At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of competitive tenders to drive growth and impact.
- Company: Join Big Life Group, a community-focused organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by securing contracts that benefit communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 49282 - 51356 £ per year.
Salary NJC point 38-40 (£49,282 to £51,356)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Annual leave: 25 days, increasing to 30 days after five years
Base: Big Life Stretford Road Hub, Manchester, or remote with attendance in person as required
Line manager: Executive Director
Closing date for applications: 21 June 2026 at midnight
What you’ll be doing:
As our Business Development Manager, you will lead and coordinate the development of high‑quality, compliant and competitive tenders that support Big Life Group’s growth and impact. Working as one of two Business Development Managers, you will have end‑to‑end responsibility for identifying opportunities and leading tender submissions across allocated service areas. You’ll work closely with operational leaders, finance colleagues and external partners to develop compelling proposals that demonstrate our impact, quality and values, playing a central role in securing new contracts and partnerships that sustain and expand services for communities across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Main duties:
- Build strong relationships across allocated service areas to understand strengths, challenges and opportunities for growth.
- Identify business development opportunities and assess strategic fit, delivery capability, financial viability and likelihood of success.
- Lead and coordinate tender processes from opportunity identification through to submission and interview preparation.
- Produce high‑quality bid content that clearly demonstrates Big Life Group’s experience, impact and capability.
- Develop compelling social value and impact narratives within submissions.
- Work with finance colleagues to develop compliant and financially viable pricing models.
- Maintain oversight of bid pipelines, tender outcomes and lessons learned to support continuous improvement.
- Develop market intelligence relating to commissioners, procurement trends, competitors and partnership opportunities.
- Maintain and improve libraries of standard responses, evidence and case studies.
- Support effective mobilisation and handover of successful contracts to operational teams.
Benefits:
We offer wellbeing support through LifeWorks, Simply Health and mindfulness sessions, 25‑30 days’ annual leave plus your birthday off, flexible working, and regular learning opportunities. Everyday perks include Blue Light Card discounts, savings schemes, cycle‑to‑work, free eye tests and more – little extras to make life easier inside and outside of work.
Business Development Manager employer: The Big Life group
Big Life Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a competitive salary and generous annual leave that increases with tenure. With a strong focus on collaboration and community impact, our work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, providing Business Development Managers with the opportunity to lead meaningful projects that directly benefit Greater Manchester and beyond. Additionally, our flexible working arrangements and comprehensive support services ensure that employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in tender submissions and business development, showing us how you can contribute to our mission at Big Life Group.
Showcase Your Impact:When writing your application, focus on demonstrating your past successes and the impact you've made in previous roles. We want to see how you've driven growth and secured partnerships, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for high-quality content that stands out!
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, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Big Life group
✨Know Your Tenders
Make sure you understand the tender process inside out. Familiarise yourself with how to identify opportunities and what makes a compelling proposal. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with operational leaders and external partners, be prepared to discuss how you’ve built strong relationships in the past. Share specific examples of how these connections have led to successful outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Impact Narratives
Be ready to talk about how you can develop compelling social value narratives. Think of examples where you've demonstrated impact and quality in your previous work, as this aligns perfectly with what the company is looking for.
✨Market Intelligence Matters
Research the current market trends and competitors before your interview. Being able to discuss your insights on procurement trends and partnership opportunities will show that you’re proactive and well-prepared for the role.
