Business Development Manager – Care & Education

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager to drive growth across our regulated education services portfolio. The role combines strategic partnership building with local authorities, market analysis and oversight of a placements function to improve access for young people.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with regional operational teams to align business development with service capacity and improve occupancy.
• Lead the end‑to‑end placements and referral process, monitoring conversion rates and pipeline health.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities through market and competitor analysis.
• Build and maintain relationships with local authority commissioners and other key stakeholders.
• Provide regulatory guidance and ensure compliance across business development activities.
• Produce regular trading reports and dashboards for senior leadership.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in business development, commissioning or strategic leadership within children’s social care or education.
• Experience in independent specialist education or a closely related environment.
• Proven ability to partner with operational teams and manage a high‑volume placements function.
• Strong commercial awareness and track record of converting growth opportunities.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret market intelligence and regulatory developments.

What we offer

• £55,000 salary plus a 10% performance‑related bonus.
• Hybrid working with frequent travel to schools and occasional head‑office visits.
• A senior role with significant influence over business growth and service development.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on improving access to appropriate services for young people.