Principal Business Development Manager

Company: Willmott Dixon
Apply for the Principal Business Development Manager
Location: London
Job Description:

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.

NB. We will also consider applications from well rounded individuals at the ‘Senior BDM’ level, who are looking to step up and take on a greater challenge.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Business Development

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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Posted: May 30th, 2026