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- Tasks: Lead business development and secure funding for sustainable cotton initiatives.
- Company: Join the Better Cotton Initiative, a leader in global sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global sustainability while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous learning and growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Business Development Manager is responsible for securing and growing investment to deliver Better Cotton's global sustainability ambitions. Reporting to the Senior Director of Impact & Development, the role shapes compelling investment cases, cultivates donor and investor relationships, and mobilises large‐scale funding to support sustainable cotton production worldwide.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of high‐quality, bankable funding proposals aligned with donor and investor priorities.
- Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with institutional donors, foundations, development finance actors, and other funding partners.
- Translate Better Cotton's strategic priorities and technical work into clear, compelling investment narratives, pitches, and presentations.
- Monitor donor and investor market trends to ensure better positioning and responsiveness to emerging funding opportunities.
- Support country teams to strengthen domestic business development and resource mobilisation strategies.
- Represent Better Cotton externally at events, platforms, and stakeholder forums to raise visibility and partnership opportunities.
- Provide line management, coaching, and strategic direction to the Business Development Officer.
Qualifications
Essential
- Demonstrated experience in business development, fundraising, or investment mobilisation, including securing significant funding (e.g., grants or investments exceeding €1m).
- Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen, with the ability to understand market dynamics and position programmes for long‐term growth.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; proven ability to develop persuasive proposals and pitch to senior stakeholders.
- Strong relationship‐building and networking skills, with experience engaging donors, investors, and partners across multiple geographies.
- Financial and negotiation capability, including experience structuring funding arrangements and negotiating contracts or agreements.
Desirable
- Knowledge of agriculture, sustainability, or smallholder farming systems, particularly in emerging or developing markets.
- Experience working within or alongside international NGOs, sustainability initiatives, or multi‐stakeholder platforms.
- Professional qualification in fundraising, business development, or business management.
- Experience working across regions and cultures, including with country teams and technical specialists.
- Familiarity with climate, ESG, or impact‐focused investment frameworks.
Benefits
- Hybrid working – one day per week in Canary Wharf office; up to one month per year working from anywhere.
- Flexible core hours (10:00–16:00 local time).
- Continuous learning and development opportunities.
- Pension scheme and generous annual leave package.
- Enhanced parental benefits.
- Opportunity to make a difference in global sustainable cotton production.
Working Arrangements
The position is full‐time (40 hours per week) and will be based in London. Limited travel may be required.
Apply Now
Send a CV (maximum 2 pages) and a brief cover letter (maximum 1 page) explaining how your experience is specifically relevant to this role by 04/02/2026 via the link provided. Better Cotton Initiative does not use automated screening tools; every application is reviewed by our People & Culture team and relevant hiring managers to ensure a fair, human‐led assessment experience.
We are an equal opportunity employer and commit to good practice and transparency in the management of human, financial, and natural resources. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.
Business Development Manager in London employer: Better Cotton Initiative
Contact Detail:
Better Cotton Initiative Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Perfect Your Pitch
When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, make sure you’ve got your pitch down. Highlight your experience in business development and fundraising, and don’t forget to show your passion for sustainability!
✨Follow Up
After any meeting or networking event, drop a quick follow-up email. Thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in securing significant funding and your strategic thinking skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Better Cotton!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be a brief but powerful narrative of why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to showcase your relationship-building skills and your understanding of market dynamics. Remember, we love a good story that connects your experience to our goals!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements, especially those related to fundraising or investment mobilisation. Numbers speak volumes, so if you've secured funding over €1m, make sure to shout about it! We’re all about making an impact.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, we review every application personally, so you’ll get a fair shot at showcasing your talents to us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Better Cotton Initiative
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Better Cotton's mission and values. Understand their sustainability goals and how your experience in business development aligns with their objectives. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Craft Compelling Narratives
Prepare to showcase your ability to create persuasive investment proposals. Think of specific examples where you've successfully secured funding or built relationships with donors. Be ready to discuss these experiences in a way that highlights your strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
✨Build Rapport
Relationship-building is key for this role. During the interview, focus on establishing a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and express genuine interest in their work. This will demonstrate your networking skills and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Given the hybrid working model, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and adapt to different working environments. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams across various locations, highlighting your cultural awareness and adaptability.
