Job Title: Business Development Manager – Construction Sector

Location: Greater Belfast Area

Salary: Flexible and dependent on experience

Industry: Construction – Interior Fit-Out & Bespoke Joinery

Reports To: Company Director

A specialist construction business is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth in premium interior fit-out and bespoke joinery projects. This client-facing role involves identifying new business opportunities, developing client relationships, and securing high-value projects across commercial, retail, hospitality, residential, and corporate sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Identify and Pursue New Business Opportunities

• Proactively research and target potential clients across commercial, retail, hospitality, residential, and corporate sectors.
• Identify high-value projects where bespoke joinery and premium interior fit-out solutions can add value.
• Attend industry events, networking functions, and exhibitions to generate leads and increase brand awareness.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities to ensure consistent business growth.

Develop and Maintain Client Relationships

• Build and nurture long-term relationships with clients, architects, interior designers, developers, and contractors.
• Understand client needs, project goals, and design aspirations to propose tailored solutions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for pre-contract discussions, providing guidance and reassurance on project scope, timelines, and quality expectations.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction to encourage repeat business and referrals.

Lead Tendering, Proposals, and Pre-Contract Negotiations

• Coordinate with estimating, design, and project teams to prepare detailed, competitive proposals and bids.
• Review tender documentation, drawings, and specifications, particularly for bespoke joinery packages.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts with clients and consultants while maintaining profitability and project quality.
• Support pricing strategy and value engineering initiatives while maintaining the high-quality standards expected in luxury interior and joinery projects.

Collaborate with Internal Teams

• Work closely with design, joinery manufacturing, procurement, and project management teams to ensure smooth transition from opportunity to delivery.
• Participate in project review meetings to provide commercial input and ensure feasibility and profitability.
• Contribute to marketing and business positioning initiatives, emphasizing the company’s high-quality craftsmanship and bespoke interior solutions.

Monitor Market Trends and Competitor Activity

• Conduct regular market research to identify emerging opportunities, sector trends, and competitor activity.
• Provide insights to senior management to inform business development strategy and growth plans.
• Identify gaps in the market or untapped client segments, particularly in luxury and specialist joinery-led projects.

Requirements & Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in business development within construction, interior fit-out, or bespoke joinery.
• Proven record of securing commercial, luxury residential, or specialist joinery projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, tendering, and project lifecycle.
• Established network within construction, design, or property sectors is preferred.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic, organized, and self-motivated with strong commercial awareness.
• Professional and confident demeanour.
• Results-driven and target-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively High integrity and accountability.

Applicants must have permanent right to work in the UK; no sponsorship is offered.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Flexible and dependent on experience – open to a wide range of candidates.
• Company Car/Allowance: a car allowance may be considered.
• Travel: Minimal; occasional travel to Dublin or England may be required, but the majority of work is local

Benefits

• Supportive and collaborative working environment Company pension scheme
• Flexible working options and hybrid work Private healthcare plan (BUPA Cash Plan / Aviva Healthcare)
• Death in service benefit
• Free on-site parking
• Generous annual leave entitlement Planned medical leave

How to Apply

If you would like to learn more or apply, please contact Apple Recruitment at patricia.oneill@applerecruitment.com today. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.