Strategic Business Development Lead

CompanyBuro Happold

LocationLondon Area, United Kingdom

Posted At1/12/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Analytics are greyed out due to low classification confidence (39.0%).

Occupation Type

Business sales executives

Occupation Code Skill LevelMedium Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£41,700 (£21.38 per hour)

Standard minimum applies

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Description

We’re looking for a Strategic Business Development Lead to drive growth and strengthen our global presence in the Science & Technology sector. From quantum computing and advanced manufacturing to pharma, biotech, and cutting-edge research facilities, you’ll help us lead in one of the most exciting markets of today.

You don’t need to be an expert in the Science & Technology sector - that’s something you’ll learn with us. What matters most is your ability to take a hands-on role in driving strategies and global work-winning initiatives and build strong, lasting client relationships.

We’re also open to candidates from a range of experience levels and backgrounds. If this sounds like a role where you can make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Your next role:

This a critical role which will see you partnering closely with the sector leadership (primarily in the UK and US) to grow Buro Happold’s market share and brand recognition within the sector.

You will have two key focus areas:

Sector growth: Science & Technology is a global sector with high growth potential for Buro Happold and it needs a proactive strategy across BH. Therefore, you will provide global support, developing best practice and strategies for how we enable and grow. This will see you developing multinational client relationships that deliver the BH strategy and vision.

Client-centric approach: facilitating the business’ increasing focus on driving more effective relationships with clients, moving to a more client-centric (rather than project centric) approach.

Key Duties:

Global Business Development

Go-to-Market Strategy: collaborate with global/regional leaders to refine and activate sector strategy across UK, US, and Europe.
Sector Management: unite and lead the S&T community, keeping teams aligned, motivated, and engaged.
Client Development: identify and manage key client relationships, drive growth initiatives, and lead strategic campaigns.
Value Proposition: understand client needs and shape tailored value propositions; develop new ones as needed.
Laboratory Consulting Growth: support UK growth and US market entry by identifying opportunities and leveraging internal networks.
Opportunity Pursuit: lead key pursuits from pre-bid to submission, ensuring alignment with client and sector priorities.
External Engagement

: partner with marketing on thought leadership, events, and industry presence.

Thought Leadership: deliver two data-driven thought pieces annually.

Marketing Collateral: define and produce targeted marketing materials with technical and creative teams.

Key Client Management

Client Insight: build deep client understanding through engagement and research.
Meeting Effectiveness: drive productive account meetings and follow-through on actions.
Client Connectivity: apply best practices to connect experts and showcase BH capabilities.
Resources & Infrastructure: ensure access to client development tools and reference materials.

Global Sector Enablement

Sector Expansion: work with leadership to scale global sector approach, focusing on high-growth specialist areas.
Best Practice Development: create a standard model for running global sectors based on S&T experience.
Growth Sector Analysis: identify and prioritize high-potential sectors with regional input.

Strategy Management: support regular reviews with sector leaders to track progress and identify needs.

Future Planning: assess potential for building a global BD team based on S&T sector success.

Your skills & experience

Ability to think strategically based on market intelligence and opportunity
Excellent client relationship management skills and customer focus.
You’ll be a strong connector who identifies opportunities across disciplines and links teams, clients, and collaborators.
Experience in a relevant/related role within a built environment context (consultant, contractor, architect, PM, etc) in roles like Account management or BD, etc.
Ability to handle sensitive issues, build relationships at all levels in the business with diplomacy and influence at a senior level.
Advanced presentation skills.

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.

We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.