to optimizing the customer experience, and a love of making exceptional places for people to work and experience life.
We are seeking a self-reliant, proactive Business Development Manager to provide dedicated focus on pipeline development, market reconnaissance, and lead conversion across the UK, EMEA, and MENA regions. This role is hands-on and outward-facing, acting as IA's eyes and ears on the ground - identifying opportunities, building relationships, and converting qualified leads into RFPs.
The ideal candidate understands the London real estate market, is commercially curious, highly organised, and comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with leadership teams in EMEA and the US.
Location: London (Primary focus UK, with responsibility across EMEA and MENA)
Travel: Regular travel required across Europe and Middle East
Reports to: EMEA Leadership Team and Studio Managing Director
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Generation & Opportunity Development
- Research, identify, and pursue new client relationships, including corporate occupiers, internal real estate teams, project managers, and key decision-makers
- Identify new real estate opportunities, including lease expiries, lease breaks, relocations, and market expansion activity
- Proactively convert qualified leads into RFP opportunities
- Follow up with past IA clients and dormant relationships to re-engage and uncover new work
- Use IA's existing global and US client database to source and develop EMEA opportunities
- Market Intelligence & Strategy
- Provide continuous market intelligence and reconnaissance across London, UK, EMEA, and MENA
- Advise leadership on where to focus BD efforts, which clients to pursue, and which events are worth attending
- Develop and recommend unique BD initiatives, including PR opportunities, awards submissions, events, and speaking engagements
- Relationship Building & Networking
- Identify, attend, and prioritise relevant, high-value networking events and industry forums
- Arrange and coordinate meet-and-greets between IA leadership and key prospects
- Build and manage leadership BD calendars, ensuring time is focused on high-quality opportunities
- Introduce IA to new contacts and decision-makers within the London and wider EMEA markets
- Pipeline Management & Tracking
- Own and maintain pipeline tracking process, reviewed weekly with leadership
- Qualify leads through a structured process to ensure focus on viable opportunities
- Maintain consistent follow-up and engagement to ensure a robust and active pipeline
- Collaboration & Global Alignment
- Maintain close, ongoing engagement with US client services teams to understand existing relationships and leverage global connections into EMEA opportunities
- Develop a strong understanding of IA's brand, services, and global business model, confidently representing IA in the market
- Ensure BD strategies are tailored appropriately for the UK, EMEA, and MENA, recognising differing procurement models, cultural norms, and decision-making structures in each region
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in business development within real estate, workplace design, architecture, project management, or a related professional services industry
- Strong London market knowledge, with existing or easily developed networks
- Experience working across international markets (EMEA and/or MENA preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to self-start, work independently, and proactively identify opportunities
- Excellent organisational skills with experience managing pipelines, tracking leads, and reporting clearly
- Confident communicator able to speak credibly about brand, services, and value proposition
- Comfortable attending events, initiating conversations, and building relationships from scratch
Business Development Manager employer: IA Interior Architects
Contact Detail:
IA Interior Architects Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their recent projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Networking is key! Attend industry events and connect with people in the real estate sector. Don't be shy about introducing yourself and sharing your passion for business development.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up like a pro! After meeting someone, send a quick message to thank them for their time and express your interest in staying connected. This keeps you on their radar and opens doors for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to dive into the exciting world of business development.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in real estate and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to generate leads and build relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for business development and how your skills align with our mission at IA. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the London market!
Showcase Your Networking Skills: In your application, emphasise your networking abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully built relationships in the past, especially within the real estate sector. We love seeing proactive candidates!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at IA Interior Architects
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the London real estate market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and recent developments. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their business development efforts.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in the past. Think about specific networking events you've attended or key contacts you've developed. Being able to demonstrate your proactive approach to relationship building will resonate well with the team.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Lead Conversion
Have a clear strategy in mind for how you would approach lead conversion. Be prepared to discuss your methods for qualifying leads and converting them into opportunities. This shows that you understand the importance of a structured approach in business development.
✨Align with Their Values
Research IA's brand and values thoroughly. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding customer experience and innovation. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands and fits into their culture.