Business Development Director - UK Public Sector

Version 1 has celebrated over 29 years in Technology Services and continues to be trusted by global brands to deliver solutions that drive customer success. Our expertise enables our customers to navigate the rapidly changing Digital‑First world we live in. We foster strong partnerships with leading technology giants including Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, and Snowflake, ensuring that our customers are provided with the highest quality solutions and services.

We’re an award‑winning employer reflecting how our employees are at the very heart of Version 1 and what we do:

• 10+ years as a Great Place to Work in Ireland & UK
• Best Workplace for Women in the UK & Ireland by GPTW
• Best Workplace for Wellbeing in the UK by GPTW

We’re a core values driven company, we hire people who share our values, and we reward those who display and foster them, it’s deeply embedded within our DNA. Invest in us and we’ll invest in you!

The role will be part of a successful, growing team focused on UK Central Government opportunities. The team is made up of a number of salespeople, who generate new opportunities and/or lead on responses to large government procurement programmes. Come and join us as we prepare for the next phase of expansion and make a difference in the industry.

Customer Management

You should expect to spend lots of time with your customers – onsite with customer and Version 1 team. You’ll need to be prepared to travel regularly in order to do so. You will maintain high levels of customer satisfaction in order to retain and grow revenue in your customers.

Contract Management

Work with delivery practices to ensure commercial targets are achieved for your customers and ensure successful execution of contracts awarded to Version 1.

Opportunity Management

The role will include a new business development focus, primarily in existing accounts, but where appropriate in net new logo accounts, you will also lead sales opportunities developed both directly through our Commercial team or through our strategic technology partnerships.

Job Objectives

• Focused on developing business, with a mixture of existing and new logo accounts
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients to ensure repeat business, referrals and identification of new opportunities
• Lead quarterly business review meetings covering performance (SLA’s/KPI’s), customer satisfaction, innovation, quality and improvements
• Lead sales opportunities developed both directly through our Commercial team or through our strategic technology partnerships (Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat)
• Identify and develop new business opportunities through networking, cold calling, and other lead generation techniques which are fit for purpose and align with Version 1 priorities and customer activity.
• Leading both small and large sales opportunities, including leading on and supporting bids, preparation and management of all bid and sales materials.
• Lead the pre‑qualification process to ensure all customer sales opportunities and bids are fully qualified and identified as winnable.
• Create and manage an account plan, setting out the customer strategy on a rolling 24 months basis, identifying activities and opportunities aligned to the strategy and how we can proactively help shape plans and be their go‑to partner as a result.
• Manage your sales pipeline, including prospecting, qualifying, and closing deals.
• Monitor and report on sales performance metrics.
• Develop and execute sales strategies to meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Collaborate with colleagues (including commercial, pre‑sales, advisory services, practice and marketing) to develop and implement effective proposals.
• Prepare and present sales proposals and presentations to prospective clients.
• Conduct market research to stay informed of industry trends, competition, and potential new business opportunities.
• Work closely with technical teams to ensure that solutions meet customer needs.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with clients.

What we require

• Strong experience of working in a business development environment into the UK Public Sector, with a focus on Central Government
• Knowledge of the Public Sector tender processes, including Government Frameworks applicable to Central Government
• Experience in working in IT Services and technology solutions environment (rather than product)
• Influencing skills: the ability to get people at multiple levels to deliver what you need on time and with high quality, even though they won’t report to you will be critical to the success of the role.
• Proven experience of building strong customer relationships.

Why join Version 1?

• Share in our Success: Excellent base salary plus bonus & an opportunity to join our new V1 Equity success scheme
• Inclusive Culture: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• Professional Growth: We offer peer mentorship programs and career development opportunities to help you reach your full potential.
• Work‑Life Balance: We understand the importance of work‑life balance and offer flexible working arrangements.
• Supportive Community: Join a team that values collaboration, respect, and mutual support.
• Comprehensive benefits package that prioritises well‑being, professional growth, and financial stability.
• Tech‑related benefits, including an innovative Tech Scheme to keep our team members up‑to‑date with the latest technology.
• Health and safety, private medical and life insurance coverage, free eye tests and contributions toward glasses.
• Incentivised certifications and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
• Employee‑designed Profit Share scheme and Pathways Career Development Quarterly programme.
• PLUS, many more exciting benefits… drop us a note to find out more.