Key Account and Business Development Consultant
Manchester | Office & Field Based
Salary: £30-40k (DOE) + commission + Company Car, OTE £42k - £52k + Employee Ownership Benefits
About AEC
We're looking for a commercially driven account manager or business development professional who enjoys turning strong client relationships into long-term growth.
With an established client base, a respected brand and a market-leading compliance offering, you'll have the platform to develop accounts, win new business and make a genuine impact on the future success of our employee-owned organisation.
AEC is one of the UK's leading compliance consultancies, helping organisations manage asbestos, water, fire safety and occupational hygiene risks across the built environment. Since 1997, we've grown from a specialist asbestos consultancy into a national provider of compliance services and vocational training. In 2024, we became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), meaning our team have a genuine stake in our success and share in the rewards of our growth.
We're now looking for an ambitious and commercially focused Key Account and Business Development Consultant, supporting our asbestos consultancy services to join our growing team.
The Opportunity
This role combines the best of account management and business development. You'll inherit a portfolio of existing clients and be responsible for developing those relationships, identifying growth opportunities and increasing revenue across our asbestos consultancy services. Alongside this, you'll proactively pursue new business opportunities within target sectors, building relationships with new clients and converting opportunities into long-term partnerships.
Approximately 60% of your time will be focused on developing and supporting existing accounts, with 40% dedicated to winning new business.
This role would suit someone with experience in construction, facilities management, property services, compliance, property consultancy, engineering or other service-led B2B environments.
Key Responsibilities
Account Growth & Client Development
- Manage and develop a portfolio of existing client accounts.
- Build strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to cross-sell and upsell AEC's compliance and training services.
- Conduct regular client review meetings and site visits.
- Support contract renewals and commercial negotiations.
- Drive client retention and long-term account growth.
Business Development
- Identify and develop new business opportunities within target sectors.
- Generate and convert sales opportunities through networking, referrals, marketing campaigns and targeted prospecting.
- Attend client meetings, presentations and industry events.
- Build and maintain a healthy sales pipeline.
- Produce proposals and support tender submissions where required.
Commercial Management
- Monitor account performance and commercial opportunities.
- Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline forecasts.
- Track activity, conversion rates and revenue performance.
- Contribute to sales strategy and market intelligence.
Collaboration
- Work closely with technical, operational and marketing teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
- Ensure seamless handover of new projects and contracts to operational teams.
- Share market insights and customer feedback to support business growth.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Experience in B2B sales, contract support, account management or business development.
- Proven ability to grow existing accounts and generate new business opportunities.
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
- Experience managing sales pipelines and CRM systems.
- Commercially driven with a proactive and consultative approach.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the UK.
Desirable
- Experience within construction, facilities management, property services, compliance, engineering consultancy or technical services.
- Experience selling professional services, consultancy or compliance-based solutions.
- Knowledge of health and safety, asbestos, fire, water hygiene or related compliance sectors.
- Relevant industry qualifications.
What Success Looks Like
- Growing revenue across existing client accounts.
- Winning new clients within target sectors.
- Building long-term strategic relationships.
- Maintaining strong client retention levels.
- Delivering against sales and growth targets.
Why Join AEC?
Employee Ownership Trust
As an employee-owned business, every member of our team has a genuine stake in our success and shares in the rewards of our growth.
Career Development
Access to ongoing training, professional development and opportunities to progress your career.
Excellent Benefits
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Holiday buy-back scheme
- Enhanced sick pay
- Loyalty bonus scheme
- Employee ownership benefits
Supportive Culture
Join a collaborative and values-driven business where quality, integrity and people come first.
Ready to Apply?
If you're a commercially minded relationship builder who enjoys developing accounts, winning new business and creating long-term partnerships, we'd love to hear from you.
