At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead growth in children's social care services and develop strategic partnerships.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on improving young people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, remote work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while driving business success.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in business development within children's social care and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Remote Working - MUST SPEND 2 DAYS PER WEEK IN LEEDS OFFICE. Salary: Up to £55,000 per year + 10% Bonus.
Main Purpose of Role
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to lead the growth and expansion of our Ofsted Regulated Services. The successful candidate will have a strong background in children’s social care and education provision, a deep understanding of regulations, EHCP’s, and sector dynamics. This role is integral to identifying new opportunities, developing strategic partnerships with local authorities, and ensuring our services meet both regulatory standards and the evolving needs of young people.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Strategic Business Partnering: Act as a strategic partner to Regional Operations Teams, working collaboratively to drive service growth, improve occupancy, and align business development efforts with operational capacity and priorities. Provide market intelligence, insights on commissioner needs, and regulatory guidance to inform regional service planning and delivery. Support regional teams to maximise placement opportunities, ensuring our service offers remain competitive and tailored to local demand.
- Placements & Referral Management: Lead and manage the Placements Team, ensuring the effective and responsive handling of a high volume of referrals across supported accommodation and residential children’s homes. Oversee the end-to-end referral and matching process, ensuring the needs of young people are accurately assessed and placements are made in line with both operational availability and quality standards. Monitor placement activity, conversion rates, and pipeline opportunities, providing regular analysis and feedback to regional teams and senior leadership.
- Market Development & Growth: Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities within the education sector. Conduct ongoing market and competitor analysis to support strategic decision-making and service positioning.
- Commissioner & Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and maintain strong relationships with local authority commissioners, housing partners, and other stakeholders to promote services and identify collaboration opportunities. Represent the organisation at sector events, forums, and strategic meetings to build the company’s presence and reputation.
- Compliance & Regulatory Guidance: Maintain expert knowledge of Ofsted regulations, 2023, ensuring all service developments and placements are fully compliant. Provide advice and updates to internal stakeholders, ensuring regulatory standards are embedded in business development and operational delivery.
- Reporting & Performance Insight: Develop and deliver weekly trading packs and reporting dashboards for the Managing Directors (MDs) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), providing clear insights on: a) Referral volumes and conversion rates. b) Occupancy levels across supported accommodation and residential homes. c) Pipeline of potential placements and business opportunities. d) Market trends, competitor activity, and commissioner engagement outcomes. e) Analyse data to identify patterns, risks, and opportunities, providing actionable recommendations to support strategic decision-making at executive level. f) Ensure reporting is accurate, timely, and aligned to operational KPIs and growth targets.
Candidate Criteria
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a business development, commissioning, or strategic leadership role within children’s social care, particularly in supported accommodation and/or residential children’s homes.
- Proven experience of business partnering with operational teams, working collaboratively to align growth strategies with service delivery capabilities.
- Experience of leading or managing placements functions or teams dealing with high volumes of complex referrals.
- Demonstrable track record of developing successful partnerships with local authorities, commissioners, and other key stakeholders.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify, develop, and capitalise on business growth opportunities in the social care sector.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multiple teams and stakeholders.
- Analytical and strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to interpret data, market intelligence, and regulatory developments.
- Self-motivated with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Experience working within or closely alongside operational leadership teams in social care or housing support services.
- Understanding of commissioning frameworks, funding pathways, and procurement processes in children’s services.
- Experience of supporting service design or redesign in response to regulatory changes or emerging commissioner needs.
- Relevant qualification in Social Care, Business Development, Housing, or a related field.
Business Development Manager in Leeds employer: Joining Careers Education
As a Business Development Manager with us, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. Our Leeds office fosters a strong sense of community, where you can engage with passionate colleagues while enjoying the flexibility of remote working. We offer competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in children's social care, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in Leeds
✨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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its services. Understand their mission and values, especially in children’s social care. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Business Development Manager. Highlight your successes in building partnerships and driving growth, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of regulations and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s make some waves in the social care sector together!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in children's social care and any relevant partnerships you've developed. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can help us grow our Ofsted Regulated Services. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved referral rates or built successful partnerships, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joining Careers Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Ofsted regulations and the latest trends in children's social care. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the sector, but that you're genuinely passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully developed partnerships or led teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Understand the Company’s Needs
Research the organisation's current services and any recent developments. Be ready to discuss how you can help them grow and meet regulatory standards, showing that you’re aligned with their goals and can contribute to their success.
✨Engage and Ask Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
