Ready to take on a senior commercial leadership challenge at a pivotal growth stage?Influx Search is supporting a UK-based, engineering-led manufacturer and service provider specialising in advanced pipeline maintenance, inspection and integrity solutions. With a long-established heritage in complex industrial environments, the business is now scaling rapidly into the UK water, market, transferring proven technologies into a sector ready for innovation.This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a strategically critical market and play a central role in shaping long-term growth.The opportunityThe Sales Director will lead the development of the company’s water and utilities business, accelerating growth from an emerging revenue stream into a core pillar of the organisation. Initially operating in a player-coach capacity, the role combines hands-on business development with senior-level strategy, working closely with the Managing Director and Board.You will move the business from a reactive, project-led approach to a proactive, relationship-driven commercial model, securing frameworks, influencing specifications and establishing the organisation as a trusted partner to UK water utilities and contractors.Key responsibilitiesDefine and execute a clear UK water growth strategy, including market segmentation, target accounts and routes to marketPersonally lead the acquisition of new water and wastewater projects, moving beyond inbound enquiriesBuild and develop a dedicated water-focused sales capability as momentum growsEstablish senior relationships with utilities, contractors and key industry stakeholdersWork closely with engineering and operations teams to scope, price and deliver complex, tailored solutionsAct as a credible commercial partner to the Board, providing forecasting, insight and strategic inputCandidate profileWe are seeking a commercially astute, self-starting leader with deep understanding of the UK water sector.You are likely to bring:Senior commercial leadership experience within UK water utilities and/or water contractorsA proven track record of opening and scaling new market segmentsConfidence selling complex, engineered, project-based solutions in multi-stakeholder environmentsStrong strategic capability, with the gravitas to operate at board levelAn entrepreneurial mindset, resilience and comfort with long sales cyclesDirect experience of pipeline pigging or inspection technologies is not essential but would be a huge plus. Sector knowledge, networks and the ability to translate opportunity into structured growth are far more important.Next stepsIf you are motivated by building something of substance within a technically credible, growth-oriented organisation, this role offers genuine influence and long-term opportunity.If it sounds like the right next step for you, apply via LinkedIn or get in touch with Max Fraser-Krauss () to apply directly!Influx Search is a global executive and specialty search recruitment consultancy that helps businesses find the best talent across a wide range of water, clean-tech and environmental applications.Our mission is clear: to streamline, optimise and propel your businesses recruitment plans.