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- Tasks: Lead and improve Sustrans' competitive bidding process while supporting business development.
- Company: Join Sustrans, a charity dedicated to making transport sustainable and accessible for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 28 days leave, volunteer days, and financial perks like pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport and work with a passionate, creative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development or relevant fields; strong communication and organisational skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 40000 £ per year.
Senior Business Development Officer
UK-wide
£32,145 per annum (pro rata for part time hours)
Ref: 25REC
Part Time: 30 hours per week – happy to talk flexible working
Base: Hybrid working at any UK Sustrans Hub
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.
What we offer
In return we can offer true hybrid working to suit individual circumstances and a flexible, supportive and rewarding working environment.
Wellbeing
28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time working
Ability to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff)
Staff volunteer days
24/7 free, impartial and confidential support service
We are members of the Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme who both offer cycle to work schemes
Financial
Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Sustrans
Bike, computer and season ticket loans
Discount benefits
London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London)
Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary
Family Friendly
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday – Friday)
Additional information
Closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 23:59, 13 August 2025.
Interviews will take place in via MS Teams during the 1st or 2nd of September 2025
To apply, please complete our online application form. More details of our vacancies can be found at Sustrans
At Sustrans you\’ll be part of a movement to make it easier for people to walk and cycle.
We\’re all here to change things! You’ll be part of an incredible community of talented, passionate, creative, problem solvers all working together to change things for the better. We act locally and think big – we have a vision of a society where the way we travel creates healthier places and happier lives for everyone.
You\’ll be questioning the status quo and daring to imagine a different world. You\’ll work on exciting, impactful projects that will stretch and empower you and you\’ll be rewarded by seeing the difference you make to people, communities and the planet.
We believe including everyone is central to who we are and what we want to achieve, we welcome difference and pride ourselves on creating a culture where you can be yourself and where your wellness is supported.
You\’ll be guaranteed to make friends for life and work with a team that is incredibly flexible, supportive, ethical and fun.
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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
Familiarise yourself with Sustrans' mission and values. Understanding their approach to sustainable transport will help you align your discussions and demonstrate how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of successful funding bids or tenders you've worked on in the past. Be ready to discuss these experiences during interviews, highlighting your role in the process and the outcomes achieved.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by discussing how you've worked with cross-functional teams in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to foster teamwork and leverage internal expertise to achieve common goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development and bid writing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to develop successful funding bids and competitive tenders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainable transport and how your skills align with Sustrans' mission. Mention your proactive mindset and focus on quality, impact, and continuous improvement.
Showcase Collaboration Skills: Emphasise your ability to work well with others and foster collaboration across teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully coordinated activities and held people accountable in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure that your copy is of high standard and free from errors, 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 or worked with diverse teams.
✨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 in this area.
✨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 and results-driven.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
With responsibilities that include coordinating activities and meeting deadlines, it's crucial to highlight your organisational skills. Share examples of how you've managed multiple projects or tasks effectively, ensuring that all stakeholders were held accountable and deadlines were met.
