Head of Sales · Asset Consultancy & Safety
TRL · National (UK) · Full-time
TRL has spent decades at the forefront of transport, safety, and infrastructure research. Now, under new private equity ownership, we are shifting gear. We are building a commercial engine to match the quality of what we already do, and we are looking for someone who wants to be first through the door.
This is not a role for a passenger. It is a role for someone who walks into a room full of local authorities, national highways bodies, major contractors, and infrastructure operators, and sees opportunity where others see complexity.
The opportunity
TRL’s asset consultancy and safety divisions serve some of the most significant organisations in UK infrastructure. Our consultants are in front of clients every week, doing genuinely world-class work across road safety, collision data, forensic investigation, bridge safety systems, pavement condition, fatigue detection, and more.
The commercial infrastructure to match that capability is still being built. That is the opportunity. A well-regarded name, a deep client base; a portfolio of capabilities that could command far more revenue than it currently does, and leadership that is serious about change.
What you will be doing
- Owning new business and account expansion across public and private sector clients, from local authorities and national government bodies to major construction and highways companies
- Selling across the full TRL portfolio: asset consultancy, safety services, software products, and specialist technical capabilities
- Identifying and opening opportunities that cut across divisions, with pre-sales and technical support behind you
- Bringing a visible, credible sales presence to an organisation that is learning to be commercially confident
- Seeing deals through from conversation to delivery, not just to signature
What we are looking for
- A track record of complex, consultative sales into public sector, large private sector, or both
- Comfortable navigating long sales cycles, multiple stakeholders, and technically complex propositions
- Credible with a director at a local authority and equally credible with a commercial lead at a major contractor
- High commercial intelligence: able to see where the money is, who controls it, and how to position a solution around the way clients actually buy
- Collaborative enough to bring an organisation with you, driven enough not to wait for permission
- Sector background in infrastructure, civil engineering, transport, safety, or a related technical field is a strong advantage
What this is not
This is not a role for someone who hands off at contract and moves on. It is not a role for someone who needs a large team behind them before they start. And it is not a role for someone who is uncomfortable being the person inside an organisation who makes the case, quietly and persistently, for why sales matters.
Compensation
Basic salary commensurate with experience , with a bonus structure designed to let the right person earn significantly above that. The upside is real. We are open on location: this is a national role and we will not restrict talent by geography.
Why now
TRL is at an inflection point. The name is established. The capabilities are genuine. The commercial journey is just beginning. If you have ever looked at an organisation with a strong product and an underdeveloped go-to-market and thought, I could do something here, this is that organisation.
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