Business Development Director - Construction

Cool Waters; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A cybersecurity services firm in the UK is seeking a Business Development Director with extensive experience in the construction sector. The successful candidate will identify opportunities and build relationships with prime contractors and large sub-contractors, driving adoption of the firm's supply chain solutions. Strong networking skills and understanding of construction dynamics are essential. This role offers an interesting chance to play a key part in a growing market while ensuring compliance and risk management for clients.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in business development within the UK construction industry.
• Established network with major contractors and sub-contractors.
• Proven track record of building client relationships at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities within prime contractors and large sub-contractors.
• Build relationships with senior decision-makers in construction.
• Lead the full sales cycle and negotiate contracts.

Skills

Networking with decision-makers

Understanding of construction dynamics

Consultative selling approach

Commercial acumen

Effective communication

Job description

The UK construction industry is facing increasing pressure to demonstrate robust cybersecurity practices throughout their supply chains. Prime contractors and Tier 1 sub-contractors are now required to evidence that their suppliers meet minimum security standards – creating a significant market opportunity for our supply chain due diligence managed service.

Powered by Cyber Swift, our platform enables construction firms to efficiently manage, monitor, and verify the cybersecurity posture of hundreds or thousands of suppliers, ensuring compliance with contract requirements and reducing supply chain risk.

We're looking for an experienced Business Development Director with deep roots in the UK construction sector to open doors, build relationships, and drive adoption of our supply chain solution among major contractors.

The Role

This is a hunter role. You will proactively identify and pursue opportunities within prime contractors and large sub-contractors, leveraging your existing network and industry knowledge to position Cool Waters Cyber as the partner of choice for supply chain cybersecurity compliance. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert – we'll provide the technical backing. What matters is your ability to navigate the construction industry, understand procurement dynamics, and build trusted relationships at senior levels.

Person Profile

• Knows construction inside out – you've spent years in the industry and understand how major projects, frameworks, and supply chains work
• Has an established network – you can pick up the phone to procurement directors, commercial managers, and senior decision-makers at Tier 1 contractors
• Is a natural door-opener – you thrive on finding new opportunities and aren't afraid of outbound prospecting
• Understands consultative selling – you listen to client challenges and position solutions that genuinely solve problems
• Is commercially astute – you can structure deals, negotiate contracts, and understand the value drivers for large organisations
• Is curious about cybersecurity – while deep technical knowledge isn't required, you're interested in learning enough to have credible conversations

Key Responsibilities Business Development

• Identify and pursue opportunities with prime contractors and large sub-contractors in the UK construction sector
• Leverage existing relationships and build new connections at senior decision-maker level
• Develop and execute a targeted go-to-market strategy for the construction vertical
• Build and maintain a qualified pipeline of opportunities through proactive outreach
• Represent Cool Waters Cyber at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities

Sales Execution

• Lead the full sales cycle from initial engagement through to contract signature
• Conduct discovery meetings to understand client supply chain challenges and compliance requirements
• Present and demonstrate the value of our supply chain due diligence managed service
• Develop compelling proposals and commercial terms tailored to client needs
• Negotiate contracts and close deals with enterprise clients

Strategic Partnership

• Provide market intelligence and feedback to shape product development and service offerings
• Collaborate with technical and delivery teams to ensure successful client onboarding
• Identify partnership opportunities with industry bodies, frameworks, and complementary service providers

Required Qualifications Essential Experience

• Significant experience in business development, sales, or commercial roles within the UK construction industry
• Established network of contacts within prime contractors and/or large sub-contractors
• Proven track record of winning new business and building client relationships at senior level
• Understanding of construction procurement processes, frameworks, and supply chain dynamics
• Experience selling services or solutions (not just products) to enterprise clients
• Strong commercial acumen with experience structuring and negotiating contracts

Desirable Experience

• Experience with compliance, risk management, or assurance services in construction
• Understanding of supply chain management and vendor qualification processes
• Familiarity with cybersecurity concepts or Cyber Essentials certification (training provided)
• Experience working with SaaS or technology‑enabled service businesses
• Existing relationships with industry bodies such as Build UK, CECA, or major frameworks

What You'll Learn

• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Comprehensive onboarding on Cyber Essentials, supply chain risk, and our service offerings
• Platform Knowledge: Deep understanding of Cyber Swift and how it solves supply chain compliance challenges
• Technical Support: Access to our technical team for pre‑sales support and complex client discussions
• Regulatory Landscape: Insight into evolving cybersecurity requirements affecting construction supply chains
• Growth Sector: Opportunity to be at the forefront of an emerging and rapidly growing market

About Cool Waters Cyber

Cool Waters Cyber is a cybersecurity services company specialising in Cyber Essentials certification for businesses across the UK. We help organisations achieve and maintain their Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications through our multi‑tenant SaaS platform, Cyber Swift.

A third‑generation family business since 1999, we are based in Cornwall and serve clients around the world. We are Cornwall's first and only Certification Body for Cyber Essentials and IASME Cyber Assurance.