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 transforming communities and enhancing the environment.
- Qualifications: 5-10+ years in Business Development within fit-out and interiors; strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Recognised as a top employer for gender equality and workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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:
- 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.
Senior Business Development Manager in London employer: Willmott Dixon Interiors
Contact Detail:
Willmott Dixon Interiors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience in workplace fit-out projects and how you've driven growth in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's a casual chat or a formal interview, make sure you can clearly articulate your value proposition. Tailor your message to align with the company's goals and demonstrate how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and makes it easier for us to spot your talent among the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Business Development Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in business development, especially within the fit-out and interiors sector, and showcase how you can drive growth in our private sector workplace.
Showcase Your Relationships: We want to see your ability to cultivate and maintain senior relationships. Mention any existing connections with PM, QS, and Design practices in the London workplace market, as this will demonstrate your potential to hit the ground running.
Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, emphasise your strategic approach to business development. Share examples of how you've identified and secured major opportunities in the past, and how you validated those opportunities early on to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
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 Willmott Dixon.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Interiors
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Business Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of project values and margins. Brush up on key figures related to the fit-out sector, especially those between £5m and £30m. Be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue in past roles.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Since this role is all about cultivating strong relationships, try to connect with current or former employees of the company before your interview. This can give you insights into their culture and expectations, which will help you tailor your responses.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to validate opportunities or manage complex stakeholder relationships. Prepare specific examples from your experience where you've successfully navigated these situations, showcasing your commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
The job description highlights the importance of storytelling in customer engagement. Prepare a compelling narrative about your career journey, focusing on how your experiences align with the company's values and mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.