Hello, I’m Andrew
My Role: Regional Business Development Manager
Where I work: Tilbury Douglas
What do I do in my role?
There are four main parts to my role:
- Developing our regional business plan with my senior colleagues. My role then involves identifying and delivering project opportunities that meet our customer and sector targets
- A core part of my role is developing relationships with potential customers and their design teams. This helps us to position Tilbury Douglas as their construction partners
- Bid management – I get involved in the tender process with our pre-construction team making sure that our bid accurately reflects the client’s requirements
- Networking and events – I’m currently vice chair of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Property and Construction Group. I host and chair events for the sector across the GM boroughs. I also organise and attend events across the region.
What’s my career journey?
After A Levels I did a Management Systems degree at the University of Hull which included working for a year for Marks and Spencer as a Commercial Management trainee. After graduating I joined a large food company on their sales management graduate scheme.
Quite by accident I moved into the office furniture sector working for one of the world’s largest manufacturers. This led me into the fit-out market joining Wates Interiors in 2006.
In 2013 I joined Tilbury Douglas as Regional Business Development Manager for the North West Construction business.
What’s the best thing about my job?
The people that I work with and the clients, architects and engineers that I have developed close relationships with over the past 12 years.
I’m proud of the buildings that we deliver that make a real difference for the people that use them particularly in the health and education sectors.
My top skills
- People skills – working with people at all levels
- Tenacity – never giving up! Opportunities sometimes take years!
- Confidence and positive approach.
Good personal qualities to have
- Honesty
- Listening skills
- Commercial awareness.
What do I want to do next?
Retire!
My advice if you want to do what I do
- Find somebody to talk to about their role and experience
- Don’t be afraid to consider something different – I went from the food industry into office furniture which ultimately led me into construction
- Don’t be afraid of going into a sales and marketing role. Construction companies need people out there promoting their business and generating business opportunities.