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- Tasks: Drive growth in private sector workplace projects and secure high-quality opportunities.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated company with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Lead strategic initiatives and shape the future of workplace fit-outs in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5-10+ years in Business Development within fit-out and interiors; strong relationship management skills.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised for its commitment to gender equality and sustainable development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're 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'll 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's about intelligent pre-positioning, strong relationships and disciplined opportunity selection. You'll work closely with our proposals, marketing and operational teams to maximise bid conversion and deliver long-term value.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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.
- 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 resource.
- 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.
- 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 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
✨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
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your past successes in business development. This will help you stand out when you’re chatting with potential employers or during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your pitch to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at WD Interiors.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Business Development Manager
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 validate opportunities early on.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Group
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the private sector workplace and Cat B fit-out market. Understand current trends, key players, and potential opportunities. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can drive growth and secure high-quality projects.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role is all about strong relationships, think of examples where you've successfully cultivated connections with PMs, QSs, and design teams. Be ready to discuss how these relationships have led to successful project outcomes in your past roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to validating opportunities and selecting projects. Highlight your ability to assess risks and value, and be ready to share specific examples of how your strategic decisions have positively impacted business development.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your presentation skills, as you'll need to present strategies and recommendations to senior leadership. Use storytelling techniques to make your points compelling and memorable, demonstrating your ability to influence at a high level.
