Head of Strategic Growth

Our client is an SME, a leader in their field, delivering specialist engineering, repair and overhaul-based services to the rail, rolling stock sector, passenger, freight, light rail and Network Rail, with clients, across the UK.

They are well-established in their sector, with a strong reputation for the highest quality workmanship, excellent customer service and innovation.

The sector is growing and, with numerous opportunities due to present themselves this year, they wish to appoint this new role or, Head of Strategic Growth to lead in the winning of new business. To succeed in the role, you will have experience within the sector, be able to network effectively with Train Operating Companies (TOCs), Rolling Stock Leasing Companies (ROSCOs), HM Depots and infrastructure managers like Network Rail so as to identify & secure high-value opportunities. On the back of 60% growth in the last two years, they have ambitious plans double again in the next 3 to 4 years.

The company will be tendering for a number of large new contracts this year but, additionally, the role will focus on other areas of the rail sector in which their skills and experience would be valuable and to strategically explore these opportunities with a view to winning further business.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic Market Expansion: Develop and execute a 3-year sales plan
• Pipeline Management: Research and qualify leads to build a robust sales pipeline, managing complex, multi-year deal cycles from initial outreach to contract award.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and nurture long-term relationships with senior decisionmakers at TOCs, Mayoral Combined Authorities, and global OEMs.
• Bidding & Proposals: Lead bid teams for high-value tenders (often £2M+), aligning technical value propositions with customer procurement objectives.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor industry trends to inform future product and organisation development
• CRM & Reporting: Maintain high-quality data in Salesforce/CRM systems to provide accurate sales forecasting and performance reports for senior leadership.
• Industry Representation: Act as the face of the company at key industry forums and events.

Experience & Skills Required

• Industry Expertise: Proven track record in business development or solution-based sales within the rail engineering or rolling stock sectors.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of rolling stock systems (Electric, ICE, Hybrid), maintenance and modification processes, asset management tools (e.g., Maximo), and regulatory frameworks like Project 13.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong skills in financial estimation, contract negotiation, and managing total cost of ownership (TCO) models.
• Communication: Exceptional pitching and presentation abilities, with the credibility to influence C-suite executives.

The role will be home based, with one or two days each week to be based at the Head Office in Derby. You will also be expected to visit Clients and perspective clients as appropriate. The role offers a generous salary plus car allowance and performance related bonus. The role is part of the Senior Management Team and, as such, offers significant potential for personal growth.