The Business Development Director is a senior individual contributor responsible for originating, leading and winning LRQA’s largest and most strategic global opportunities. This role operates at the most complex end of the sales spectrum, engaging executive‑level client stakeholders on mission‑critical risk, assurance and transformation agendas. In addition to directly delivering significant revenue, the Business Development Director plays a pivotal role in supporting and mentoring other sales professionals on complex pursuits, helping to elevate capability, rigour and win‑rates across the organisation.
Typically reports to RSD / EVP / ELT / Global Sales Director.
Accountabilities
Strategic New Business Development
- Own and deliver a substantial personal new business revenue target focused on large, complex and global opportunities.
- Originate and shape transformational client opportunities aligned to LRQA’s strategic priorities and solution areas.
- Build deep, trusted relationships with C‑suite and executive‑level client stakeholders.
- Position LRQA as a long‑term strategic partner rather than a transactional supplier.
Complex Deal Leadership
- Lead the end‑to‑end pursuit of the most complex opportunities, often involving multiple geographies, services and stakeholders.
- Orchestrate cross‑functional pursuit teams, including solutions, sector leaders, delivery and commercial specialists.
- Develop differentiated value propositions, commercial models and deal structures.
- Lead senior‑level negotiations and close high‑value, multi‑year agreements.
Mentoring & Capability Building
- Act as a trusted advisor and mentor to sales colleagues involved in complex deals.
- Provide deal coaching, challenge and guidance on qualification, strategy and execution.
- Share best practice, insight and lessons learned to strengthen LRQA’s overall sales capability.
Market & Brand Leadership
- Represent LRQA at senior client forums, industry bodies and selected global events.
- Contribute to thought leadership and strategic account positioning.
- Provide insight to senior leadership on market trends, client needs and competitive dynamics.
Skills
- Commercial Influence & Credibility: Builds strong credibility with senior internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrates strong mentoring, influencing, and thought‑leadership skills to shape commercial outcomes. Confidently navigates complex organisational, regulatory, and risk environments to progress opportunities and support informed decision‑making.
- Strategic Thinking: Applies a disciplined, data‑driven approach to opportunity management and forecasting. Uses insight and market understanding to assess commercial potential and support long‑term planning.
- Commercial Insight: Demonstrates exceptional strategic selling and deal‑shaping capability, ensuring opportunities are positioned for commercial success. Applies a deep understanding of client needs and commercial levers to structure compelling, value‑led solutions.
- Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across clients and internal functions. Engages effectively at executive level to influence direction, establish credibility, and drive shared outcomes.
- Problem Solving: Draws on strong analytical skills and commercial judgement to develop practical, well‑structured solutions. Balances client needs, commercial goals, risk considerations, and organisational constraints to progress complex opportunities.
Experience And Qualification
- Educational / Industry Background: Degree‑level qualification or equivalent senior commercial experience.
- Professional Experience: Typically 12+ years’ experience in senior B2B business development or complex consultative sales roles.
- Language Skills: Fluent in written and spoken English; additional languages a plus.