At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships and develop opportunities in the construction and MEP market.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and construction company with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for travel and networking at industry events.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic industry while growing your professional network.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development or sales, ideally in construction or engineering.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
Dowds is a long established, multidisciplinary engineering and construction Building Services Engineering company headquartered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1978, our expertise spans the full lifecycle of complex‑built environments from initial design and systems integration through to installation, commissioning, and handover. Across specific sectors: life science, commercial, education and healthcare. Operating at a gold standard for best managed company and investors in people, our vision is to set the standard for excellence, driving progress, responsibility, and lasting impact. While keeping our clients and our people at the heart of what we do.
We are seeking a Business Development Executive to join our Business Development & Sales team. This is a proactive, outward‑facing role focused on building relationships, opening doors, and developing a strong pipeline of future opportunities within the construction and MEP market. You will work closely with senior leaders, pre‑construction and delivery teams to position Dowds early, build market intelligence, and convert conversations into future tender opportunities. This role offers clear progression for someone who is motivated, commercially aware, and keen to build a long‑term career in business development.
What you'll be responsible for:
- Identifying and targeting new clients, consultants, developers, and strategic partners.
- Building strong professional relationships through meetings, networking, and industry events.
- Generating and developing early‑stage opportunities and feeding them into the sales and pre‑construction pipeline.
- Building market, competitor, and client intelligence to support strategic decision‑making.
- Managing and maintaining a structured pipeline of prospects and opportunities.
- Coordinating with bid, estimating, and pre‑construction teams as opportunities mature.
- Acting as a positive brand ambassador for Dowds in the external market.
- Managing your own diary, activity levels, and business development priorities.
What we are looking for:
- Experience in a business development, sales, or client‑facing role, ideally within construction, engineering, or a related sector.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and credibility.
- A proactive, self‑motivated approach with the confidence to open doors and initiate conversations.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of relationship‑led sales.
- Willingness to travel and represent the business at meetings and industry events.
- Exposure to the MEP, construction, consultancy, or supplier market.
- An existing network or “black book” within relevant sectors or regions.
- Experience feeding opportunities into bid or tendering processes.
- Understanding professional services or project‑based sales cycles.
Business Development Executive employer: J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS
At Dowds, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the engineering and construction sectors. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through clear progression pathways and ongoing professional development opportunities, all while maintaining a supportive environment that values our people and clients alike. Located in London, you will benefit from engaging with a diverse range of projects and clients, enhancing your career in a vibrant city known for its rich industry connections.
Contact Detail:
J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Get networking! Attend industry events and meet-ups to connect with potential clients and partners. Building relationships face-to-face can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in reaching out. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; take the initiative to contact potential clients and introduce yourself. A simple email or call can open doors!
✨Tip Number 3
Keep your pipeline organised. Use tools or apps to track your prospects and follow up regularly. Staying on top of your leads shows you're serious about building those relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining Dowds. It’s a great way to show your enthusiasm and commitment to being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Executive role. Highlight relevant experience in business development, sales, or client-facing roles, especially within construction or engineering. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about joining Dowds and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any existing networks you have in the industry – we love that!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:Since this role is all about building relationships, make sure to highlight your strong interpersonal and communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully built rapport in previous roles – we want to know how you connect with people!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the construction and MEP market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and recent projects. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to build market intelligence.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Whether it's through meetings, networking events, or industry conferences, be ready to discuss how you can leverage your existing network to benefit Dowds. This will highlight your proactive approach and ability to open doors.
✨Demonstrate Your Sales Acumen
Be prepared to talk about your experience in generating leads and feeding opportunities into sales pipelines. Share specific examples of how you've converted conversations into tangible results. This will show that you understand the relationship-led sales process and are ready to contribute to Dowds' growth.
✨Be a Brand Ambassador
Understand Dowds' values and vision, and think about how you can embody these in your role. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for representing the company positively in the market. This will demonstrate your alignment with their mission and your commitment to being a proactive ambassador.
