Business Development Manager

We are a growing, dynamic Security & Safety SME based in the East Midlands, delivering high-quality security solutions to clients locally and nationally. Our services span manned guarding, event security, mobile patrols and specialist safety support.

The company recently received the Event Supplier of the Year (Services) Award from a respected national association, recognising our commitment to service excellence, professionalism, and operational delivery.

We operate to the highest industry standards and are undergoing SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) assessment and hold CHAS accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to quality, compliance, and health & safety excellence.

We are also proud to be:

• A signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant
• A supporter of the Lincoln Social Responsibility Charter

Role Overview

The Business Development Manager will lead the growth of the company’s contract security services. Reporting directly to the Directors, the role is dedicated to winning new business in manned guarding, key holding and response, retail security and other sectors outside of events and festivals.

This role is clearly distinct from our events and festivals work, which sits outside its remit. The focus is on building a strong portfolio of long‑term contracts with private and public sector clients.

Based at our Head Office near Lincoln, with travel to client and prospect sites as required, this role is suited to a commercially driven security professional with a proven record of securing contracts through tenders, bids and direct sales.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development (Core Focus)

• Identify and secure new business in manned guarding, key holding and response, retail security and other sectors outside of events and festivals
• Develop and implement a practical growth strategy for these sectors, aligned to company objectives
• Build and manage a pipeline of qualified opportunities with private and public sector clients
• Generate leads through research, networking, referrals and direct approaches
• Conduct client meetings, site visits and presentations
• Prepare accurate, competitive and profitable quotations and proposals in consultation with the Directors
• Achieve agreed revenue and growth targets
• Monitor procurement portals and frameworks to identify suitable private and public sector tender opportunities
• Assess opportunities and make bid or no-bid recommendations to the Directors
• Lead the preparation and submission of tenders, PQQs, selection questionnaires and proposals
• Co-ordinate pricing, method statements, policies and supporting evidence to ensure compliant, high-quality submissions on time
• Attend clarification meetings, site surveys, presentations and interviews
• Obtain feedback on bid outcomes and apply lessons learned to future submissions
• Maintain a library of bid content, case studies and references

3. Client & Contract Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients
• Negotiate terms and secure contracts in line with company requirements and with Director approval
• Work with operational colleagues to ensure the smooth handover and mobilisation of new contracts
• Identify opportunities for contract growth and service expansion within existing accounts
• Conduct client review meetings to support retention and contract renewal

4. Market Knowledge, Standards & Compliance

• Monitor competitor activity, pricing and market trends within the target sectors
• Ensure that all proposals, tenders and commitments made to clients reflect and comply with:
• SIA regulations
• Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) requirements
• Health & safety best practice, legislation and industry standards
• Company policies and procedures
• Use the company’s accreditations and standards to strengthen bids and client confidence
• Support preparation for audits and external assessments, and the pursuit of further accreditations such as ISO and similar standards
• Provide regular reports to the Directors on pipeline, tender activity, wins, losses and performance against targets
• Maintain accurate records of prospects, client contact and opportunities
• Contribute to strategic planning, marketing and business development initiatives
• Represent the company professionally at client meetings, networking events and industry forums
• Promote a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and accountability

Person Specification

• Demonstrable experience and success in business development within the security sector, in manned guarding, key holding and response, retail or similar services
• Experience in bidding for tenders and securing contracts with both private and public sector clients
• Knowledge of the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)
• Good understanding of SIA regulations and licensing requirements
• Commercially aware, with strong pricing and negotiation skills
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, including bid writing
• Self‑motivated, organised and target driven
• Full UK driving licence
• Knowledge and experience of ISO and similar standards
• Knowledge of CHAS and/or other H&S accreditation frameworks
• Experience of public sector procurement portals and frameworks
• An established network of contacts within the target sectors

Equality, Inclusion & Social Responsibility

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within our workforce and client base. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals.

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we actively encourage applications from veterans, reservists and service families.

We are proud supporters of the Lincoln Social Responsibility Charter and are committed to delivering positive social value within the communities we serve.

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