Business Development Manager

Johnson Controls; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in building solutions is seeking a Business Development Manager focused on fire suppression for data centres. In this role, you will identify opportunities, build relationships with industry stakeholders, and collaborate with technical teams to drive specification. The ideal candidate has proven experience in the fire suppression sector, a proactive approach to business development, and the ability to navigate complex environments. This role requires frequent travel across the EMEA region and offers a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary with commission/bonus plan

25 days paid holidays and sick pay

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the fire suppression industry, focusing on gas suppression and sprinkler systems.
• Strong history in business development or specification-led roles.
• Ability to travel frequently to generate demand.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across target sectors.
• Build strong relationships with consultants and contractors to drive product specification.
• Collaborate with internal teams to secure business.

Skills

Business development

Sales expertise

Customer focus

Relationship building

Technical knowledge of fire protection products

Fluent in English

Job description

Business Development Manager – Fire Suppression (EMEA, Data Centre Focus)

Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, sustainable building solutions. With a market‑leading portfolio in fire protection and suppression systems, we deliver safety technologies to commercial, industrial, and public sector clients. Our team is driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to protecting lives and assets.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has opened within our EMEA Business Development team. Reporting to the EMEA Business Development Director, this newly created strategic role focuses on demand creation. You will be instrumental in specifying our products and services with consultants, contractors, and end users.

This position targets growth within the data centre vertical. You will drive demand for our fire suppression portfolio—including sprinkler, watermist, gas suppression, and foam systems—by engaging with consultants, influencers, and owner/operators.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with commission/bonus plan
• 25 days paid holidays and sick pay.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • 7% matched pension
  • Private medical
  • Life assurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Referral scheme
  • Discounts on high street brands and Johnson Controls security products
  • Cycle to work scheme.
• Extensive product and cross‑training opportunities
• Collaborative team environment
• Career development through structured career ladders
• Commitment to safety through our Zero Harm policy
• Access to business resource groups and training on company values

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across target sectors.
• Build strong relationships with consultants, contractors, and end users to drive product specification.
• Independently generate and qualify leads using market intelligence and networking.
• Collaborate with internal technical and sales teams to secure business.
• Represent Johnson Controls at industry events, trade shows, and client meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of pipeline activity and report progress via CRM tools.

What We are Looking For

• Proven experience in the fire suppression industry, with expertise in gas suppression and sprinkler systems
• Operational understanding of data centre construction and best practices related to fire suppression.
• Ability to travel to London frequently to generate demand with consultants, contractors, and end users.
• Strong history in business development, sales, or specification‑led roles
• Initiative‑taking, proactive, and results‑driven
• Customer‑focused with a growth mindset
• Highly influential with the ability to impact decision‑making.
• Experience in a B2B commercial environment
• Technical knowledge of fire protection products, suppression technologies, codes, and standards
• Creative critical thinking skills in technical environments
• Excellent relationship‑building and strategic thinking abilities
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Flexibility to travel extensively across the EMEA region as needed.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in fire protection across the data centre sector and thrive in a dynamic, growth‑focused environment—apply now and help shape the future with Johnson Controls.