Role Purpose
The Business Development Director is a key member of the IES Executive Leadership Team, responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth and market share across all utility sectors, including Water, Electricity, Gas, Renewables (Solar, Wind, BES), Independent Connection Provider (ICP) services, and Telecommunications.
The role requires strategic vision, strong stakeholder engagement, and a proven ability to secure high-value contracts with major clients, developers, and asset owners. The Business Development Director will shape the companys go-to-market strategy, lead on strategic partnerships and frameworks, and ensure the business continues to expand its position as a leading Strategic Delivery Partner UK.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a business development strategy aligned with the companys £200m+ growth ambitions.
- Identify, prioritise, and secure opportunities across regulated utilities, renewables, ICP, and telecoms sectors.
- Drive diversification into emerging energy markets (e.g. EV infrastructure, hydrogen, microgrids, smart networks).
- Provide market intelligence and competitor analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
Revenue Growth & Client Development
- Lead the end-to-end pursuit of major framework agreements, tenders, and long-term strategic partnerships with key clients (DNOs, IDNOs, water companies, energy developers, Tier 1 contractors, telecoms providers, and government bodies).
- Build and maintain strong board-level relationships with utility companies, regulators, developers, investors, and supply chain partners.
- Oversee and challenge robust bid strategies, pricing models, and win themes to maximise contract awards.
- Ensure the business pipeline is healthy, balanced, and aligned to profitability targets.
Commercial & Operational Integration
- Work closely with Operations and Commercial Directors to ensure seamless mobilisation of secured projects.
- Support the development of innovative commercial models that de-risk projects and maximise shareholder value.
- Drive cross-sector collaboration, ensuring capabilities across water, power, gas, and telecoms are fully leveraged
Team Leadership & Culture
- Lead and develop a high-performing business development and bid team, ensuring succession planning and skills development.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer focus.
- Act as an ambassador for the company's brand and values across the sector.
Key Accountabilities
- Achieve annual new business targets (£250m+ pipeline growth, £200m+ secured revenue).
- Win and retain multi-million-pound framework agreements across all utility sectors.
- Position the company as a market leader in integrated, multi-utility solutions.
- Deliver sustainable growth in line with shareholder expectations and corporate strategy.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven track record at Director level in business development or commercial leadership within utilities, energy, or infrastructure.
- Strong understanding of the UK utility sector across Water, Gas, Electricity, ICP, Renewables, and Telecoms.
- Demonstrable success in securing and delivering high-value frameworks and strategic partnerships.
- Exceptional client relationship management and influencing skills at board and regulatory level.
- Deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks (Ofgem, Ofwat, Ofcom, DESNZ policy) and how they impact market opportunities.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in complex contract negotiation, PFI/PPP structures, and risk management.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Desirable
- Experience in new energy markets: hydrogen, EV charging, smart grids, and storage.
- Strong industry network across utilities, developers, and regulators.
- Previous board-level accountability for £100m+ turnover business or division.
Package
- Executive-level remuneration package, including performance-related bonus and LTIP.
- Benefits package aligned with senior leadership position.
