WE ARE

Welplan, a wholly owned subsidiary of BESA, provides specialist employee benefits for the construction, building engineering services, infrastructure and nuclear sectors. With more than 65 years’ experience, Welplan helps employers protect and support their workforce through practical benefit arrangements including death-in-service cover, accident and sickness protection, disability support and weekly sick pay.

Welplan supports employers by making employee protection straightforward to administer, with flexible schemes that can be tailored to industry agreements, site-specific requirements and the needs of different workforces. Its services help businesses demonstrate commitment to employee wellbeing, strengthen recruitment and retention, and provide workers and their families with financial support when it is needed most. Want to find out more? Visit: www.welplan.co.uk

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying, securing and developing new business opportunities for the Company's employee benefits platform and associated services, with a particular focus on organisations operating within the construction and infrastructure sectors.

The role requires an individual with significant industry experience who understands the unique employment structures, National Agreements and Site Agreements that govern workforce engagement across major construction projects. The successful candidate will build relationships with key stakeholders, negotiate commercial agreements, and ensure a smooth transition of newly won clients to the Operations team for implementation and ongoing service delivery.

This is a strategic and commercially focused role with responsibility for revenue growth, market intelligence, client relationship management and management reporting.

We welcome applications from both full-time and part-time candidates. Full-time hours are 35 per week, and for part-time applicants we envisage a minimum of three days per week, but are happy to discuss flexibility. This role can be undertaken on a hybrid basis from our Penrith or London office, or remotely.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development & Opportunity Identification

• Identify and develop new business opportunities for the employee benefits platform across construction, engineering, infrastructure and related sectors.

• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients.

• Research market trends, projects and workforce developments to identify potential opportunities.

• Develop and execute business development plans aligned to business growth objectives.

• Attend industry events, conferences and networking opportunities to generate leads and increase market visibility.

Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain relationships with senior decision-makers, HR leaders, project directors, industrial relations teams and trade union representatives.

• Develop trusted advisor relationships with prospective clients.

• Understand client requirements and demonstrate how employee benefits solutions can support workforce engagement, retention and wellbeing objectives.

• Maintain regular contact with key prospects and stakeholders throughout the sales lifecycle.

• Development of Welplan’s Nuclear Programme offer. This will leverage relationships within the Civil Works Alliance, the MEH Alliance and Site Operations.

Commercial Negotiation & Deal Management

• Lead commercial discussions and contract negotiations with prospective clients.

• Prepare proposals, presentations and business cases.

• Manage opportunities through the sales pipeline to successful conclusion.

• Ensure all commercial arrangements meet organisational objectives and governance requirements.

Client Handover & Implementation Support

• Facilitate a structured handover of new clients to the Client Services team.

• Ensure all client requirements, commitments and implementation considerations are fully documented.

• Support the implementation phase where required to ensure a positive client experience.

• Maintain engagement with key accounts during the transition period.

Market Intelligence

• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of industry developments, workforce practices and employee benefits trends.

• Monitor competitor activity and identify emerging opportunities.

• Provide insight and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Management Reporting

• Produce regular pipeline, activity and sales performance reports.

• Provide accurate forecasting of new business opportunities and expected revenues.

• Report on market developments, sector opportunities and relationship activities.

• Present updates to senior management and contribute to business planning processes.

ABOUT YOU

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience within the construction industry.

• Strong understanding of National Agreements and Site Agreements and their impact on workforce management.

• Proven track record in business development, sales or commercial relationship management.

• Experience identifying and converting new business opportunities.

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

• Ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives, project leadership teams and employee representatives.

• Commercially astute with strong analytical and reporting capabilities.

• Excellent presentation, communication and relationship-building skills.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the nuclear construction sector and associated workforce arrangements.

• Experience working on major infrastructure or capital projects.

• Understanding of employee benefits, workforce engagement or reward programmes.

• Existing network of contacts within construction, engineering, infrastructure or nuclear sectors.

• Familiarity with CRM systems and pipeline management tools.

Personal Attributes

• Credible and professional with the ability to build trust quickly.

• Results-driven with a strong focus on achieving growth targets.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify long-term opportunities.

• Resilient and proactive approach to business development.

• Collaborative and able to work effectively across commercial and operational teams.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Behaviours
At BESA, we expect all colleagues to demonstrate behaviours that support our culture and values:

• Customer Empathy – We anticipate and address customer challenges to foster connection and meaningful experiences with them

• Accountability – We keep our word and deliver the results we promise, holding others to account to do the same. We actively manage potential consequences and take ownership to address them.

• Continuous Improvement – We are deeply curious to understand how things work for our customers, industry and organisation. We challenge the status quo and look to enhance and evolve everything we do.

• Agility – We respond and adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.

• Commerciality – We make informed decisions that enable profitable and/or sustainable growth.

• Care – We create an environment where people feel valued and heard, providing a sense of belonging.

Interviews will be arranged directly with shortlisted candidates

Don’t meet every single requirement? At BESA, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn't match every requirement perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be exactly the candidate we're looking for!