At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth in NI and ROI, managing client relationships and sales pipelines.
- Company: Join a leading joinery manufacturer with a rich history and innovative approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company van, laptop, phone, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a clear career path to leadership in a dynamic industry.
- Why this job: Be the key player in expanding our market presence and shaping the future of the business.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Unit 4 Station Road Industrial Estate, Station Road, Magherafelt BT45 5EY
About Us: Since our establishment in 1945, John J. Higgins has remained dedicated to the art of joinery. Today, we stand as a market leader across a range of joinery products, recognised for our ability to blend time-honoured techniques with cutting-edge technology & design. We aren't just suppliers; we are partners to the developers and architects who specify our products on their projects. Our success is sustained by four core pillars that define every project we touch: Quality without compromise, Delivery you can depend on, Service that puts the client first, Integrity in every detail.
Position Summary: This role is a strategic blend of account management and territory expansion. As the Business Development Manager, you will be the driving force behind our growth into the Republic of Ireland (ROI) market while ensuring our established Northern Ireland (NI) client base remains well served and developed. The successful candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end development of our sales infrastructure, from pipeline through to market-share acquisition. You’ll be representing a high-quality manufacturer of windows and door sets to include fire door sets, acting as the bridge between our production facility and a diverse range of B2B clients, including developers, architects, and trade installers. As part of wider succession planning, this is a role well suited for someone who is looking for a high degree of autonomy alongside the genuine ability to develop and grow the entire sales function of the business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Market Expansion: Identify and execute entry strategies for the South of Ireland, targeting developments and residential projects that complement our existing customer base.
- Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for existing NI accounts, ensuring high retention and service levels through regular site visits and relationship development.
- Pipeline Management: Take full ownership of the sales funnel, ensuring a consistent flow of opportunities through proactive lead generation and networking.
- Technical Consultation: Provide expert advice on window and door specifications, ensuring solutions meet local building regulations (both NI and ROI standards). Maintain and update CRM systems with prospects, client data, and sales activities. Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure project success from start to finish.
- Operational Autonomy: Manage your own schedule and workload, prioritising high-impact activities that align with the company’s scaling objectives.
- Departmental Evolution: Drive and develop the sales function, providing the data and results necessary to eventually scale and lead a wider sales team. Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and promotional activities.
Essential Skills & Attributes:
- Experience: Proven experience within a business development/sales role (ideally in the construction or joinery sector) with a track record of meeting targets and growing a pipeline.
- Communication: Exceptional presentation and interpersonal skills, capable of representing the brand at the highest industry levels.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to map out new business opportunities and align with company goals.
- Strong Attention to Detail: Particularly important when working within the fire door industry.
- Commercial Acumen: Proven ability to manage complex sales cycles and negotiate high-value contracts with senior stakeholders.
- Self-Governance: A demonstrated track record of working independently, requiring minimal supervision to achieve and exceed KPIs.
- Confident with IT CRM systems, and MS Office. Full clean driving license and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight stays.
Desirable Skills:
- Prior knowledge of the joinery, doors, or wider construction sector.
- Familiarity with fire safety regulations and certification would be advantageous.
Working Hours & Benefits:
- Full-time, Monday to Friday (08:00-17:30)
- Early finish on Fridays (08:00-16:15)
- Competitive salary: negotiable depending on experience
- Company van & fuel provided
- Company laptop & phone provided
- Pension scheme
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
- Career Trajectory with a direct path to a leadership role as the company expands its regional footprint.
Business Development Manager (NI&ROI) JBLE1_NI employer: John J Higgins
At John J. Higgins, we pride ourselves on being a market leader in joinery since 1945, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that fosters employee growth and autonomy. As a Business Development Manager, you will enjoy a competitive salary, a company van, and the opportunity to shape our expansion into the Republic of Ireland while maintaining strong relationships with our Northern Ireland clients. With a clear career trajectory towards leadership roles, this position is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a dynamic industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager (NI&ROI) JBLE1_NI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and trade shows where you can meet potential clients and partners. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself and share what you do. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach! Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you, reach out to potential clients directly. A quick call or email can open doors and show that you’re eager to help them with their projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When meeting with clients, provide valuable insights and advice on window and door specifications. This not only builds trust but also positions you as a knowledgeable partner in their projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your CRM updated! Regularly input client data and sales activities to stay organised. This will help you manage your pipeline effectively and ensure you never miss a follow-up opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager (NI&ROI) JBLE1_NI
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 sales and business development, especially in the construction or joinery sector. We want to see how your skills align with our core pillars!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your strategic thinking and relationship management skills. Tell us why you’re passionate about joining our team and how you can contribute to our growth in the ROI market.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet targets and grow pipelines. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing your successes with us!
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 our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at John J Higgins
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the construction and joinery market in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Understand the key players, recent trends, and potential opportunities. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
As a Business Development Manager, relationship management is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained client relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you used to ensure high retention and service levels, as this will resonate well with the company's focus on client-first service.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Brush up on window and door specifications, especially regarding fire safety regulations. Being able to speak confidently about technical details will set you apart from other candidates. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you provided expert advice or solved a technical issue for a client.
✨Prepare for Autonomy
This role requires a high degree of autonomy, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed your own schedule and workload in previous positions. Share examples of how you prioritised tasks and drove results independently, aligning with the company's scaling objectives.
