Head of Business Development (Maternity Cover) in London

Fixed Term - 12 Months

£60,000 – £68,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Location: Central Office, Highfield Park, North Wales / Hybrid (regular travel required)

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (flexibility required)

Contract: Fixed-Term (12 months – maternity cover)

Reporting to: Director of Support Services

Estimated Start Date: 01 August 2026 (to allow for a one‑month handover)

Estimated End Date: 01 August 2027

The Opportunity

Young Foundations is an established, values‑led provider of specialist care and education for children, young people and adults with complex needs. We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Business Development to join us on a fixed‑term basis, providing senior leadership and continuity during a period of maternity leave. This is a strategically critical role, responsible for championing our business development strategy, protecting and driving occupancy performance, and ensuring Young Foundations remains a strong and reliable provider within the sector. This role will play a central part in maintaining momentum, managing external risk, and ensuring values‑led, child‑centred decision making underpins all commissioning and placement activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership and line management to the Business Development team, ensuring clarity, pace and accountability throughout the maternity cover period
• Ensure business development continues to have a strong, effective and credible voice at Senior Management Team level ensuring commercial insight, market intelligence and commissioning intelligence inform strategic decision making
• Maintain and strengthen high‑quality relationships with Local Authority commissioners and key external stakeholders, protecting Young Foundations’ reputation and market position
• Maintain momentum against occupancy targets across homes and schools through proactive referral pipeline management and collaborative working with operational leads
• Provide active oversight of placement stability, responding swiftly to potential disruptions and mediating with commissioners and partners to achieve positive, sustainable outcomes
• Oversee fee negotiations, contracts and framework participation, ensuring competitiveness, sustainability and alignment with our specialist provision
• Ensure consistent, high‑quality use of the Sugar CRM system for referral tracking, reporting and performance management
• Represent Young Foundations externally at provider forums, partnership meetings and sector events
• Uphold and champion the Young Foundations brand, values and mission

What We’re Looking For

• Significant senior‑level experience within business development, commissioning or commercial roles in health, social care and/or education
• Strong knowledge of Local Authority commissioning, referral pathways, frameworks and contract negotiations
• Confidence operating at a senior strategic level, able to make timely, sound decisions and provide assurance in fast‑moving environments
• Excellent relationship‑building, influencing and negotiation skills, with credibility when working with commissioners and sector partners
• A proven ability to manage referral pipelines and deliver against occupancy and growth targets in complex, multi‑site environments
• A values‑driven approach, ensuring all decisions remain child‑focussed and aligned with Young Foundations’ ethos
• The ability to lead calmly through periods of risk, complexity or challenge, maintaining stability and focus across teams
• A senior interim leadership role with genuine strategic impact
• A collaborative and supportive Senior Leadership Team
• A role where commercial insight directly supports positive outcomes for children, young people and adults
• The chance to contribute meaningfully to the stability, sustainability and future of our services

Benefits of Working with us

• A rewarding role where your work has real impact
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Retail savings through the Blue Light Card Scheme
• Enhanced annual leave
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
• Free eye care vouchers

Safeguarding

Young Foundations is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. The safety, protection and wellbeing of those in our care is our highest priority, and we expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share this unwavering commitment. We operate a robust safer recruitment process in line with statutory guidance across England, Scotland & Wales as applicable. All appointments are subject to thorough pre‑employment checks, including enhanced DBS/PVG checks with barred list checks, a minimum of 3 satisfactory and verifiable employment references, full employment history and verification of any qualifications or professional registrations. We are committed to creating a culture of vigilance, transparency and accountability where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of vulnerable people in our care will be taken seriously and responded to in line with our safeguarding and child protection procedures. Young Foundations is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all genders and backgrounds and are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace.