Business Development Manager - Children Residential Services

The Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and expansion of our children's residential services. This role involves managing the referrals team for children's residential services including family assessment and activity and intervention services, ensuring cohesive efforts towards increasing occupancy, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding our service offerings. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the social care sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Line Management: Supervise and mentor the Referrals Managers and provide effective leadership to the whole referrals team. Set performance targets, conduct regular appraisals, and provide ongoing support and development opportunities. Provide mentoring and training opportunities for the team to ensure continual development.
• Occupancy Management: Oversee and lead the development and implementation of high-level strategies to increase occupancy rates across all services. Manage and mentor a dedicated team responsible for executing occupancy initiatives and converting referrals in an efficient manner. Monitor and analyse occupancy metrics, providing strategic direction and making data-driven decisions to improve performance and address areas of concern. Ensure Keys are listed on relevant frameworks to support referral pipelines. Strengthen referral networks with social and healthcare professionals, social workers, and community organisations. Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Strategic Planning and Development: Act as a growth business partner for the Chief Operating Officer and Regional Directors to develop and implement long-term growth strategies. Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to support decision-making and operational planning. Facilitate cross-functional communication and collaboration, ensuring seamless integration of business development activities with operational processes. Identify and assess new market opportunities and potential areas for expansion. Oversee the coordination of tender opportunities, facilitating bid/no bid meetings and working with stakeholders to complete submissions. Monitor and report on the performance of growth initiatives, providing regular updates to the COOs and senior leadership team.
• Partnership and Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, healthcare providers, and community organisations. Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Marketing and Communications: Work closely with the marketing team to develop and implement effective marketing campaigns to promote our services. Create compelling proposals, presentations, and promotional materials. Enhance the organisation's visibility and reputation in the social care sector. Taking an active lead on Keys LinkedIn page.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure all business development activities comply with relevant regulations and standards. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and quality assurance in all aspects of service delivery.

Minimum Requirements:

• Significant experience in business development, preferably within the social care or healthcare sector.
• Strong understanding of the children's social care landscape.
• Proven track record of achieving business growth and developing strategic partnerships.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of developing relationships with local authorities.
• Significant experience in coordinating tender processes and contract management.
• Strong project management and organisational abilities.
• Financial acumen and experience in service modelling.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the mission of the organisation.

Company Overview: Keys is a leading specialist care, support and education provider for young people with challenging and complex needs. We pride ourselves on putting quality first and have a Leadership Team who are passionate about delivering the best possible outcomes for our young people.