Our CrimsonXT Energy team partnered with a German technology provider specialising in communication solutions for building automation. The company develops, manufactures, and tests from its German headquarters, while maintaining strong links across international markets. With more than 60 employees in Germany, they set their sights on the UK as a key step in their European expansion. To do so, they needed support in establishing a local presence and hiring their first UK-based Business Development Manager.

 

 

Challenge

The clients Sales Director reached out to our Energy Team Lead, Matt, to help with this hire. The first challenge was structural: the business had no UK entity. We advised on how to employ through a third party while the entity was a work in progress and provided guidance on UK salary benchmarks – expertise the client lacked but that our network could provide due to our knowledge of the European market.

The Business Development Manager would be responsible for bringing the company’s range of gateways and communication devices to UK consultants, contractors, and system integrators. In building automation, these decision-makers rely on reliable communication protocols, such as BACnet and Modbus, to ensure building systems operate seamlessly. The right candidate needed not only market knowledge but also strong relationships in this community.

Added to this was the fact that the Business Development Manager would be the first UK hire, working remotely with colleagues based in Germany. We had to identify candidates confident enough to operate independently, while still representing the company’s values and ambitions in a new market.

 

Internet of things low poly smart city 3D wire mesh. Intelligent building automation IOT concept. Modern wireless online control icon urban cityscape technology banner vector illustration

Solution

We launched a targeted headhunt, drawing on our network to identify candidates with relevant contacts in building automation and experience across system integration. At the same time, our marketing team created a tailored candidate pack. This highlighted the company’s strong position in the European market, the long-term career potential of joining at an early stage of UK growth, and the company’s excellent record of employee retention.

By presenting the role clearly and confidently, we addressed potential hesitations about joining a business without a current UK entity. Instead, we positioned it as an exciting opportunity to shape a new market for an established European leader.

 

Impact

Within four weeks, we delivered a shortlist of six candidates, all of whom were taken to interview. The role was enlisted in January 2025, and by March the successful candidate had been placed.

The chosen hire brought broad industry experience and the confidence to represent the business in the UK, despite being new to certain aspects of building management systems. Their appointment gave the Sales Director’s 2025 growth strategy the start it needed, ensuring the company could pursue UK projects and strengthen its European footprint. Our relationship with the client continues as they look to build further across Europe.

 

“I had the pleasure of working with Matt during the recruitment process for a Business Development & Sales position for the UK & Ireland. From the very beginning, the collaboration was outstanding. His deep industry knowledge, impressive network, and high level of professionalism clearly set him apart. What made the experience even more enjoyable was his approachable and genuinely kind personality. I truly appreciated his transparent communication and his commitment to finding the right match – not just for the company, but also for the candidate. I can wholeheartedly recommend Matt to anyone looking for a reliable and experienced recruitment partner in the field.”

Sales Director, Building Automation Leader

 

 

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