At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business development in tech-enabled public sector projects using data science and AI.
- Company: Join a leading consulting firm focused on innovative technology solutions for the UK government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams and exciting career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping technology solutions that transform public policy.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and understanding of UK public sector procurement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are seeking a hands-on business development professional to activate and grow ICF’s technology-enabled work applying data science and the use of AI across the UK Public Policy consulting market, spanning commissioned research, implementation and evaluation. This role focuses on building relationships, identifying and shaping opportunities emerging from existing frameworks, and working closely with technical and delivery teams to translate ICF’s established capabilities into live projects. It spans technology-enabled research, data, and digital consulting, including practical application of data science and AI within complex public sector programmes. The role sits within the UK and India Consulting Division and works closely with team leads, subject matter experts, delivery teams, and external partners. It is well suited to someone who enjoys being close to clients and opportunities, understands how public sector frameworks work in practice, and is motivated to win work by turning capability into delivery leading large strategic bids end-to-end.
Key Responsibilities
- Opportunity identification and activation (technology-enabled work)
- Identify, qualify, and win new opportunities across UK public sector contracts and activate existing frameworks to further technology enabled research, data and digital consulting work.
- Monitor upcoming call-offs, market engagement activity, and client intelligence to inform opportunity prioritisation and early positioning (capture).
- Support early-stage opportunity shaping by working with sector and subject matter experts to align emerging client needs with ICF’s technology and delivery capabilities.
- Help determine the most appropriate route to market (framework call-off, competitive bid, pilot, or partnership-based approach).
- Client and Partner Engagement
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with client stakeholders, framework owners, and delivery partners.
- Engage with clients to understand evolving priorities, translating these into actionable opportunity concepts.
- Work with existing and new partners to shape joint propositions that meet framework requirements and support broader technology-enabled delivery.
- Position ICF as a credible, delivery-focused technology partner well ahead of formal procurement activity.
- Technology-Enabled Solution and Bid Development
- Contribute to the design of technology-enabled solutions within bids and call-offs, working closely with technical leads, researchers, and delivery teams.
- Support the articulation of value propositions, case studies, and implementation approaches to ensure proposals are credible, achievable, and client focused.
- Provide early-stage bid input and constructive challenge, ensuring the proposed solution reflects genuine capability and delivery experience.
- Lead and manage selected technology-enabled proposals end-to-end, coordinating inputs from technical, sector, and business development teams.
- Internal Coordination, Governance and Growth Support
- Act as a bridge between business development, technical specialists, and delivery teams to ensure consistency between capability, proposition, and delivery.
- Support coordination across sectors (e.g., energy, climate, environment, employment, health, education, justice, equality) where technology augments research, evaluation, and programme delivery.
- Promote reuse of proven approaches, assets, and delivery models across the wider digital and technology community within ICF.
- Use CRM systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics) to track opportunities, manage pipeline information, and support reporting.
- Support marketing and growth activity, including briefing materials, market-facing content, events, and post-decision reviews.
Qualifications
- Business Development
- Experience of winning work in a business development, partnerships, or client-facing role within a consulting, technology, or digital services environment.
- Extensive knowledge with UK public sector procurement and framework-based delivery, with experience supporting or contributing to successful bids or call-offs.
- An understanding of how opportunities progress from early client engagement through to funded work.
- Technology Literacy
- Broad familiarity with digital and technology solutions such as cloud platforms, data and analytics, AI-enabled tools, and digital delivery approaches.
- Ability to engage credibly with technical specialists and clients without needing to be a technology expert.
- Experience working alongside multidisciplinary teams spanning technology, research, evaluation, communications, or programme delivery.
- Ways of Working
- Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, with confidence engaging a range of stakeholders.
- Practical, organised, and proactive approach to managing multiple opportunities in parallel.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate client needs into clear internal actions.
- Experience in capture, bid management, proposals, and broader business development.
- Strong strategic planning and communication skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with marketing, technical, and sales teams.
- Comfort operating in early stage, ambiguous opportunities, helping shape ideas before formal procurement or scope is defined.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Right to Work, Location & Sponsorship (UK)
- Have the legal right to work in the UK (or be eligible for sponsorship where applicable on a case-by-case basis).
- Be physically located in the UK on Day 1 of employment (or shortly before your start date).
Strategic Pursuit Lead - UK Government Technology Consulting employer: ICF
ICF is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within the UK Government Technology Consulting sector. Employees benefit from extensive professional growth opportunities, engaging in meaningful projects that leverage cutting-edge technology and data science to impact public policy positively. With a strong emphasis on building trusted client relationships and a supportive environment for cross-functional teamwork, ICF stands out as a place where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Pursuit Lead - UK Government Technology Consulting
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research ICF’s projects, values, and recent news. This way, when you chat with them, you can drop in some relevant insights that show you’re genuinely interested and not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Networking is key! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your interview. Plus, it could give you a leg up if they put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to business development and technology consulting. Think about how your past experiences align with the role and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Pursuit Lead - UK Government Technology Consulting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in business development and technology consulting. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills:Since this role is all about building relationships, share examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients or partners in the past. We love to see how you’ve turned connections into opportunities!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experience and how it relates to the job. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICF
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the UK public sector procurement processes and frameworks. Brush up on ICF’s technology capabilities, especially around data science and AI, so you can confidently discuss how these can be applied to real-world projects.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role is all about client engagement, practice your relationship-building skills. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged stakeholders or clients in the past, and be ready to share how you can translate those experiences into building trust with ICF's clients.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you identify and activate opportunities. Have a few examples ready that demonstrate your ability to shape ideas from early client engagement through to successful bids, highlighting your strategic planning skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating complex ideas simply and clearly. Be prepared to explain how you would translate client needs into actionable plans, ensuring your responses are concise and focused on delivering value.
