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