Director of Business Development – Mechanical, Plumbing & Piping Systems – Mission Critical

Director of Business Development – Mechanical, Plumbing & Piping Systems – Mission Critical Description Gryphon Oakwood is currently partnered with an established mechanical construction contractor on a confidential search for a Director of Business Development to play a pivotal role in the company's next phase of growth, with a particular focus on mission-critical infrastructure and complex mechanical construction projects. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven business development leader to help shape market strategy, build influential customer relationships and secure high-value projects across the mission-critical, industrial and energy sectors. With demand for sophisticated mechanical, plumbing and piping systems continuing to create opportunities across critical infrastructure, the successful candidate will have the platform to make a tangible impact on the company's growth and long-term commercial success. Working closely with executive leadership, operations and estimating teams, you will take ownership of strategic opportunity development, strengthen relationships with key industry stakeholders and position the business to compete for major projects. This role is ideally suited to an ambitious individual who combines an established industry network with the commercial instinct and technical understanding to turn opportunities into profitable business.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a strategic business development plan focused on sustainable growth across mission-critical, industrial, energy and related construction markets. Identify, develop and secure high-value opportunities involving mechanical, plumbing, process piping and associated construction systems. Build and leverage senior-level relationships with data centre developers and operators, mission-critical clients, EPCs, general contractors, engineering consultants and other key decision-makers. Drive strategic account development, strengthen existing customer partnerships and establish new relationships with clients capable of generating repeat business. Identify upcoming projects, capital investment programmes and procurement opportunities, engaging with clients early to position the business ahead of competing contractors. Promote the organisation's mechanical construction and fabrication capabilities, demonstrating its ability to deliver complex projects safely, efficiently and to demanding technical standards. Lead opportunity qualification, market mapping, strategic account planning, pipeline development and revenue forecasting. Work collaboratively with executive leadership, estimating, operations and project management teams to develop compelling proposals, competitive bids and commercially sound solutions. Lead and support major tenders, client presentations, commercial negotiations and contract awards. Identify emerging market trends, customer investment priorities and competitor activity to uncover new avenues for growth and strengthen market positioning. Develop a robust network of industry contacts and represent the business at relevant client meetings, industry events and strategic networking opportunities. Establish clear business development targets, monitor pipeline performance and report on progress against revenue and contract award objectives. Ensure new opportunities align with the company's operational capabilities, union workforce strengths, project delivery capacity and profitability objectives.

Requirements

Significant experience in business development, sales leadership or commercial management within mechanical contracting, plumbing and piping systems, industrial construction, MEP or a related construction sector. A demonstrable track record of winning major contracts, developing strategic accounts and delivering measurable commercial growth. Established relationships with key decision-makers across mission-critical infrastructure, data centres, industrial facilities, EPCs, general contractors or engineering consultancies. Strong understanding of mechanical, plumbing and piping systems and their role in complex construction projects. Experience identifying and pursuing opportunities from early-stage client engagement through to tendering, negotiation and contract award. Proven ability to develop and execute strategic growth plans, manage a substantial sales pipeline and convert opportunities into profitable projects. Strong commercial acumen, including bid strategy, estimating coordination, contract negotiations and risk assessment. Experience working within a union mechanical contractor or an organisation employing a direct-hire skilled trades workforce would be advantageous. The ability to engage credibly with senior executives, developers, owners, contractors and technical stakeholders, building relationships that translate into long-term commercial partnerships. An entrepreneurial and proactive mindset, with the confidence to open doors, develop new markets and take ownership of business development performance. Strong leadership, communication, presentation and negotiation skills, alongside the ability to collaborate effectively with operational and technical teams. A strategic understanding of the mission-critical construction market, including data centres and other facilities where reliability, technical performance and programme certainty are essential, would be highly desirable. Willingness to travel as required to develop client relationships and pursue opportunities across relevant markets. If this opportunity aligns with your background and ambitions, please contact Max Darbandi ([email protected]) for a confidential conversation.