[Hiring] Business Development Manager – Large Pump Projects @Xylem

Role Description

The Business Development Manager – Large Pump Projects (LPP) is responsible for developing, securing, and growing Xylem’s position within major UK infrastructure and flood alleviation projects across rail, highways, energy, water, and flood defense markets.

The role focuses on early-stage project engagement, customer relationship development, and strategic opportunity management, with the objective of increasing Xylem’s market share, technical influence, and long‑term value on large, complex construction programmes.

The role works cross‑functionally with Sales, Estimating/Design, and Contract Delivery teams to ensure that Xylem is technically, commercially, and contractually well‑positioned throughout the project lifecycle.

Principal Responsibilities

• Business Development & Market Growth
  • Identify, develop, and manage large pump project (LPP) opportunities within:
    • Major infrastructure (rail, road, energy)
    • Water and wastewater capital programmes
    • Flood alleviation and resilience schemes
    • Custom Pumps
  • Build and maintain a sustainable pipeline of strategic opportunities aligned with business growth targets.
  • Develop and execute account plans for key Tier One contractors, EPCs, consultants, and asset owners.
  • Influence project outcomes at early concept and optioneering stages, promoting Xylem solutions and value propositions.
• Customer & Stakeholder Management
  • Act as the primary commercial and technical interface for LPP customers.
  • Develop strong working relationships with:
    • Tier One contractors
    • Engineering consultants
    • Asset owners and operators
    • Supply chain partners
  • Represent Xylem credibly in senior‑level customer discussions, technical workshops, and commercial negotiations.
• Bid Enablement & Opportunity Management
  • Support go/no‑go decisions, shaping strategies, and value propositions for major bids.
  • Work closely with Estimating and Design teams to:
    • Define scope
    • Shape technical solutions
    • Influence specifications
    • Manage contractual risk positioning
    • Support commercial negotiation strategies in line with Xylem governance and margin expectations.
• Contractual & Commercial Awareness
  • Apply strong working knowledge of standard contract forms, including:
    • NEC3 / NEC4
    • JCT
    • Other construction and water‑sector contracts
  • Identify and manage commercial and contractual risks at bidding and pre‑contract stages.
  • Support internal teams in navigating complex contractual positions with customers.
• Internal Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively across Business Development, Sales, Estimating, Engineering, Project Delivery, Finance, and Aftermarket teams.
  • Ensure effective handover from pre‑contract to delivery, maintaining alignment on customer commitments and expectations.
  • Promote continuous improvement through feedback from live projects and market intelligence.
• Health, Safety & Compliance
  • Demonstrate visible leadership in Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) performance.
  • Ensure all business development activity aligns with:
    • CDM Regulations
    • Xylem safety policies
    • Customer and site safety requirements
  • Hold and maintain a relevant safety qualification (e.g. Managing Safely or equivalent).

Key Relationships

• External
  • Tier One Infrastructure Contractors
  • Engineering Consultants
  • Asset Owners & Operators
  • Key Suppliers and Strategic Partners
• Internal
  • Business Development & Sales
  • Estimating & Design
  • Project Delivery & Operations
  • Finance
  • Procurement & Logistics
  • Service, Rental & Aftermarket Teams

Key Competencies

• Strong internal and external customer focus
• Understanding of multi‑disciplinary design and construction environments
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a complex opportunity portfolio
• Commercial judgment and decision‑making capability
• Collaborative, team‑oriented mindset
• Continuous improvement ethos
• Accountability and ownership mentality
• Ability to operate calmly in high‑pressure contractual situations
• Flexibility and adaptability in a changing market environment

Qualifications

• Essential
  • Experience within pumping, water, wastewater, or process‑related engineering sectors
  • Strong understanding of water and wastewater pumping applications
  • Knowledge of NEC3 / NEC4 and/or JCT contracts
  • Working knowledge of UK CDM Regulations
  • Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
• Desirable
  • Experience of working with Major Infrastructure Tier One contractors
  • Exposure to flood alleviation or resilience projects