Head of Business Development (FTC - 12 Months) in Denbigh

Greys Specialist Recruitment are proud to be partnering with an established, values-led provider of specialist care and education to recruit a Head of Business Development on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a senior maternity cover position, offering the opportunity to step into a strategically important role with responsibility for maintaining commercial momentum, strengthening Local Authority relationships, supporting occupancy performance and ensuring the business development function continues to have a clear and credible voice at senior leadership level.

The successful person will play a key role in supporting sustainable growth across specialist homes and schools, ensuring referral activity remains values-led, needs-led and focused on achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and adults.

The Role

As Head of Business Development, you will provide senior leadership to the Business Development team while working closely with Operations, Registered Managers, Headteachers, Finance and external Local Authority partners. You will be responsible for maintaining and developing commissioning relationships, managing referral pipelines, supporting occupancy targets, overseeing contract and framework activity, and ensuring commercial insight and market intelligence inform strategic decision-making.

This role would suit someone with strong experience across health, social care and/or specialist education, particularly where they have worked closely with Local Authority commissioners, referral pathways, frameworks, contracts and occupancy-led growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and line manage the Business Development team.
• Represent the Business Development function at Senior Management Team level.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Local Authority commissioners and key external stakeholders.
• Develop and manage a sustainable pipeline of appropriate referrals and consultations.
• Work closely with Operations, Registered Managers and Headteachers to support occupancy across homes and schools.
• Ensure referrals are appropriately matched to service capacity, provision and individual need.
• Oversee the use of CRM systems to track referrals, offers, pipeline activity and performance.
• Analyse KPIs, market trends and commissioning intelligence to provide clear reporting and strategic insight.
• Support fee negotiations, contract discussions and framework participation.
• Act as a link between Local Authority partners, Operations and Finance to ensure placements are appropriately commissioned, contracted and billed.
• Represent the organisation at provider forums, conferences, partnership meetings and sector events.
• Uphold and promote the organisation’s values, reputation and market position.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a commercially astute, values-driven senior professional with experience in business development, commissioning, referrals or commercial leadership within a complex care, social care, education or health setting. The successful candidate will bring:

• Senior-level experience within business development, commissioning, referral management or commercial roles.
• Strong knowledge of Local Authority commissioning, referral pathways, frameworks and contract negotiations.
• Experience working within complex, multi-site care, education or health environments.
• Proven ability to manage referral pipelines and support occupancy or growth targets.
• Strong relationship-building, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Confidence operating at senior level and contributing to strategic decision-making.
• Experience working closely with operational teams to ensure appropriate placements and sustainable outcomes.
• Strong communication, presentation and reporting skills.
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and the ability to deliver within tight deadlines.
• IT literacy, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• A professional, resilient and discreet approach when handling sensitive information.
• Experience working with Local Authorities, specialist children’s services, SEND education, residential care, adult social care, complex needs, mental health or therapeutic provision would be highly advantageous.

Package & Benefits

• Salary of £60,000 – £68,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Senior leadership role with genuine strategic impact.
• Enhanced annual leave.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Retail savings through the Blue Light Card scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free eye care vouchers.
• Internal development opportunities.

Working Pattern

Full-time, 40 hours per week. The role is based from the organisation’s central office in North Wales on a hybrid basis, with regular travel required for internal meetings, Local Authority engagement, provider forums and sector events.

Contract Details

Contract: Fixed-term, 12 months maternity cover. Estimated start date: 1st August 2026. Estimated end date: 1st August 2027. Reporting to: Director of Support Services.

How to Apply

To apply for this Head of Business Development position, please send your CV to Greys Specialist Recruitment for immediate consideration. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced business development, commissioning or referrals leader to step into a senior interim role where commercial insight directly supports meaningful outcomes across specialist care and education services.