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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in private sector workplace projects and secure high-quality opportunities.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated company with a rich history and strong values.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and a focus on sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a lead role while shaping the future of workplace design.
- Qualifications: 5-10+ years in Business Development within fit-out and interiors; strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Recognised as one of the best companies to work for, with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Principal Business Development Manager to join WD Interiors, based within our Old Bailey office in central London, with the opportunity of flexible hybrid working. This is a lead-level role within our business, focused on driving the growth of our private sector workplace and Cat B occupier fit-out portfolio, typically projects valued between £5m and £30m. You will play a pivotal role in identifying, shaping and securing high-quality opportunities, validating opportunities early and ensuring that the right projects are pursued in line with our strategic objectives. This role is not about volume bidding; it is about intelligent pre-positioning, strong relationships and disciplined opportunity selection. You will work closely with our proposals, marketing and operational teams to maximise bid conversion and deliver long-term value.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Business Development: Drive the delivery of the regional growth strategy for Workplace / Cat B fit-out within WD Interiors. Identify and secure major business development opportunities with strong revenue and margin potential. Lead market engagement to grow our presence within the private sector occupier market, complementing our existing public-sector experience.
- Customer & Market Engagement: Cultivate and maintain senior relationships with professional teams (PM, QS, Design), agents and key customers. Validate opportunities early by clarifying budget, programme, procurement route, risks and competition before committing resources. Act as a trusted advisor to customers, shaping briefs, managing expectations and supporting informed decision-making. Lead negotiations and close high-value deals on favourable commercial terms.
- Collaboration & Work Winning: Work closely with the Cat B / Workplace Operational Lead to align business development activity with delivery capability. Integrate seamlessly with proposals and marketing teams to improve bid quality and conversion rates. Present opportunities, strategies and recommendations to senior leadership and Board-level forums.
Essential Skills:
- 5 - 10+ years' experience in Business Development, New Business or Procurement within the fit-out and interiors sector.
- Strong understanding of workplace / Cat B fit-out procurement, including single-stage, two-stage, D&B and traditional routes.
- Hold existing relationships with PM, QS and Design practices within the London workplace market.
- Excellent commercial acumen, with the ability to assess risk, value and opportunity quality.
- Strong written, presentation and influencing skills, comfortable operating at senior and Board level.
- Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and challenging conversations.
- Valid UK driving licence.
Desirable Skills:
- Design or Design Management background with a successful transition into business development.
- Degree-qualified (beneficial but not essential).
- Strong storytelling capability to support compelling customer engagement.
About Us: With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon's purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive. Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 "Big" Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe's 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025. Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.
Principal Business Development Manager in London employer: Willmott Dixon Group
Contact Detail:
Willmott Dixon Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Business Development Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework on the company! Understand their projects, values, and recent news. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven business development and secured high-value deals. Make it relatable and engaging!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Business Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in business development, especially within the fit-out and interiors sector, and showcase how your skills align with our strategic objectives.
Showcase Your Relationships: We want to see your ability to cultivate and maintain senior relationships. Include examples of how you've engaged with professional teams and key customers in the past, as this is crucial for driving growth in our private sector workplace.
Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen: Use your application to illustrate your understanding of workplace procurement routes and your ability to assess risk and opportunity quality. This will show us that you can make informed decisions and act as a trusted advisor to our customers.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at WD Interiors.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Business Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of project values and margins. Brush up on key figures related to workplace and Cat B fit-out projects, especially those valued between £5m and £30m. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re serious about driving growth.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Since this role is all about strong relationships, try to connect with professionals in the industry before your interview. Reach out to PMs, QSs, or Design teams on LinkedIn. Mentioning these connections during your interview can highlight your proactive approach and existing network.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to validate opportunities and manage complex stakeholder relationships. Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated challenging conversations or closed high-value deals. This will showcase your commercial acumen and problem-solving skills.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Willmott Dixon's values and their commitment to sustainability and community enhancement. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering lasting value. This will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a difference.
