Business Development Manager in Wadhurst

We Are Recruiting: Business Development Manager

Updated September 2026

About Us

Urban Edge Environmental Consulting (UEEC) is a growing environmental consultancy specialising in ecology and arboriculture services for the planning and development sector. We work on projects across the South East, partnering with many of the UK’s leading housebuilders, planning consultants, architects and local planning authorities.

We’re a team of 22, based primarily in a converted barn just of the A23 near Hassocks, with a second office in Wadhurst on the East Sussex/Kent border. Having grown steadily over the past decade, we’re now looking for a Business Development Manager to help drive the next stage of our growth.

Reporting to the Business Development Director and Managing Director, you’ll play a key role in developing client relationships, identifying new opportunities and helping to shape the future of the business. There are genuine opportunities for progression as the company continues to expand.

We’ve recently become part of the The Ecology Group, a co-operative network of ecology and environmental consultancies across England and Wales – which offers new opportunities for collaboration.

We’re proud of our friendly, supportive culture. You’ll receive plenty of guidance as you settle into the role and develop an understanding of our industry. No prior ecology or planning experience is required. We think the work is genuinely interesting – with projects ranging from housing developments and new towns to schools, castles and renewable energy projects.

The role can be either full-time or part-time (24+ hours per week). We offer flexible and hybrid working, combining office-based and home working.

Key Responsibilities

• Responding to incoming enquiries and preparing fee proposals
• Following up on quotations, focusing on securing the most commercially attractive opportunities
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients, through meetings, phone calls and emails
• Researching and approaching new clients, particularly during the autumn and winter months
• Representing the company at networking events and industry functions
• Helping to develop content for the website and supporting the launch of our new site

What We’re Looking For

• Degree-level education
• At least five years’ experience in a B2B business development, account management or client relationship role in a consultative environment where success depends on understanding clients’ needs and tailoring solutions, rather than a purely sales-led approach
• The ability to learn quickly and develop an understanding of ecology and the planning process, with full support from the team
• Excellent listening, communication and writing skills
• Confidence to talk on a level with senior decision-makers and to build long-term professional relationships
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges of working within a growing SME
• The ability to identify, assess and prioritise business opportunities, ensuring that the team’s schedule is filled with high-quality and commercially attractive projects
• A proactive and organised approach, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously
• Salary of £40k+ FTE, depending on experience
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 28 days paid holiday, plus additional 3 days at Christmas and a further day off on your birthday
• TOIL system
• Company contributory pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Professional development and training
• Dog-friendly office with garden, with lunchtime walks if desired up Wolstenbury Hill