Development and Partnerships Manager

Development and Partnerships Manager

Full-Time 35000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Look Ahead Care and Support

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive partnerships and support business development in social care and housing.
  • Company: Leading not-for-profit provider transforming lives in London and the South East.
  • Benefits: Up to 30 days annual leave, free DBS, discounts, training, and a generous pension.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence in social care.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in communities while growing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in business development and bid writing.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 75000 £ per year.

We are looking for an organised, proactive and resilient Partnership Development Manager to join our New Business Team located at our Head Office in Islington. Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

  • Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
  • Free DBS
  • Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
  • Fully paid induction programme and further training
  • ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
  • Online wellbeing resources
  • A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
  • Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

This postholder will play a vital role as Look Ahead works to maintain and gain service contracts aligned to our ambitious Business Development Strategy and business plan. We are looking for a dynamic individual who can work closely with operational colleagues and other teams to support every part of the business development process including partnership building, strategic positioning, service design and bid writing and management.

The shift pattern for this role is as follows: Salary range of £35,000-75,000 depending on experience.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Building relationships with commissioners and stakeholders in supported accommodation and health in a dedicated geographic area covering all of our client groups - learning disabilities, mental health, homelessness, young people.
  • Work with operational colleagues in designated patch to support the end-to-end business development process including contract extensions and renegotiations.
  • Monitoring, managing, and drafting high-quality submissions for Local Authority and Health Trusts, frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems, focusing primarily on own patch but contributing to and supporting tender exercises coordinated by other members of the business development team as required.
  • Analysing evaluation criteria and advising on bid competitiveness and commercial strategies, including presenting proposed models and contract prices at internal risk panels to gain Senior Leadership approval.

A genuine interest in housing and social care and a commitment to Look Ahead's mission is essential. The ideal candidate will be imaginative and resourceful, able to contribute to the development of new ideas for services, educated to degree level or equivalent work experience, with extensive business development, fundraising or sales experience, and experience of bid writing. A qualification in social care/psychology/policy would be an advantage.

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation, we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We focus on excellence and innovation. Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for the full job description.

Development and Partnerships Manager employer: Look Ahead Care and Support

Look Ahead is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous benefits package, including up to 30 days of annual leave, award-winning training programmes, and a commitment to diversity, employees are empowered to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Islington, this role provides the opportunity to engage with vital social care initiatives, fostering both personal and professional development in a dynamic environment.

Look Ahead Care and Support

Contact Details:

Look Ahead Care and Support Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Development and Partnerships Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its mission. Understand their values and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it can benefit the team. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to transform lives.

We think you need these skills to ace Development and Partnerships Manager

Relationship Management
Business Development
Partnership Building
Strategic Positioning
Service Design
Bid Writing
Contract Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Development and Partnerships Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in business development, partnership building, and bid writing to show us you’re the perfect fit!

Show Your Passion:We want to see your genuine interest in housing and social care. Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to our mission at Look Ahead, as this will help us understand your motivation.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and skills quickly.

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, you’ll find all the info you need about the position there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Look Ahead Care and Support

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Look Ahead's mission and values. Understand their approach to social care and housing, especially in relation to partnership development. This will help you connect your experience with their goals during the conversation.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills in relationship management, bid writing, and business development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face in partnership building, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.

Be Yourself

While it's important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Look Ahead values diversity and inclusion, so being authentic can help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with their culture.