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- Tasks: Drive growth in private sector workplace projects and secure high-value opportunities.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated company with a rich history and commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of workplace environments.
- Qualifications: 5-10+ years in Business Development within fit-out and interiors; strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised for its commitment to gender equality and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ 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 (20,000–70,000 sq. ft). 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:
- 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 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.
- 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 in London employer: Willmott Dixon Interiors
Contact Detail:
Willmott Dixon Interiors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Business Development in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your network. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a personal brand that highlights your skills and experience in business development. Share insights, write articles, or even post videos about trends in the fit-out sector. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also attracts potential employers to you.
✨Prepare for Conversations
When you land an interview or networking chat, come prepared with specific examples of how you've driven growth and secured deals in the past. Tailor your stories to align with the company’s goals and values, showing them exactly how you can add value.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows your genuine interest in the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities as they arise.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Business Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Business Development role. Highlight your experience in business development, especially within the fit-out and interiors sector. We want to see how your skills align with our strategic objectives!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and secured high-value deals in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Relationships: Since this role involves cultivating senior relationships, make sure to mention your existing connections with PM, QS, and Design practices. We’re keen to see how you can leverage these relationships to drive our business forward.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Interiors
✨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 ways to demonstrate your networking skills. Prepare examples of how you've cultivated and maintained senior relationships in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can leverage these connections for WD Interiors.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This position requires intelligent pre-positioning and disciplined opportunity selection. Be prepared to discuss your approach to identifying and validating opportunities early. Share specific examples where your strategic thinking led to successful outcomes in business development.
✨Prepare for Complex Conversations
Given the need to manage complex stakeholder relationships, practice articulating your thoughts on challenging conversations. Think of scenarios where you had to negotiate or influence decisions at a senior level, and be ready to share how you navigated those discussions effectively.
