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- Tasks: Lead and improve Sustrans' competitive bidding process and business development support.
- Company: Join Sustrans, a charity dedicated to sustainable transport and reducing inequality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in business development or related fields preferred.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially under-represented groups.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
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Senior Business Development Officer, Bristol
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Client:
Sustrans
Location:
Bristol, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
2267144f767b
Job Views:
15
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
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Job Description:
About the role
We have a new opportunity for a Senior Business Development Officer to join Sustrans. In this pivotal role, you\’ll support Sustrans’ commercial strategy by leading and improving our competitive bidding process and delivering high-quality business development support across the organisation.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Championing innovation in our business development approach
- Developing compelling new offers and refining internal processes
- Providing expert bid-writing guidance and quality assurance
- Fostering collaboration across teams and leveraging internal expertise
- Strengthening Sustrans’ ability to win new opportunities and build strong, strategic partnerships
This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of sustainable transport by helping us grow our impact and reach.
Candidates should be based within the geographical area with regular travel expected to the nearest hub.
About you
As an excellent communicator, you work well with other people and develop strong relationships.
You have experience of working in business development or a relevant setting. You have previously developed successful funding bids and competitive tenders. You work well with others, identifying new opportunities and gaps in the market. You coordinate activities using an established process – holding people to account and meeting deadlines. Your copy is of a high standard and you are confident reviewing others\’ work. You have a proactive mindset with a focus on quality, impact, and continuous improvement.
Previous experience of working in this area isn\’t a necessity. If you are well-organised, with an eye for detail, and work well with others – we\’d welcome an application from you.
Sustrans has a long-term commitment to being a charity for everyone – reducing inequality, valuing diversity, enabling inclusion and ensuring all people are treated with dignity and respect. We aim to be a truly inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all parts of the community, in particular from under-represented groups.
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Senior Business Development Officer employer: Sustrans
Contact Detail:
Sustrans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the business development field, especially those who have experience with competitive bidding processes. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about best practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Sustrans thoroughly to understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful funding bids or tenders you've worked on in the past. Highlight your role in these projects and the impact they had, as this will showcase your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Foster relationships with team members from different departments within Sustrans. Understanding their expertise can help you leverage internal resources effectively, which is crucial for a collaborative role like this one.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Senior Business Development Officer position at Sustrans. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in business development, particularly in developing funding bids and competitive tenders. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and skills.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Highlight your communication skills, ability to foster collaboration, and any innovative approaches you've taken in previous roles that align with Sustrans' mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your copy is of high quality, as this reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sustrans
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Business Development Officer, excellent communication is key. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and collaborate with others during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Bid-Writing Experience
Since the role involves providing expert bid-writing guidance, come equipped with specific examples of successful funding bids or competitive tenders you've developed. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved to showcase your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset
The job requires a proactive approach with a focus on quality and continuous improvement. Prepare to discuss instances where you've identified opportunities or gaps in the market and how you took initiative to address them. This will show your potential employer that you're forward-thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
Being well-organised is crucial for this role. During the interview, talk about how you coordinate activities and hold team members accountable to meet deadlines. Providing examples of how you've managed multiple projects effectively will highlight your organisational capabilities.
