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- Tasks: Lead business development and financial strategies for an outdoor learning service.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council's innovative Outdoor Learning and Development team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-31 days holiday, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community education while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or Finance and experience in funding and growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 47142 - 47142 £ per year.
This permanent role has a starting salary of £47,142 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. We have a great opportunity to join our Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development team as a Business Development and Finance Manager. We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for 3 days per week on average (60% of the working week) and support working from home the rest of the time.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
This is a new and exciting role covering all areas of Business Development for our successful and growing outdoor learning service. Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) is a self-financing service within Surrey County Council generating over £3.3 million of revenue with a strong vision and set of core values. We have ambitious financial targets and aspirations. The key priorities of this role will be to support the Senior Management team in leading the financial reporting and monitoring of the SOLD revenue and expenditure budget. There will be a requirement to provide regular, accurate intelligence and data on our business and financial model. You will be advising the Senior Leadership Team on a range of financial and business decisions.
The role will also focus on overseeing all areas of Business Development including:
- New markets
- Pricing, terms and conditions of booking
- Staff utilisation
- Customer service
- Marketing
- Grants and other funding opportunities
You will work collaboratively with our amazing passionate team of outdoor learning professionals who deliver from three outdoor learning centres in and around Surrey. This role is varied and offers real opportunity to influence the strategic Business Model and financial sustainability of SOLD. This role requires direct line management responsibility for 3 team members currently, and major projects for the near future include:
- Setting up thorough and accurate financial monitoring processes
- Auditing our business model including pricing structure
- Reviewing the marketing strategy and bookings process
- Identifying new revenue opportunities in line with our core values
This is a significantly important position for SOLD and you will work with our Senior Leadership team to contribute directly to our strategic goals and financial sustainability for the future. You will also make a meaningful difference to and impact on our direction of travel and strategic business decisions.
Due to the nature of this role, we are particularly keen to hear from individuals with a school, charity sector, education or outdoor learning background.
Shortlisting Criteria
- A degree in Business, Finance or related field
- Proven experience in securing funding and driving business growth
- Knowledge of the education market and understanding of learning in the outdoors
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail
- Proficient in financial analysis and the ability to analyse complex financial data
- Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute effective business strategies
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong work ethic and a proactive attitude
- Excellent IT skills with a range of software applications
- Proven track record of excellent performance management of a staff team
To Apply
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following four questions:
- Please tell us about your experience of managing large revenue and expenditure budgets of a similar scale to SOLD's.
- Please explain how you have influenced and made positive changes to a Business Development Plan of a similar sized organisation.
- Please tell us how would you deliver a Business audit and analysis process for an organisation like SOLD.
- What is your experience of performance management of teams?
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25th April 2026 with interviews planned on Wednesday 6th of May 2026.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) – Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community.
Commitment Wording
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have a shared disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Business Development and Finance Manager employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development and Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education or outdoor learning sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, especially their focus on financial sustainability and community impact. We want to show them that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with managing budgets and driving business growth. We need to highlight how your skills align with their ambitious financial targets and strategic goals.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development and Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Business Development and Finance Manager. Highlight relevant experience, especially in managing budgets and driving business growth, so we can see how you fit into our vision.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: When answering the four questions, be specific and provide examples from your past experiences. We want to know how you've influenced business plans and managed teams, so don’t hold back on the details!
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning: Since we’re all about outdoor learning, let your enthusiasm shine through! Share any relevant experiences or insights you have about the education market and how it relates to outdoor activities.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Development and Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as revenue generation and budget management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed large budgets in the past.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset. Prepare examples of how you've influenced business development plans or implemented effective strategies in previous positions. Highlight your ability to analyse complex data and make informed decisions that drive growth.
✨Understand the Outdoor Learning Sector
Familiarise yourself with the outdoor learning market and its unique challenges. Research Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development's offerings and think about how you can contribute to their mission. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Team Management Questions
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in performance management. Think of specific instances where you've motivated your team, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and proactive attitude.