Clerkin Connect is working on behalf of our client to appoint an experienced Group Business Development Manager to lead their business development and project acquisition strategy.
Our client is an award-winning, multi-service construction group operating across Commercial Buildings, Pharmaceutical, Local Authority, specialist Site Services, and the data centre sector across Ireland and Europe.
With ambitious growth plans in place, the organisation is strengthening its senior leadership team to support the next phase of expansion.
Role Overview
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving sustainable pipeline growth, strengthening market positioning, and converting high-quality opportunities into profitable project wins.
The successful candidate will develop and lead a high-performing business development and pre-construction function, working closely with divisional leadership to align market opportunity, capability, and commercial performance.
Direct Reports
Bid Manager
QS / Estimating Team
Marketing & Communications Manager
Working internally with the Managing Director, Pre-Construction Team, Finance Team, Divisional Managers, Divisional Project Managers.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development Strategy & Market Positioning
Develop, implement, and continuously refine divisional and Group-wide business development strategies aligned to the organisation's capabilities and growth objectives.
Collaborate with the Managing Director, divisional leaders, and commercial teams to create targeted sector and client strategies.
Monitor market and competitor activity to identify emerging opportunities, frameworks, partnerships, and sector trends.
Lead Generation & Pipeline Management
Establish and maintain a structured, data-driven pipeline management system across all target sectors.
Proactively identify and pursue high-value opportunities across commercial, industrial, data centre, and infrastructure markets.
Work closely with pre-construction and commercial teams on early-stage project assessment, feasibility, and budget development.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a senior ambassador for the business, representing the organisation at industry events, networking forums, and client engagements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, consultants, architects, and industry influencers.
Support divisional teams in pre-tender engagement, client positioning, and repeat business development.
Bid Strategy & Tender Leadership
Lead bid strategy in collaboration with the Managing Director, Pre-Construction, and Finance teams, including bid/no-bid decision making.
Oversee the preparation and submission of high-quality, compliant tender responses.
Ensure development and maintenance of compelling sector-specific marketing collateral, including case studies, credentials, and capability statements.
Prepare and deliver client presentations, interviews, and bid clarifications.
Performance Management & Reporting
Define and track KPIs related to pipeline value, conversion rates, sector performance, and client engagement.
Provide regular, structured reporting to the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team on pipeline health, wins/losses, and market intelligence.
Use data and insight to continuously improve business development effectiveness and return on investment.
Essential Requirements
Minimum 10 years' experience in senior business development, pre-construction, or strategic sales roles within the construction sector.
Strong technical and commercial understanding of the Irish construction market, including public and private procurement routes and frameworks.
Established network across key industry stakeholders, clients, consultants, and decision-makers.
Demonstrated ability to align opportunity selection with margin, capability, and delivery capacity.
Proven leadership experience, with the ability to build, lead, and develop a project acquisition function.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Experience using CRM systems, pipeline reporting tools, and structured tender processes.
Personal Attributes
Strategic thinker with a strong commercial mindset.
Collaborative, team-oriented leadership style.
Results-focused with high attention to detail.
Confident operating at senior executive and client level.
Remuneration & Benefits
A highly competitive salary and benefits package, including short- and long-term incentive schemes.