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- Tasks: Lead business development and financial reporting for our outdoor learning service.
- Company: Join Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development, a self-financing service with a strong vision.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-31 days holiday, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of residents while influencing strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or Finance, with experience in funding and business growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with passionate professionals and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
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...
Business Development and Finance Manager in Dorking 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 in Dorking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and outdoor learning sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development team and understand their goals. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see you shine, so practice answering those key questions they might throw at you.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your past work, especially anything related to business development or financial management. We love seeing tangible proof of your achievements, so don’t hold back on sharing your success stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can make a difference. So, don’t wait – get your application in and let’s make some waves together!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development and Finance Manager in Dorking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development and Finance Manager role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in managing budgets and driving business growth, as these are key for us.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: When answering the application questions, be specific and provide examples from your past experiences. We want to see how you've influenced business plans and managed teams effectively.
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 education in outdoor settings to connect with our mission.
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 Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with financial reporting and budgeting, as this role heavily focuses on managing revenue and expenditure. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've handled similar budgets in the past.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've influenced business development plans or strategies in previous roles. Think about specific projects where your input led to positive changes, especially in a similar sector like education or outdoor learning.
✨Understand the Market
Research Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development and its competitors. Be prepared to discuss new market opportunities and how you would approach pricing and customer service improvements based on your understanding of the education market.
✨Team Management Insights
Since this role involves managing a team, come equipped with examples of your performance management experience. Highlight how you’ve motivated teams, handled challenges, and contributed to their professional development.