National Business Development Manager – Social Housing Contractors
Driving National Growth. Building Strategic Partnerships. Expanding Our Presence Across the Social Housing Sector.
This is a National, UK-wide role which requires extensive travel.
Be Part of Something Bigger at Huws Gray.
Whether you're in the trade or simply love a good home improvement project, chances are you've heard of us. We’re the Huws Gray Group – home to a family of trusted brands including Huws Gray, Hirebase, Civils & Lintels, The Timber Group, PDM, NDI and Anglia Tool Centre. Across the UK, our branches support local communities with everything they need for building, improving and creating – we couldn’t do it without our people and that’s where you come in!
The Business Development Director will drive sustainable sales growth across the UK social housing sector, working closely with Tier 1 and Tier 2 Social Housing Contractors delivering planned and reactive maintenance and refurbishment programmes.
The role focuses on identifying, securing and growing high‑value national and regional contracts, building strong, long‑term partnerships and ensuring all activity aligns with the organisation’s growth ambitions and commitment to outstanding customer service.
What You’ll Be Doing:
Strategic Business Development
- Deliver a national business development strategy focused on expanding partnerships with social housing contractors across the UK.
- Identify and secure new opportunities with Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors, covering planned works, responsive repairs, and framework agreements.
- Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities aligned with the organisation’s long‑term growth objectives.
Client Relationship Management
- Build and sustain senior‑level relationships with key decision‑makers across Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractor organisations.
- Act as a trusted strategic partner by understanding client priorities and delivering tailored, value‑led supply solutions.
- Represent the business at industry events, framework meetings, and sector networking forums.
Commercial & Contract Leadership
- Lead negotiations for national and regional supply agreements to secure sustainable, mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Collaborate closely with commercial teams to ensure competitive pricing, margin protection, and full contract compliance.
- Oversee contract mobilisation and support seamless onboarding of new clients.
Collaboration & Internal Alignment
- Work in partnership with HGPS operational teams, regional performance directors, branch managers, and supply chain teams to deliver a consistent, high‑quality service nationwide.
- Ensure operational readiness to meet contractual KPIs, SLAs, and evolving customer expectations.
- Share market insight to inform product range development, pricing strategies, and service enhancements.
Market Intelligence & Growth
- Monitor trends and developments within the social housing and construction sectors.
- Track competitor activity and identify opportunities to differentiate and add value.
- Support entry into new frameworks and procurement routes to drive sustainable growth.
We’re happy to explore flexible working options. Feel free to chat with us about it during the interview. While we might not be able to meet every request, we’ll always listen with an open mind—and there’s no judgment in asking.
What You’ll Bring:
Essential
- Proven success in business development within builders’ merchants, construction supply or a related sector.
- Established network across Tier 1 and Tier 2 social housing contractors.
- Strong experience securing and managing large‑scale contracts and frameworks.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and relationship‑building skills.
- High level of commercial and financial acumen.
Desirable
- Experience supplying to housing associations or local authorities.
- Working knowledge of public sector procurement frameworks.
- Understanding of multi‑branch supply chain and logistics operations.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic and results‑focused, with a proactive approach.
- Confident leader with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast‑paced, target‑driven environment.
- Willing and able to travel nationally across the UK.
What’s in it for you:
We believe great work should be recognised and rewarded. Here’s what you can expect:
- 23 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays (31 days per year)
- Company bonus scheme, based on performance
- Contributory pension and life assurance
- Discounts on high street retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, gyms and cinemas
- Colleague discount across our group brands
- Attraction and travel discounts
- Training and development programmes to support your growth
We offer on-the-job training and opportunities to work towards recognised qualifications, including apprenticeships.
At Huws Gray, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce makes us stronger, smarter and better at serving our customers.
We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive workplace, whether you’re based in one of our branches, on the road or in one of our offices.
If you need any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know.
