Client Development Manager/BDM

Client Development Manager/BDM

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Michael Taylor Search & Selection

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive business growth by building relationships and securing new opportunities in the M&E sector.
  • Company: Leading Mechanical & Electrical Contractor with a strong reputation in Central London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to work on high-value projects.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and sustainability in the construction industry.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of building services and make impactful connections.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in Building Services or M&E contracting with strong business development skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

We are a £100m turnover Mechanical & Electrical Contractor based in Central London, delivering technically complex building services projects across the Commercial, Healthcare, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and wider Public Sector sectors. Our portfolio includes projects valued up to £30m, delivered for some of the UK’s leading developers, contractors, government bodies and end-user clients. Through technical excellence, collaborative working and a commitment to quality, we have established a strong reputation as a trusted delivery partner within the building services industry.

As a leading Central London-based M&E Contractor, we are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Senior Business Development & Pre-Construction Manager to drive business growth and support our continued expansion. Reporting directly to the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining key client relationships, identifying and securing new business opportunities, leading Early Contractor Involvement activities and working closely with the Pre-Construction and Estimating teams to support projects from initial engagement through to contract award. Acting as a senior ambassador for the business, this individual will represent the company across the industry, building relationships with clients, consultants, developers, main contractors and key stakeholders whilst promoting our technical expertise, delivery capability and market-leading reputation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, developers, main contractors and key stakeholders to generate and secure new business opportunities across the Commercial, Healthcare, MoD, MoJ and Public Sector markets.
  • Act as a key representative and ambassador for the business, attending client meetings, industry events, networking functions, exhibitions and professional forums to promote the company’s capabilities and strengthen its market presence.
  • Lead early-stage client engagement and Early Contractor Involvement activities, supporting the development of project opportunities from initial enquiry through to contract award.
  • Work collaboratively with clients, consultants and internal teams to understand project requirements, budgets, programmes and procurement strategies, providing commercial and technical input where required.
  • Support the development of budget estimates, feasibility studies and cost plans, working closely with the Estimating Team to produce commercially competitive and technically compliant proposals.
  • Review project documentation, specifications and Employer's Requirements to identify risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions that enhance project outcomes and competitiveness.
  • Support the tender process from opportunity qualification through to submission and contract award, coordinating with Estimating, Commercial, Design, Planning, Procurement, HSEQ and Operations teams to ensure effective bid delivery.
  • Contribute to tender strategies, technical submissions, executive summaries, project methodologies, tender interviews and post-tender negotiations.
  • Identify opportunities for negotiated work, repeat business, strategic partnerships and framework appointments, maintaining a robust pipeline of opportunities and market intelligence.
  • Support the development of competitive commercial strategies, including cost planning, pricing reviews and risk and opportunity assessments.
  • Ensure a seamless handover of secured projects to operational delivery teams, communicating key client expectations, commercial considerations and project objectives.
  • Promote continuous improvement through the sharing of lessons learned, client feedback, market intelligence and industry best practice.
  • Maintain an up-to-date understanding of market trends, sector developments and emerging opportunities to support the company’s long-term growth strategy.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years' experience within the Building Services or M&E contracting sector.
  • Strong technical understanding of Mechanical and Electrical Building Services installations.
  • Proven experience in business development, pre-construction, estimating, bid management or client side PQS role.
  • Demonstrable track record of securing projects within Commercial, Healthcare, MoD, MoJ and Public Sector environments.
  • Strong commercial awareness with experience contributing to cost plans, budget estimates and pricing strategies.
  • Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to engage confidently with clients, consultants, contractors and senior decision makers.
  • Strong networking and relationship-building capabilities.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of low-carbon technologies, sustainability initiatives and modern methods of construction.

Personal Attributes

  • Highly professional and credible client-facing individual.
  • Confident communicator with excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong relationship builder with a proven ability to develop long-term client partnerships.
  • Commercially astute with a proactive and opportunity-focused mindset.
  • Self-motivated, ambitious and results driven.
  • Able to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strategic thinker with strong organisational skills.
  • Professional ambassador capable of representing the business at the highest level.

Client Development Manager/BDM employer: Michael Taylor Search & Selection

As a leading Mechanical & Electrical Contractor based in Central London, we pride ourselves on our commitment to technical excellence and collaborative work culture. Our employees benefit from a dynamic environment that fosters professional growth through diverse project opportunities across various sectors, including Commercial and Healthcare, while enjoying the vibrancy of London as their workplace. With a strong focus on employee development and a reputation for quality, we offer a rewarding career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the building services industry.

Michael Taylor Search & Selection

Contact Details:

Michael Taylor Search & Selection Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Client Development Manager/BDM

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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection, 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 Client Development Manager/BDM at Michael Taylor Search & Selection.

We think you need these skills to ace Client Development Manager/BDM

Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Early Contractor Involvement
Technical Understanding of Mechanical and Electrical Building Services
Bid Management
Cost Planning
Budget Estimation

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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection

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!