Group Business Development Manager (Major Projects)

Job Introduction

Reporting to the Director/General Manager VpRS, the Group Business Development Manager – Major Projects is responsible for developing and implementing Vp's strategic approach across designated major projects, with an initial focus on Sizewell C and the Lower Thames Crossing. The role brings together the expertise of the Vp Group businesses to deliver a collaborative and joined-up proposition to customers, identifying and developing opportunities for growth across the Vp Group, and ensuring that all relevant internal and external stakeholders are effectively engaged.

Working collaboratively across the Group, the role develops project strategies, builds and maintains relationships with key clients, contractors and project stakeholders, and ensures Vp is well positioned to maximise opportunities throughout the lifecycle of these nationally significant infrastructure projects. The role is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, coordinating bids and tenders, and ensuring Vp is recognised as a trusted strategic partner across the projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Vp's strategy across designated major projects (including Sizewell C and Lower Thames Crossing), working collaboratively across the Vp Group to identify, develop and maximise opportunities for growth, ensuring alignment with wider Group objectives.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Sizewell C and Lower Thames Crossing projects, including project timelines, procurement routes, key contractors, supply chain structures, future phases, work packages and market opportunities.
• Develop Vp's profile and visibility across the Sizewell C and Lower Thames Crossing projects through regular engagement with clients, contractors, industry events and project forums, ensuring Vp is well represented, recognised as a strategic partner and is considered a key part of the project supply chain throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify and engage with key clients, contractors, consultants and project stakeholders, facilitating introductions to the appropriate Vp businesses, products and specialist capabilities.
• Lead Vp's approach to key clients across the designated major projects, coordinating activity across all Vp businesses to deliver a consistent and joined-up customer proposition.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships across the breadth of the Vp Group, bringing together the expertise of individual businesses to maximise opportunities and deliver coordinated customer solutions.
• Develop and implement project-specific business development strategies, identifying and pursuing new business opportunities throughout the lifecycle of the designated major projects.
• Lead, coordinate and manage bids, tenders and framework submissions for packages of work as required, in collaboration with colleagues across the Group.
• Lead considered and commercially effective contract negotiations.
• Effectively manage strategic customer relationships associated with the projects, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and long-term partnership development.
• Assume overall account management responsibility for new Strategic Accounts as required, ensuring a coordinated and collaborative approach across the Vp Group.
• Arrange and coordinate equipment demonstrations, product showcases and customer engagement activities to promote the breadth of Vp's capabilities.
• Work collaboratively with divisional teams to ensure operational excellence, service delivery and customer satisfaction. Includes debt management, SLA compliance and developing accurate and tailored reporting.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, industry stakeholders, regulators and partners at all organisational levels.
• Attend regular customer meetings, performance reviews and strategic planning sessions with both internal and external stakeholders, providing bespoke reporting as required
• Work closely with Group Marketing and central functions to develop project specific promotional material and customer engagement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the full breadth of Vp's equipment, products and specialist capabilities, ensuring opportunities are matched to the most appropriate Group businesses.

The Ideal Candidate

• Highly motivated with strong commercial acumen
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience in business development within the construction, infrastructure or engineering sectors.
• Experience of working with major infrastructure projects, principal contractors or strategic customers.
• Strong understanding of project procurement routes, supply chains and tendering processes.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and implementing business growth strategies.
• Proven experience in presentation, influencing techniques and ability to overcome objections all necessary at a competently developed level
• Experience in complex bids and tender submissions.
• Experience of contract negotiation and commercial management
• Strong understanding of major infrastructure projects, procurement routes and commercial drivers affecting the industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience of preparing reports and presentations.
• Willing and comfortable working away from home to meet the national requirements of the role
• Experience in the Rental market - Desirable
• Competent use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and Teams
• Demonstrable experience of business systems including CRM tools

What We Can Offer You 

• Salary sacrifice pension
• 25 days holiday (increases with service), plus bank holidays & 1 extra day to be taken in the month of your birthday
• Additional holiday purchase scheme
• Company Car
• Private Health Insurance
• Free Tool Hire
• Life Assurance cover 3x salary 
• Share save scheme 
• Eye care vouchers
• Recommend a friend scheme 
• Learning & Development – commitment to upskilling and developing our people, structured in house training available alongside external training where required
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Long service recognition 
• My Vp discounts – a variety of discounts and rewards on thousands of well-known brands
• Discounts on HP products
• EE mobile contract discount offers
• Gym discounts
• Health Shield (discounted premiums on health care cash plan)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Service
• Will Writing & Funeral Concierge Service
• Regit Assist 24/7 accident helpline – free joining
• All the above benefits are managed through our Employee Engagement Platform – Spotlight

A Little Bit About Us 

Established in 1954, Vp plc has evolved into a dynamic group of companies with expertise in equipment rental. Our organisation encompasses eleven prominent operating divisions: Airpac Rentals, Brandon Hire Station, Hire Station, MEP Hire, ESS, Groundforce, TPA, Torrent Trackside, Vp Rail, UK Forks and CPH.

Across these divisions, we proudly provide an extensive range of specialist products and comprehensive services tailored to various industries. Our offerings cater to diverse sectors such as construction, civil engineering, rail, water, oil and gas, outdoor events, and housebuilding.

With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, Vp plc is your trusted partner for all your equipment rental needs.

Vp plc is an equal opportunities employer. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills.