Sales Manager - Performance

Role: Head of Business Development / Sales - WATER Location: West Midlands Type : Perm We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Business Development / Sales to lead growth across our water sector consultancy business. This role will be responsible for developing and executing the water business unit's sales strategy, building long-term client relationships, identifying new market opportunities, and securing high-value consultancy and digital transformation engagements across the UK water industry. The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of the water sector, including regulatory drivers, capital delivery programmes, operational transformation, digital innovation, and stakeholder landscapes across water utilities and water technology. Deep water sector experience is required for this role. Develop and deliver the company’s business development and sales strategy aligned to growth objectives Identify, qualify and secure new consultancy opportunities across water utilities, infrastructure partners, and framework agreements Build and maintain senior stakeholder relationships across water companies, regulators, and strategic partners Lead the full sales lifecycle from market engagement and opportunity shaping through to proposal development, negotiation and contract award Develop a strong pipeline of opportunities across digital transformation, programme delivery, operational improvement, asset management, and infrastructure delivery services Represent the business at industry events, conferences, networking forums, and client meetings Monitor market trends, AMP investment priorities, procurement activity, and competitor positioning to identify strategic growth opportunities Support development of marketing collateral, client case studies, and thought leadership content Contribute to overall business strategy, growth planning, and service development initiatives Maintain accurate sales forecasting, pipeline reporting, and CRM management Proven experience in a senior business development, sales, or account leadership role within the water sector Strong understanding of UK water industry structures, AMP cycles, regulatory environment, and procurement frameworks Demonstrable track record of winning consultancy, digital, engineering, or transformation services work Strong commercial negotiation and stakeholder management skills Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building capabilities Strong network across water utilities, infrastructure organisations, or supply chain partners desirable Experience within consultancy, professional services, engineering, or digital delivery environments preferred Knowledge of digital transformation, data, asset management, or operational technology within the water sector Existing relationships within UK water companies and Tier 1 delivery partners Credible and confident engaging at executive level Generous holiday allowance (up to 39 days leave) Competitive salary + Bonus Career progression routes Company car scheme Private medical & dental Enhanced pension & more!