Head of Business Development – Public Sector
(Permanent - Hybrid)
Location: Naas, Co. Kildare
The Role
OpenSky Data Systems is seeking a seasoned Head of Business Development with a proven track record in professional services sales within the public sector in Ireland. This is a permanent, hybrid role based in Naas, Co. Kildare.
You will be part of a successful, growing team focused on developing enterprise business opportunities within the Irish public sector — spanning central government, local authorities, health, transport, and justice.
The role suits a self-starter who can drive opportunities through strategic networking and intelligence-led engagement, while being fully supported by a high-performing sales, bid, and marketing team.
You will be expected to own a revenue target and build a pipeline of new business, while also developing and expanding a portfolio of existing government accounts.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Pipeline Ownership
Own and manage a new business revenue target, with full accountability for accurate pipeline forecasting, opportunity qualification, and CRM hygiene across all assigned accounts and prospects.
Identify, engage, and build relationships with key decision-makers in government agencies, local authorities, and state bodies — fostering long-term strategic partnerships.
Develop and maintain structured account plans for key government clients, identifying expansion opportunities across the full OpenSky portfolio including Digital & Cloud, Application Modernisation, Managed Services, and AI solutions.
You will be assigned a number of existing government customers to develop further; however, the primary focus will be on new logo acquisition and greenfield opportunities.
Procurement & Tender Strategy
Develop and maintain expertise in Irish public sector procurement frameworks (OGP, eTenders, DPER guidelines) to ensure OpenSky is positioned on relevant frameworks ahead of key procurements.
Work with the Tender Bid team to lead the commercial and intelligence-gathering input into tender responses, ensuring proposals are differentiated, commercially sound, and aligned to client priorities.
Lead contract negotiation covering consulting services, fixed-price development, and managed services contracts.
Stakeholder Engagement & Thought Leadership
Represent OpenSky at public sector industry events, conferences, roundtables, and forums; contribute to thought leadership content that positions OpenSky as a trusted digital transformation partner to government.
You will be supported by, and will actively help direct, marketing campaigns, events, and effective branding to showcase OpenSky's capabilities to the Irish public sector.
Actively promote OpenSky's AI and automation capabilities to public sector clients, translating technical offerings into tangible business outcomes aligned to clients' digital transformation strategies.
Internal Collaboration
Work closely with OpenSky expert consultants in Digital & Cloud Automation, Application Modernisation, and AI services to bring the right solutions and insights to customers.
Ability to maximise the quality and flow of market intelligence from customers back to the business, supporting the sales and tender processes.
Interface effectively with multifunctional internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Technical, Delivery) to progress opportunities from identification to contract award.
Requirements
Experience
Minimum of 8 years' experience in IT professional services sales, with demonstrable focus on Cloud, AI, digital transformation, and/or managed services.
Proven experience establishing and maintaining relationships with C-level and Director-level decision-makers in the Irish public sector.
Demonstrable knowledge of Irish public sector procurement processes, including OGP frameworks, eTenders, competitive dialogue, and multi-supplier frameworks.
Strong existing network across two or more of the following verticals: central government, local authorities, HSE/health, transport, education, or justice.
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets in a complex, long-cycle B2B sales environment.
Skills & Competencies
An ability to build credibility and sell through transparency and trust — particularly in a public sector environment where reputation, accountability, and long-term relationships are paramount.
An excellent understanding of what digital advantage means to a public sector organisation and the ability to articulate this in client conversations.
Ability to articulate OpenSky's customer success stories and case studies to new prospects in a compelling and credible manner.
Strong commercial judgement and ability to properly qualify opportunities, with familiarity with structured sales methodologies.
Strong negotiation, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality proposals and client presentations.
Comfortable working with pipeline and CRM tools, with the discipline to maintain accurate forecasting and opportunity records.
Practical Requirements
Requirement to travel to Irish public sector offices throughout Ireland.
Own transport required.
What We Offer
You will form part of a high-performance team, working together to deliver projects of national and international importance, changing the way large businesses and governments work.
Incremental Increases in Annual Leave
Continuous Professional Development
Education Assistance Programme
Digital Doctor Service
Hybrid working
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Why Join Our Team
OpenSky Data Systems is a European challenger brand to the large global software consultancies, delivering innovation across Government, Transport, Environment, and Health sectors in Ireland and the UK. We specialise in transformative digital solutions that drive efficiency and enhance user experiences for our clients. We pride ourselves on delivering world-class solutions, and are seeking a Head of Business Development who shares our vision and our commitment to being the best. If you're ready for a new challenge and you want to be part of a team that's making a real difference, we want to hear from you!