About us London Fire Solutions was set up in 2011 and has been keeping residents safe ever since. We make our own certified fire doors in a 30,000 sq ft factory in Gillingham, and we install, survey, fire stop and maintain them for housing providers, councils and main contractors. We’re BAFE registered (SP203-1) and NICEIC accredited, so we also design, install and maintain fire detection and alarm systems. That means we can look after a building’s fire safety from the doors to the alarms. In 15 years we’ve grown to a turnover of just under £19m, with an office in the Midlands and plans to expand into the North. Most of our work is with housing associations and local authorities, helping them keep residents safe and meet their building safety duties. The role We’re looking for a Head of Business Development who already knows the social housing market and the people in it. You’ll start by winning work yourself, building relationships with asset, compliance and building safety teams across the country and selling our full offer: fire doors, fire stopping, fire alarms and planned maintenance. You’ll grow the team as the pipeline grows, recruiting and leading the sales people who’ll support our expansion into the Midlands and the North. A big part of the role is winning long-term maintenance contracts, so clients stay with us for years, not just for one job. You’ll have a clear first-year sales target and the backing to hit it. What you’ll be doing * Winning new social housing clients nationally and growing work with existing ones, with a focus on the regions we’re expanding into * Selling our fire doors and fire stopping, along with the maintenance and fire alarm services that keep clients with us long term * Tracking every opportunity through each stage of the pipeline in HubSpot, from first contact to won or lost, and reporting weekly to the MD on what’s progressing, what’s stalled and why * Recruiting, developing and managing a sales team as the business grows * Working with our bid team on frameworks and tenders * Representing LFS at industry events, CPDs and client meetings What we’re looking for * A proven track record selling fire doors, passive fire protection or fire safety services into social housing * Real contacts at housing providers across the UK you can get a meeting with * Disciplined about pipeline reporting, with experience keeping a CRM accurate and up to date (HubSpot experience would be a bonus) * Experience building or managing a sales team, or a clear plan for how you’d do it * A good understanding of the Building Safety Act, fire door and fire stopping requirements, and fire alarm maintenance * Experience selling planned maintenance or service contracts would be a real plus * Comfortable travelling nationally, with a full UK driving licence What we offer Pension, cycle to work scheme, employee discount, health and wellbeing support and life insurance. You’ll also be selling something you can stand behind: doors we make ourselves, fitted by our own teams, with direct access to the MD and the chance to shape how our sales function grows. To apply, send your CV with a short note on the housing providers you’ve worked with
Head of Business Development – Fire Doors & Passive Fire Protection in Gillingham employer: London Fire Solutions
London Fire Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture in Gillingham, where your skills as a Wood Machinist will be valued and nurtured. With competitive salaries, ongoing training, and clear pathways for career progression, you will thrive in a company committed to quality and safety in the fire protection industry. Enjoy additional benefits such as extra annual leave for each year of service, a Cycle to Work scheme, and a friendly team environment that prioritises your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development – Fire Doors & Passive Fire Protection in Gillingham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like London Fire Solutions, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Business Development – Fire Doors & Passive Fire Protection at London Fire Solutions.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Fire Solutions
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
