At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of impactful tenders and secure new contracts for community services.
- Company: Join Big Life Group, a mission-driven organisation making a difference in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping communities thrive through innovative partnerships.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship-building skills and experience in business development or tender processes.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
As our Business Development Manager, you will lead and coordinate the development of high-quality, compliant and competitive tenders that support Big Life Group’s growth and impact. Working as one of two Business Development Managers, you will have end-to-end responsibility for identifying opportunities and leading tender submissions across allocated service areas. You’ll work closely with operational leaders, finance colleagues and external partners to develop compelling proposals that demonstrate our impact, quality and values. You will play a central role in helping Big Life Group secure new contracts and partnerships, contributing directly to the sustainability and development of services that support communities across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Basic Information
- Hours: 35 hours per week
- Annual leave: 25 days, increasing to 30 days after five years
- Base: Big Life Stretford Road Hub, Manchester, or remote with attendance in person as required
- Line manager: Executive Director
Responsibilities
- Build strong relationships across allocated service areas to understand strengths, challenges and opportunities for growth.
- Identify business development opportunities and assess strategic fit, delivery capability, financial viability and likelihood of success.
- Lead and coordinate tender processes from opportunity identification through to submission and interview preparation.
- Produce high-quality bid content that clearly demonstrates Big Life Group’s experience, impact and capability.
- Develop compelling social value and impact narratives within submissions.
- Work with finance colleagues to develop compliant and financially viable pricing models.
- Maintain oversight of bid pipelines, tender outcomes and lessons learned to support continuous improvement.
- Develop market intelligence relating to commissioners, procurement trends, competitors and partnership opportunities.
- Maintain and improve libraries of standard responses, evidence and case studies.
- Support effective mobilisation and handover of successful contracts to operational teams.
Person Specification
Please use the person specification whilst completing your application.
Benefits
We offer more than a payslip – you’ll find wellbeing support through LifeWorks, Simply Health and mindfulness sessions, 25‑30 days’ annual leave plus your birthday off, flexible working, and regular learning opportunities. Everyday perks include Blue Light Card discounts, savings schemes, cycle‑to‑work, free eye tests and more – little extras to make life easier inside and outside of work.
Wellbeing passports: everyone has things going on in their life that affect their ability to be happy at work, and Big Life's wellbeing passports help staff members to work with their manager to understand their situation, what changes at work might make a difference, and the support we can offer.
Health and wellbeing champions: our health and wellbeing champions group is drawn from across the group, and meets regularly to look at how we can best support our staff.
Peer supporters: staff peer supporters can help staff within the group who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, grief, or any other emotional difficulties most of us face at some point in time. Peer supporters usually have some of their own life experience to draw on, and are trained to offer support.
Employee Assistance Programme: all staff have access to help from LifeWorks, which offers support with emotional, mental, financial, or physical wellbeing. The service is confidential, 24/7, and free to Big Life staff.
Stop smoking support: Big Life staff looking to stop smoking can access the NHS SmokeFree scheme. Through the scheme, if you quit and stay smoke free for six months, you can claim a £60 of gift vouchers.
Cycle to work: anyone looking to get fit on their way to work can access Cycle Solutions, and get a bike for their commute tax‑free! Through the scheme, Big Life staff can save an average of 32% on the cost of their bike.
Your Development: coming to Big Life to work or volunteer can be just the start of your journey. We really believe that if people have the values, the determination and the skills to progress, then we'll do everything we can to make that happen.
Business Development Manager in Manchester employer: Five Finance Recruitment
Big Life Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture enriched with flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits. Located in Manchester, our Stretford Road Hub fosters collaboration and innovation, empowering Business Development Managers to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying perks like additional annual leave, wellness support, and opportunities for continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you'll bump into someone who could help you land that dream job. Have a quick, engaging summary of your skills and experience ready to go, so you can impress them on the spot.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company! Before any interview, dive deep into Big Life Group’s mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on joining Big Life Group. Don’t miss out on that chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Job Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand the role of Business Development Manager. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your unique skills and experiences fit the specific needs of Big Life Group. Use examples that showcase your ability to lead tender processes and build relationships.
Showcase Your Impact:When writing about your past experiences, focus on the impact you've made. Use metrics or specific outcomes to demonstrate how you've contributed to previous organisations. This is especially important for us as we value social impact and community support.
Keep It Professional but Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Share your passion for business development and community work. Remember, we’re looking for someone who fits our values and culture, so be yourself!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Finance Recruitment
✨Know Your Tenders
Before the interview, get familiar with the tender processes relevant to the role. Understand what makes a compelling proposal and be ready to discuss how you would approach developing high-quality bids that align with Big Life Group’s values and impact.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with operational leaders and external partners, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past to achieve business development goals.
✨Showcase Your Market Intelligence
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the market landscape, including procurement trends and competitor analysis. Highlight any previous experiences where your insights led to successful business opportunities or improved tender submissions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges in the tender process and how you would address them, showcasing your ability to lead and coordinate effectively.
