Business Development Lead

Friday 27 Feb 2026

Ref: 1807

Business Development Lead

Global Strategy Consultancy firm

Retail, Travel and Leisure Sector aligned

London based, hybrid working

Newly created role

 

My client is a global strategy consultancy advising senior executives and investors on some of the most complex commercial questions in their markets. The firm is particularly well established across retail, leisure and travel, with deep sector insight, long‑standing client relationships and a strong reputation for shaping growth agendas. London is a core hub within a closely connected international platform.

 

This is a newly created role with a clear mandate: to materially increase the quality and volume of early‑stage opportunities across the Retail, Leisure & Travel practice. Sitting at the centre of the sector’s commercial activity, the role works closely with a small group of senior Partners, alongside global marketing and commercial teams, to convert insight, content and relationships into sustained market engagement and new opportunities.

 

Key responsibilities

  • Take direct ownership of top‑of‑funnel business development activity for a defined group of Partners, personally driving targeted outreach that results in senior‑level client meetings.
  • Translate sector priorities into focused execution plans, defining who to approach, how to position the conversation and where effort will generate the strongest return.
  • Turn existing insight, credentials and intellectual capital into commercially sharp outreach and campaigns that open doors with priority clients and prospects.
  • Maintain momentum from first contact through to opportunity creation, ensuring follow‑up is disciplined, visible and aligned to Partner objectives.
  • Bring structure and consistency to early‑stage pipeline management, improving clarity around activity, conversion and next steps.
  • Develop repeatable approaches to business development that can be refined, proven and scaled across the wider firm.

 

Person specification

My client is seeking an experienced business development professional from a professional services environment who is comfortable operating at pace and close to the action. The successful candidate will combine strong commercial judgement with a hands‑on approach to origination and will be credible working directly with senior Partners and external decision‑makers. A background aligned to consumer‑facing sectors is beneficial, as is confidence using CRM and market intelligence to prioritise activity and improve conversion rather than simply report it.

 

Rewards / progression

This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package and the opportunity to shape a high‑profile commercial role within a core sector practice, with scope for long term progression.

 

Equal Opportunities

As a responsible business, it is important that we represent the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities. We believe that the firms that thrive are those with the most diverse team; that's why we work so hard to source the best talent from the broadest pool possible. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to accommodate anyone who may have specific needs. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the selection process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance.