Business Development Manager in Manchester

Thomas & Co International is a growing, multi-award-winning tax and advisory firm supporting entrepreneurs, privately owned businesses, high-net-worth individuals and internationally mobile clients across the UK and overseas. The firm has doubled revenue for four consecutive years and now operates with a team of 35+ high performers. As the firm continues to scale, we are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager to help build, manage and commercialise our strategic partnership network. This is a relationship-led, commercially focused role, ideal for someone polished, articulate and highly proactive, with experience representing a business in B2B environments and building long-term commercial relationships.

The Role

This role will focus on two key areas. The first is building a strong network of external partners who can refer high-quality clients into Thomas & Co International. These may include wealth managers, financial advisers, mortgage brokers, insurance brokers, private equity firms, investment banks, private members’ clubs, mastermind communities and other businesses that work with our ideal client base. The second is developing and managing our own trusted partner network, allowing us to connect clients with high-quality specialists whenever they need services outside of tax and accountancy. This could include legal advice, wealth management, mortgage advice, insurance, corporate finance, trademarks, relocation, marketing, websites and other business support.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and drive the firm’s partnership and business development activity.
• Identify, approach and build relationships with high-quality referral partners who can introduce new clients to the firm, including businesses and communities that serve entrepreneurs, investors, business owners and high-net-worth individuals.
• Build and manage a trusted external partner network across professional services, finance, legal, insurance, property, relocation and other relevant sectors.
• Create and maintain clear referral processes, partner agreements and commission structures.
• Track partner activity, introductions, conversion rates, referral revenue and performance against agreed partnership KPIs.
• Work with internal teams to identify client needs and match clients with suitable trusted partners.
• Maintain active partner relationships through regular meetings, hosted events and networking environments, representing Thomas & Co International to an exceptional professional standard.
• Support wider sales and growth initiatives where required, including coordinating opportunities and assisting with strategic relationships.

Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development, partnerships, sales or relationship management.
• Strong track record of generating leads, developing opportunities or contributing to revenue growth.
• Experience building commercial relationships with external businesses, introducers or referral partners.
• Experience negotiating commercial terms, referral agreements or partnership contracts is highly desirable.
• Existing network across finance, professional services, private client, investment or entrepreneur communities is highly advantageous.
• Experience within professional services, financial services, tax, accountancy, legal, wealth management, insurance or mortgage-related sectors is beneficial.
• Numerate and confident interpreting commercial performance data and reporting against KPIs.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple relationships and opportunities at once.
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of outcomes.
• Willingness to travel for in-person partner meetings, hosted events and networking opportunities, primarily within the UK with occasional overseas travel as required.

Personal Qualities

• Highly professional, credible and well-presented, with the ability to represent the firm and its brand to an exceptional standard.
• Natural relationship builder who enjoys meeting people and creating opportunities.
• Confident in face-to-face B2B conversations with senior professionals, business owners and advisers.
• Strong communicator, both written and verbal.
• Proactive and commercially driven, with an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong sense of ownership.
• Resilient, adaptable and motivated by results.

What We Offer

A highly competitive remuneration package designed to recognise both individual contribution and collective team success. Our approach combines financial reward, career progression and personal wellbeing to support our people in continued growth and development. Joining us means being part of a high-performance, entrepreneurial environment where your impact is visible and your growth is supported. We measure contribution, not just length of service. If you are looking to lead a strategic commercial function, influence the direction of a growing firm and be rewarded for real impact, then Thomas & Co International is your calling.

Benefits Package

• Highly competitive base salary.
• KPI-based bonus scheme linked to partnership growth, inbound and outbound referral activity and revenue generated through partner relationships.
• Dedicated relationship and hospitality budget to support active partner engagement.
• Wellness subscription.
• An additional day’s leave for your birthday, plus a holiday buy-back scheme.
• Remote and flexible working arrangements.
• Clear opportunity for career progression in a fast-growing firm.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role.