Business Development Manager

Location: Coventry (hybrid working with travel as required)
Salary: Competitive + benefits

We're looking for a commercially driven Business Development Manager to play a pivotal role in the growth of the Coventry Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP).

This is a unique opportunity to originate, develop and secure some of the UK's most significant low-carbon energy infrastructure projects. Working across both the public and private sectors, you'll help accelerate the transition to net zero by bringing together innovative commercial solutions, strategic partnerships and E.ON's extensive portfolio of energy products and services.

As E.ON's One Cities approach continues to expand, this role offers the opportunity to influence and support future city partnerships across the UK, making it an exciting position for someone looking to help shape the future of place-based energy transformation.

You'll take ownership of developing and converting a high-value pipeline of strategic energy infrastructure opportunities across Coventry, working closely with the Strategy & Programme Lead and Private Sector Business Development team.

You'll be responsible for identifying new commercial opportunities, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, and leading projects from initial concept through to contract award and handover for delivery.

Your role will include:

• Developing and managing a pipeline of energy infrastructure opportunities across public and private sector markets.
• Identifying new opportunities across E.ON's full range of energy solutions.
• Building long-term relationships with local authorities, developers, investors and strategic partners.
• Leading commercial discussions, business case development, financial modelling and investment proposals.
• Negotiating complex commercial agreements and supporting governance through to contract signature.
• Working collaboratively with legal, finance, technical and delivery teams to develop successful solutions.
• Monitoring market trends, policy developments, funding opportunities and competitor activity to identify new growth opportunities.
• Supporting the continued growth of the One Cities model by sharing best practice and contributing to future city partnerships.

You'll be an experienced business development professional with a strong track record of originating and closing complex infrastructure, energy or regeneration projects.

You'll bring:

• Proven success securing high-value commercial opportunities within the energy, utilities, infrastructure or built environment sectors.
• Experience building and managing senior client relationships across both public and private sector organisations.
• Strong commercial acumen, including business case development, financial modelling and investment governance.
• Experience leading bids, negotiating complex contracts and managing commercial risk.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and build consensus across multiple organisations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence engaging board-level audiences.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.
• A collaborative approach and experience working across multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach with the ability to identify and develop opportunities independently.
• A full UK driving licence.

It would be great if you also have

• Experience in district heating, solar, EV infrastructure, retrofit or wider decentralised energy solutions.
• Knowledge of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), heat zoning and local authority net zero strategies.
• Experience negotiating contracts with a lifetime value exceeding £100 million.
• Technical understanding of renewable energy systems and smart energy technologies.
• Knowledge of UK energy policy, funding mechanisms and public sector procurement.
• Experience working within place-based partnerships, strategic city programmes or regeneration initiatives.