Head of Business Development and Innovation

To lead the development of new partnerships, funding opportunities and innovative initiatives that grow CatZero’s impact across the Humber region and its long‑term sustainability. The postholder will be responsible for expanding and diversifying income streams, strengthening strategic partnerships, and identifying opportunities to grow CatZero’s existing programmes. Working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, the role will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery to ensure CatZero continues to grow its reach, reputation and financial resilience. The Head of Business Development and Innovation will work closely with the Chief Executive, Director of Sailing, and Business & Finance Manager to ensure income growth is sustainable and aligned with delivery capability.

Duties

• Income Strategy & Leadership
  • Develop and deliver CatZero’s income generation and business development strategy, setting and achieving agreed annual and multi‑year targets aligned with the organisation’s priorities.
  • Oversee income forecasting and pipeline management, identifying and securing new funding opportunities that support sustainable organisational growth.
  • Work closely with the Chief Executive and Management Team to identify strategic opportunities that strengthen CatZero’s impact, sustainability and reach.
  • Monitor external trends, funding landscapes and partnership opportunities to inform strategic development and future growth.
  • Represent CatZero externally with partners, networks and stakeholders to strengthen relationships and identify new opportunities for growth.
• Innovation and Opportunity Development
  • Identify and develop innovative opportunities that expand CatZero’s programmes, partnerships and income streams.
  • Explore and develop new delivery models, collaborations and markets that build on CatZero’s strengths and brand.
  • Work with the programme managers to pilot, evaluate and scale initiatives that expand CatZero’s programmes and increase organisational impact.
  • Champion a culture of opportunity and innovation across CatZero, encouraging ideas that strengthen organisational sustainability.
• Corporate Partnerships
  • Develop and implement a structured corporate partnership strategy, identifying and securing new partners locally, regionally and nationally.
  • Negotiate and manage partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with CatZero’s values and delivery capacity.
  • Lead relationship stewardship to maximise retention, sponsorship growth and long‑term collaboration.
• Trusts, Foundations & Commissioned Income
  • Lead the identification and development of funding opportunities from trusts, foundations and commissioners.
  • Oversee the preparation and submission of high‑quality bids, proposals and cases for support.
  • Maintain a forward‑looking funding pipeline and ensure timely, high‑quality reporting and relationship management with funders.
• Community Fundraising & Public Engagement
  • Develop and oversee community fundraising initiatives, campaigns and supporter engagement activity.
  • Support and grow individual and group fundraising participation to strengthen public support and income diversification.
• Marketing & Communications
  • Work in partnership with the Marketing Manager to ensure communications, case studies and external representation support income growth and brand positioning.
• Data, Systems & Compliance
  • Oversee CRM systems and ensure accurate recording of income, pipeline activity and supporter engagement.
  • Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation, GDPR and financial reporting requirements, working closely with the Business & Finance Manager.
• Senior Leadership & Cross‑Organisational Working
  • Act as a member of the Management Team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision‑making.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience in business development, income generation, partnerships or fundraising at a senior level.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering successful income generation strategies or growth plans.
• Experience identifying and developing new funding opportunities, partnerships or income streams.
• Experience of securing funding through proposals, bids, partnerships or sponsorship.
• Strong relationship‑building and influencing skills with senior leaders, partners, funders and stakeholders.
• Experience of producing financial forecasts, pipeline reports and performance updates.
• Strategic thinking ability combined with strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and functions to support programme growth.

Desirable

• Experience within a youth, employability, maritime or community‑based organisation.
• Knowledge or experience of commissioning processes, social value frameworks or public sector funding.
• Experience developing corporate partnerships or strategic collaborations.
• Experience managing staff or leading cross‑functional teams.
• Knowledge of the Humber region’s business, civic and funding landscape.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to undertake occasional out‑of‑hours work as required.
• Attendance at management meetings and trustee meetings as required.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role.