Business Development Manager

Interior Architects, Inc.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design firm is seeking a proactive Business Development Manager to focus on pipeline development and market reconnaissance across the UK and EMEA. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in business development, a strong understanding of the London real estate market, and the ability to build relationships with key decision-makers. The role includes frequent travel across Europe and the Middle East, requiring excellent communication and organisational skills, with an emphasis on converting leads into business opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development within real estate or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of the London real estate market and existing networks.
• Experience in international markets (EMEA or MENA preferred).

Responsibilities

• Research and pursue new client relationships across various sectors.
• Identify and convert real estate opportunities into RFPs.
• Provide market intelligence to guide business development efforts.
• Maintain pipeline tracking and manage relationships with prospects.

Skills

Business development

Market knowledge

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Relationship building

Job description

At IA our team members are collaborative, creative, and entrepreneurial subject matter experts. Being part of our team requires relevant experience, the curiosity and drive to continuously improve and innovate, daring, multi-faceted leadership, a commitment to optimizing the customer experience, and a love of making exceptional places for people to work and experience life.

We are seeking a self-reliant, proactive Business Development Manager to provide dedicated focus on pipeline development, market reconnaissance, and lead conversion across the UK, EMEA, and MENA regions. This role is hands‑on and outward‑facing, acting as IA’s eyes and ears on the ground—identifying opportunities, building relationships, and converting qualified leads into RFPs.

The ideal candidate understands the London real estate market, is commercially curious, highly organised, and comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with leadership teams in EMEA and the US.

Location: London (Primary focus UK, with responsibility across EMEA and MENA)

Travel: Regular travel required across Europe and Middle East

Reports to: EMEA Leadership Team and Studio Managing Director

Key Responsibilities

Lead Generation & Opportunity Development

• Research, identify, and pursue new client relationships, including corporate occupiers, internal real estate teams, project managers, and key decision‑makers
• Identify new real estate opportunities, including lease expiries, lease breaks, relocations, and market expansion activity
• Proactively convert qualified leads into RFP opportunities
• Follow up with past IA clients and dormant relationships to re‑engage and uncover new work
• Use IA’s existing global and US client database to source and develop EMEA opportunities

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Provide continuous market intelligence and reconnaissance across London, UK, EMEA, and MENA
• Advise leadership on where to focus BD efforts, which clients to pursue, and which events are worth attending
• Develop and recommend unique BD initiatives, including PR opportunities, awards submissions, events, and speaking engagements

Relationship Building & Networking

• Identify, attend, and prioritise relevant, high‑value networking events and industry forums
• Arrange and coordinate meet‑and‑greet sessions between IA leadership and key prospects
• Build and manage leadership BD calendars, ensuring time is focused on high‑quality opportunities
• Introduce IA to new contacts and decision‑makers within the London and wider EMEA markets

Pipeline Management & Tracking

• Own and maintain pipeline tracking process, reviewed weekly with leadership
• Qualify leads through a structured process to ensure focus on viable opportunities
• Maintain consistent follow‑up and engagement to ensure a robust and active pipeline

Collaboration & Global Alignment

• Maintain close, ongoing engagement with US client services teams to understand existing relationships and leverage global connections into EMEA opportunities
• Develop a strong understanding of IA’s brand, services, and global business model, confidently representing IA in the market
• Ensure BD strategies are tailored appropriately for the UK, EMEA, and MENA, recognising differing procurement models, cultural norms, and decision‑making structures in each region

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in business development within real estate, workplace design, architecture, project management, or a related professional services industry
• Strong London market knowledge, with existing or easily developed networks
• Experience working across international markets (EMEA and/or MENA preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to self‑start, work independently, and proactively identify opportunities
• Excellent organisational skills with experience managing pipelines, tracking leads, and reporting clearly
• Confident communicator able to speak credibly about brand, services, and value proposition
• Comfortable attending events, initiating conversations, and building relationships from scratch