Sales Director at Universal Business Team, Watford

Our client delivers interior fit-out, modular new-build and specialist furniture projects, primarily within the private education sector. Following a successful transition from an owner-managed business, the company is now led by a growth-focused CEO who is investing in the leadership, commercial capability and infrastructure required to significantly scale the organisation over the next five years.

This is a rare opportunity for a commercially astute Sales Director to shape the growth trajectory of a profitable and highly respected business. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the entire customer acquisition strategy, from market positioning and channel development through to conversion and long-term account growth.

You will take responsibility for developing strategic routes to market, including framework agreements, tender opportunities, partnerships and marketing activity. A key focus will be elevating the company's consultative proposition, ensuring its design consultancy expertise is positioned as a strategic differentiator that drives project delivery opportunities.

Success in this role requires a credible, commercially minded leader who can engage at C-Suite level, influence senior stakeholders and build trusted relationships across the sector. Equally important is the ability to create, lead and inspire a high-performing commercial team capable of supporting ambitious growth plans.

This is a genuine leadership opportunity for someone who wants to leave a lasting mark on a business undergoing significant transformation and expansion.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the commercial growth strategy alongside the CEO.

• Own all customer acquisition activity, including inbound and outbound sales, framework agreements, tender opportunities, strategic partnerships, referral networks and marketing

• Lead marketing, brand positioning, digital campaigns, LinkedIn activity and lead generation to deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
• Drive a consultative sales approach that strengthens the link between design consultancy and project delivery.
• Personally lead major opportunities and strategic pursuits, securing high-value contracts and long-term client relationships.
• Build trusted relationships with C-Suite executives, bursars, governors, estates teams and other senior decision makers.
• Deliver compelling presentations, proposals and commercial pitches.

• Own conversion from lead to closed business, with reliable, evidenced pipeline forecasts and honest, stage-gated reporting the board can trust.

• Build, develop and lead a high-performing commercial team across business development, marketing and sales support.
• Establish a culture of accountability, energy, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to wider business strategy as a key member of the senior leadership team.

Requirements

• Proven success in a senior sales, commercial or business development leadership role within construction, fit-out, modular construction, design & build or another project-led B2B environment.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement. You will build strong relationships and a strong network across the sector, including bursars, governors and estates teams.
• Demonstrable experience developing routes to market through sales, frameworks, partnerships, tendering and strategic business development.
• Strong track record of consultative selling and securing complex, high-value opportunities.
• Experience engaging, influencing and negotiating with C-Suite and board-level stakeholders.
• Exceptional presentation, communication, networking and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading and developing successful sales, business development and marketing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of pipeline management, forecasting, profitability and growth.
• Education sector experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Ambitious, entrepreneurial and results-focused, with the leadership skills to build a high-performance culture.

Benefits

• Salary to £150,000 basic
• Performance-related bonus
• Car allowance.
• Longer-term incentive arrangements available