Business Development & Engagement Manager in London

Business Development & Engagement Manager in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
IMAGINE

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build relationships and engage leaders for a sustainable future.
  • Company: Join IMAGINE, a global community driving impactful change.
  • Benefits: Flexible work environment, growth opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
  • Other info: Work autonomously in a high-trust organisation focused on genuine connections.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission to create a sustainable and equitable world.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in business development or community management with strong relationship skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

IMAGINE is a global leadership community dedicated to accelerating systems change for a sustainable and equitable future. Founded in 2019 at the MoMA, IMAGINE brings together corporate executives, disruptive innovators, investors, and civil society leaders to foster impactful collaborations. The organization focuses on advancing climate action, social equity, and transformational leadership across industries. Through initiatives like the Food Collective and Fashion Pact, IMAGINE empowers leaders to drive systemic change at scale.

We are looking for someone who can join within weeks, not months. Please only apply if you are available to start promptly.

This is a rare and genuinely broad commercial role, sitting at the intersection of relationship development, community stewardship, and sustainable growth. You will be the primary point of contact for prospective and existing IMAGINE Leaders, responsible for identifying the right people, welcoming them into the ecosystem, and ensuring they derive extraordinary long-term value from their membership. The role spans four interconnected areas:

  • Identifying and engaging exceptional leaders who align with the IMAGINE community
  • Building deep, lasting relationships that evolve well beyond initial onboarding
  • Strengthening the ecosystem through matchmaking, thought leadership, and meaningful engagement
  • Maintaining the commercial and operational discipline that allows IMAGINE to grow with integrity

This is not a transactional role. Success here means finding and nurturing the kind of leaders who become long-standing contributors to the community: people who refer others, participate actively, and grow with us over years, not months. You will work closely with the Director of Community & Membership and collaborate with the CFO on revenue performance, cohort composition, and relationship network visibility. The role demands someone who is equally at home in a candid strategic conversation with a senior leader as they are reviewing customer data in HubSpot.

We are looking for a commercially minded relationship builder, someone who understands that long-term value is created through trust, relevance, and genuine care for the people in their network. The right person for this role will not see business development and relationship management as separate disciplines. They will move fluidly between them, understanding that the best commercial outcomes at IMAGINE are a natural consequence of exceptional human connection.

You will bring:

  • 5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, commercial roles, or community and membership management
  • A genuine track record of building high-trust relationships that translate into long-term value for both parties
  • Experience managing accounts, communities, or member relationships in a quality-first environment
  • Confidence and fluency with HubSpot or equivalent CRM systems. You understand the discipline of a well-managed engagement network
  • Strong emotional intelligence and the interpersonal judgement to navigate complex relationships with senior leaders
  • A structured, data-informed approach to managing priorities and commercial performance
  • The ability to operate with autonomy in a lean, high-trust organisation, taking ownership without needing extensive infrastructure around you

While a strong foundation in commercial or sales roles is important, we are equally interested in the quality of the relationships you build and the judgment you bring to curating them. We are open to supporting development across the broader aspects of the role for the right person. IMAGINE is a lean, high-trust organisation where ownership is expected and rewarded. If you are a relationship-first commercial leader who thrives without a large support structure and wants to help build something genuinely exceptional, we would love to hear from you.

Business Development & Engagement Manager in London employer: IMAGINE

At IMAGINE, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions sustainable and equitable change. Our collaborative work culture fosters deep relationships and empowers employees to take ownership of their roles, ensuring meaningful contributions to our global leadership community. With a focus on personal and professional growth, we offer unique opportunities for engagement and development in a high-trust environment, making us an exceptional place for those passionate about driving systemic change.

IMAGINE

Contact Details:

IMAGINE Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development & Engagement Manager in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those genuine relationships that can lead to opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Be proactive in your approach. Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up; reach out to companies you admire, like IMAGINE, and express your interest. A well-timed email or message can make a huge difference and show your enthusiasm for being part of their mission.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or network, let your authentic self shine through. They’re looking for someone who fits into their community, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for sustainable growth and relationship building.

Tip Number 4

Follow up after meetings or networking events. A simple thank-you note or a message referencing something you discussed can keep you top of mind. It shows you care and are genuinely interested in building a long-term connection, which is key in roles like the one at IMAGINE.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development & Engagement Manager in London

Business Development
Relationship Management
Community Stewardship
Sustainable Growth
Account Management
High-Trust Relationship Building
Emotional Intelligence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and our mission shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about building relationships and driving sustainable change.

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in business development and community management. We’re looking for someone who can fluidly navigate between relationship building and commercial outcomes, so connect the dots for us!

Be Authentic:We value genuine connections, so don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Share stories or examples that demonstrate your emotional intelligence and how you've built trust with others in your network.

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your interest and fit for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at IMAGINE

Know the Community Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into IMAGINE's mission and initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their projects like the Food Collective and Fashion Pact. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.

Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills

Prepare specific examples of how you've built and maintained high-trust relationships in previous roles. Highlight instances where these connections led to long-term value for both parties. This is crucial as the role focuses on nurturing leaders who contribute to the community over time.

Demonstrate Your Data Savvy

Since the role involves managing customer data in HubSpot or similar systems, be ready to discuss your experience with CRM tools. Share how you've used data to inform your strategies and improve engagement, showcasing your structured approach to managing priorities.

Emphasise Emotional Intelligence

IMAGINE values strong interpersonal judgement, especially when navigating complex relationships. Prepare to discuss situations where your emotional intelligence made a difference in your interactions with senior leaders or stakeholders. This will highlight your ability to connect authentically and effectively.