Senior Business Development Manager

Business Development Director – Utilities & Infrastructure

(Internally - Client Director)

UK (Hybrid)

Full-time

Competitive + Bonus + Benefits

Position the future of community-led energy infrastructure.

We are partnering with a forward-thinking organisation operating at the intersection of energy infrastructure, social impact, and community investment.

The UK's energy grid is undergoing significant change. Led by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), a long-term infrastructure programme is reshaping how energy is generated, stored, and distributed — through new hubs, expanded networks, and community-level storage. Distribution Network Operators, water authorities, and major infrastructure providers are investing heavily in the communities where they operate, with multi-million-pound innovation funds they are obligated to spend.

We are hiring a Business Development Director to help this organisation become a strategic partner at the heart of this transformation.

The Opportunity

This is a senior, commercially focused role combining new business development with strategic market-building in an emerging and fast-moving sector.

You will lead the development of a high-quality pipeline while converting opportunities into long-term, embedded partnerships with infrastructure providers across energy and water.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building and executing a targeted business development strategy across DNOs, water authorities, and energy infrastructure providers
• Generating and converting a qualified pipeline of opportunities across regulated and discretionary spend
• White-labelling and selling existing programmes into this sector, working closely with internal teams to tailor propositions
• Developing multi-year partnerships with organisations such as UK Power Networks, SGN, Cadent, and Ofwat-regulated water companies
• Engaging senior stakeholders at Director, Executive, and C-suite level across infrastructure and sustainability functions
• Driving commercial performance and long-term revenue growth within the sector

What Makes This Role Different

• You will be building out a new market vertical, with real input into how the organisation approaches and develops the sector
• The client base — DNOs, water companies, and energy networks — have significant, ring-fenced budgets for community and innovation programmes
• There is an existing suite of programmes to sell into this market, with scope to shape how they are packaged and positioned
• The sector is moving quickly, which means early relationships and early wins carry a lot of weight

About You

You're a senior commercial leader with a track record in business development within regulated industries, infrastructure, or community investment.

You will likely bring:

• Experience selling services, programmes, or managed solutions into energy, utilities, water, or infrastructure sectors
• Understanding of regulated funding obligations, Ofwat/Ofgem frameworks, and community investment requirements
• Proven success building relationships and winning business with DNOs, network operators, or large infrastructure organisations
• Comfort engaging at Director and Executive level across sustainability, innovation, and community affairs functions
• A structured approach to pipeline development in emerging or underdeveloped markets
• Strong commercial acumen with a focus on long-term partnership value

Success in This Role

Initially:

• Map and qualify the utilities and infrastructure market opportunity
• Build early relationships with key innovation and community investment leads
• Win initial contracts and establish the organisation's presence in the sector

Longer term:

• Deliver measurable revenue growth from regulated and discretionary spend
• Establish multi-year partnerships with leading energy and water infrastructure providers
• Position the organisation as the go-to partner for community-embedded infrastructure investment across the UK