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 design 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 and collaboration with global teams.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend industry events, meet-ups, and conferences where you can connect with potential clients and decision-makers. Remember, it’s all about building relationships and making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework on the London real estate market. Stay updated on trends, key players, and upcoming opportunities. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and position yourself as a valuable resource.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up with past clients and dormant leads. A simple check-in can reignite old relationships and uncover new opportunities. Don’t be shy; people appreciate when you reach out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always looking for proactive individuals who are ready to dive into the business development world. Show us your passion and drive, and let’s make exceptional places together!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity: When writing your application, let your curiosity shine through! We want to see how you’ve explored the business development landscape and what drives your passion for the real estate market. Share specific examples that highlight your proactive approach.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect your experience in business development, especially within the real estate sector. Highlight any relevant projects or roles that demonstrate your ability to identify opportunities and build relationships, as this is key for us.
Be Organised: We love a well-structured application! Use clear headings and bullet points to make your experience easy to read. This shows us that you’re organised and can manage pipelines effectively, which is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
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 potential opportunities. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re proactive and commercially curious.
✨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 decision-makers you've engaged with. This will demonstrate your ability to connect and convert leads into opportunities.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategies
Come equipped with ideas for unique business development initiatives. Whether it’s PR opportunities or industry events, showing that you can think strategically about BD efforts will highlight your entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage your pipeline and track leads. Share specific tools or methods you use to stay organised and ensure follow-ups. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the hands-on nature of the role effectively.