Business Development Manager

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About Oakdale

Oakdale is a values-led, well established provider of professional therapy services with over 25 years of experience. Our flexible, bespoke, and evidence-based clinical services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team across the North of England, with a growing number offered nationally via online platforms. Commissioned primarily by the NHS and Local Authorities, our work spans a wide range of specialist areas including neurodevelopmental assessments, ADHD services, trauma-informed therapy for adopted and fostered children, BUSS (Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems), psychotherapy in schools, support for disordered eating, gambling addiction, general psychotherapy and therapy for NHS staff. We are proud of our collaborative, outcomes-focused approach, and are committed to delivering services that are ethical, effective, and continually evolving in response to the needs of our clients and commissioners.

Role Overview

The Business Development Manager is a senior role focused on driving growth and innovation across Oakdale’s service lines. Working closely with the wider senior team, the postholder will lead on business development and tender identification, preparation and submission, drawing in clinical and other experts from within Oakdale to collaborate in the process. This role is important to Oakdale’s long-term success and will ensure new service opportunities are identified and secured. The postholder should develop strong relationships with commissioners, partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure services are sustainable, impactful, and aligned with Oakdale’s values.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Oakdale’s business development strategy across service areas, aligning with organisational priorities and values.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities across NHS, Local Authority, and third-sector markets.
• Monitor policy, funding and commissioning trends to inform future direction opportunities for Oakdale.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that facilitate service innovation and Oakdale’s expansion.
• Contribute appropriately to Oakdale’s social media profile and postings to ensure that these align with business development objectives and issues at the forefront of our areas of work.
• Lead on tenders and funding applications, from opportunity identification to tender drafting and project management of the production process to submission; drawing in all relevant colleagues and expertise required to generate authoritative and compelling bids.
• Establish and maintain up to date knowledge of the procurement portals and other sites where public sector and other potential commissioners advertise and manage tender opportunities of the types that are relevant to Oakdale.
• Ensure that Oakdale maintains registration on all appropriate sites, with automated ‘key word alerts’ established in respect of relevant search terms where possible.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders to develop high-quality, competitive, and compliant bids.
• Ensure bid content reflects Oakdale’s strengths and is aligned with commissioners’ priorities.
• Represent Oakdale in bid presentations, negotiations, and contract discussions.
• Following award of new contracts the post holder will liaise and work in close partnership with Oakdale’s Heads of Services to ensure a coordinated, team-based and well informed approach to the mobilisation of new services, and clarity with regard to managing future relationships with commissioners of new contracts.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with commissioners, provider networks, and strategic partners.
• Represent Oakdale at external meetings, forums, and industry events.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to co-design services and respond to system needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. business, healthcare, psychology).

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong understanding of NHS commissioning structures and contracting processes.
• Proven experience in business development or bid management.
• Demonstrable success in securing and delivering contracts with public sector bodies (desirable).
• Experience in leading cross-organisational projects and managing key partnerships.
• Knowledge about neurodiversity and/or mental health services and current health policy landscape (desirable).
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to produce compelling bids, reports, and presentations.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills with the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and digital communication tools.
• High-level organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a solution-focused mindset.

Values & Cultural Fit

• A strategic, proactive, and values-driven professional with a commitment to ethical service delivery.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to build strong working relationships across departments.
• Willingness to travel where required.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Business Development and Sales

Industries: Mental Health Care