Business Development Manager in South Croydon

This role sits within a large, established equipment rental business operating across the UK, with wider alignment across Europe and the US. The business supports construction, infrastructure and industrial markets. The power division delivers temporary power solutions, from smaller generator hire through to larger, multi-unit installations supporting industrial operations, shutdowns and infrastructure projects. Historically, the focus was on smaller, transactional hire. That has changed. Investment has been made in fleet, engineering capability and commercial leadership, with a clear shift toward larger, technically led projects and long-term customer relationships. The next phase is building regions that perform consistently.

Why this role exists: This region is already active. Customers are hiring, projects are underway and revenue exists. What’s missing is consistent commercial ownership. You won’t inherit a structured portfolio. You’ll take what’s already there and build it into repeat contracts, direct relationships with end users and consistent, profitable revenue.

What you’ll be doing:

• Open new accounts across contractors, industrial clients and end users
• Develop existing customers into long-term relationships
• Engage early to understand requirements and site constraints
• Work with engineering and operations to deliver the right solution
• Build relationships with both contractors and end users
• Manage internal stakeholders to ensure delivery matches what’s sold
• Build a pipeline that converts into repeat work

This is a solution-led role, not transactional hire.

What you’re walking into: You’re not starting from zero. The fleet, engineering and operational capability are already in place, and the region generates revenue. What’s missing is structured territory development. There’s also internal complexity. Accounts often involve multiple stakeholders, and ownership isn’t always clear. You’ll need to manage relationships internally as well as externally to grow business.

How the role operates: This is a mix of planned account development and reactive demand. Some work is long-term, while some requires quick decisions and fast turnaround. Customers will come with urgent requirements. You’ll need to gather the right information, work with technical teams and deliver solutions under pressure. There will also be internal challenges around priorities and account ownership. Staying focused on the outcome matters.

What it takes to succeed: This role suits someone comfortable building from an existing base and working through complexity.

• Open new accounts and develop relationships that lead to repeat revenue
• Work closely with operations and engineering
• Handle challenges without losing momentum
• Stay consistent while the region develops

There will be pressure at times, and moments where progress takes persistence. You’ll be supported by a team that works together to deliver results.

What success looks like: Within 6–12 months, you’ve built a presence across the region, opened key accounts and started to generate repeat business. Longer term, the region delivers consistent performance and you’re recognised in the market as a trusted contact.

Culture and working environment: This is a team-focused environment with high trust and low micromanagement. Open communication is expected, and people support each other to deliver outcomes. It’s not a lone wolf environment. You’re expected to take ownership, be honest about challenges and contribute to the wider team.

Who this role would suit: This role could suit an experienced business development manager or external sales professional within power, hire or a related technical sector, looking for more ownership. It could also suit someone stepping into a more commercial role, provided they bring the right technical grounding and mindset. This could include internal sales professionals, applications engineers or individuals from adjacent sectors such as pumps, HVAC or M&E environments. What matters most is the ability to build relationships, understand customer requirements, engage commercially and take ownership.

What we’re looking for: Candidates are likely to bring a combination of:

• Experience in power, hire or a related technical or commercial environment
• Evidence of opening or growing customer accounts
• Technical understanding or the ability to learn quickly
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• A consultative approach and commercial awareness
• Resilience and a team-focused mindset

Progression: The business is evolving. Opportunities will come through performance and contribution.

Package:

• £50,000–£60,000 base
• Up to 40% bonus (currently evolving)
• Company vehicle or £5,000 allowance
• 6% Pension
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Option to buy 5 extra days
• Life assurance
• Private healthcare option
• Wellbeing and volunteering days