ONYX Specialist Services Limited
Business Development Manager
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About the Company
We are a growing, dynamic Security & Safety SME based in the East Midlands, delivering high-quality security solutions to clients locally and nationally. Our services span manned guarding, event security, mobile patrols, and specialist safety support.
The company recently received the Event Supplier of the Year (Services) Award from a respected national association, recognising our commitment to service excellence, professionalism, and operational delivery. We operate to the highest industry standards and are undergoing SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) assessment and hold CHAS accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to quality, compliance, and health & safety excellence.
We are also proud to be:
- An Equal Opportunities Employer
- A signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant
- A supporter of the Lincoln Social Responsibility Charter
Role Overview
The Business Development Manager will lead the growth of the company’s contract security services. Reporting directly to the Directors, the role is dedicated to winning new business in manned guarding, key holding and response, retail security, and other sectors outside of events and festivals.
This role is clearly distinct from our events and festivals work, which sits outside its remit. The focus is on building a strong portfolio of long-term contracts with private and public sector clients. Based at our Head Office near Lincoln, with travel to client and prospect sites as required, this role is suited to a commercially driven security professional with a proven record of securing contracts through tenders, bids, and direct sales.
Key Responsibilities
1. Business Development (Core Focus)
- Identify and secure new business in manned guarding, key holding and response, retail security, and other sectors outside of events and festivals
- Develop and implement a practical growth strategy for these sectors, aligned to company objectives
- Build and manage a pipeline of qualified opportunities with private and public sector clients
- Generate leads through research, networking, referrals, and direct approaches
- Conduct client meetings, site visits, and presentations
- Prepare accurate, competitive, and profitable quotations and proposals in consultation with the Directors
- Achieve agreed revenue and growth targets
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2. Tenders & Bids
- Monitor procurement portals and frameworks to identify suitable private and public sector tender opportunities
- Assess opportunities and make bid or no-bid recommendations to the Directors
- Lead the preparation and submission of tenders, PQQs, selection questionnaires, and proposals
- Coordinate pricing, method statements, policies, and supporting evidence to ensure compliant, high-quality submissions on time
- Attend clarification meetings, site surveys, presentations, and interviews
- Obtain feedback on bid outcomes and apply lessons learned to future submissions
- Maintain a library of bid content, case studies, and references
3. Client & Contract Development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients
- Negotiate terms and secure contracts in line with company requirements and with Director approval
- Work with operational colleagues to ensure the smooth handover and mobilisation of new contracts
- Identify opportunities for contract growth and service expansion within existing accounts
- Conduct client review meetings to support retention and contract renewal
4. Market Knowledge, Standards & Compliance
- Monitor competitor activity, pricing, and market trends within the target sectors
- Ensure that all proposals, tenders, and commitments made to clients reflect and comply with:
- SIA regulations
- Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) requirements
- Health & safety best practice, legislation, and industry standards
- Company policies and procedures
- Use the company’s accreditations and standards to strengthen bids and client confidence
- Support preparation for audits and external assessments, and the pursuit of further accreditations such as ISO and similar standards
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5. Reporting & Collaboration
- Provide regular reports to the Directors on pipeline, tender activity, wins, losses, and performance against targets
- Maintain accurate records of prospects, client contact, and opportunities
- Contribute to strategic planning, marketing, and business development initiatives
- Represent the company professionally at client meetings, networking events, and industry forums
- Promote a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and accountability
Person Specification
Essential
- Demonstrable experience and success in business development within the security sector, in manned guarding, key holding and response, retail, or similar services
- Experience in bidding for tenders and securing contracts with both private and public sector clients
- Knowledge of the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)
- Good understanding of SIA regulations and licensing requirements
- Commercially aware, with strong pricing and negotiation skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including bid writing
- Self-motivated, organised, and target driven
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of ISO and similar standards
- Knowledge of CHAS and/or other H&S accreditation frameworks
- Experience of public sector procurement portals and frameworks
- An established network of contacts within the target sectors
Equality, Inclusion & Social Responsibility
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within our workforce and client base. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals.
As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we actively encourage applications from veterans, reservists, and service families.
We are proud supporters of the Lincoln Social Responsibility Charter and are committed to delivering positive social value within the communities we serve.
Job Type: Full-time
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
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