Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth and secure funding for impactful projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Zinc Network, a leader in tackling complex global challenges through innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real difference in geopolitics and technology.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business development and securing funding in relevant sectors.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on innovation and impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Introducing Zinc Network
For over fifteen years, Zinc Network has been helping governments and businesses navigate the world's most complex challenges using communications, technology, and behavioural science. We work on some of the toughest briefs: protecting children online, strengthening democratic resilience, and championing purpose-driven technologies and organisations.
Working in partnership with a global network of media outlets, communities, and influencers, we help clients understand complex issues, design and deliver behavioural interventions, create compelling campaigns, activate trusted grassroots networks, and evaluate impact.
We're now building Kora — our AI-powered platform that systematises this expertise into scalable technology, enabling clients to work faster, more impactfully, and more cost-effectively. We're looking for people who want to operate at the intersection of geopolitics, security, and technological disruption, and who are committed to building a safer, more secure world.
Outline of the job
We are seeking a dynamic, experienced Head of Business Development (BD) to drive Zinc Network’s growth and strengthen our position in priority markets, including the strategic positioning and commercialization of Kora. The role will lead the identification and pursuit of new business opportunities, oversee proposal development, and build and sustain high-value relationships with clients and partners. Priority client and procurement frameworks include the Integrated Security Fund (ISF), Crown Commercial Service (CCS), and security and defense mechanisms. The Head of BD will be based in London and be expected to be in our London office at least 3 days per week.
What you’ll be doing
As Head of BD, you will play a critical role in driving Zinc’s revenue and impact. Your responsibilities will include:
- Business Development & Opportunity Tracking
- Monitoring UK government and other government and client funding pipelines to identify new business opportunities.
- Mapping Zinc’s capabilities against upcoming opportunities and ensuring early positioning with potential clients and partners.
- Conducting research to inform new business strategy and sector trends.
- Client Engagement & Pitching
- Leading the development of client engagement strategies to establish and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, and commercial clients.
- Representing Zinc at industry events, networking opportunities, and client meetings to showcase our capabilities.
- Preparing and delivering compelling pitches and presentations to secure new work.
- Concept Development & Strategic Positioning
- Generating innovative project ideas and developing regular concept notes to expand Zinc’s portfolio.
- Collaborating with internal teams to refine concepts into fundable proposals that align with donor priorities.
- Proposal Leadership & Writing
- Leading the full lifecycle of proposal development, including bid strategy, technical writing, compliance, and quality control.
- Writing and reviewing key proposal sections, including technical solutions, corporate capability statements, stakeholder engagement strategies, duty of care descriptions, staffing solutions, and social value propositions.
- Managing proposal timelines and teams to ensure high-quality, competitive submissions.
- Financial & Commercial Oversight
- Working closely with Zinc’s commercial team to develop budgets and budget narratives that align with technical approaches and donor evaluation criteria.
- Ensuring proposals are financially competitive while maintaining the integrity of Zinc’s programmatic delivery.
- Team Leadership & Internal Coordination
- Leading and mentoring business development team members, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Coordinating effectively with Zinc’s research, strategy, and implementation teams to ensure business growth efforts are well-integrated across the business.
- Represent Zinc at high-level meetings with clients and project partners, all while embodying the values of Zinc Network.
Requirements
What we need from you… We are looking for a BD leader with a proven track record of securing funding and leading winning proposals in the international development and strategic communications sectors. The ideal candidate will be eager to step into a senior position at Zinc and help us grow the business. Qualifications include:
- A bachelor’s degree, or significant professional experience, in communications, business.
Head of Business Development - (Hybrid London based) (Hiring Immediately) employer: Zinc Network
Contact Detail:
Zinc Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development - (Hybrid London based) (Hiring Immediately)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and meet-ups to connect with people in the field. Don’t be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for business development; you never know who might have a lead for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your pitch down to a fine art. Practice makes perfect, so rehearse your presentation skills until you can deliver them confidently. Tailor your pitch to highlight how your experience aligns with Zinc Network’s mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings! A quick email thanking someone for their time can go a long way. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really want to be part of the Zinc Network team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development - (Hybrid London based) (Hiring Immediately)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Business Development role. Highlight your experience in business development, especially in securing funding and leading proposals, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Showcase Your Impact: When writing your application, focus on the impact you've made in previous roles. We want to see how you’ve driven growth and built relationships, so share specific examples that demonstrate your success in these areas.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your key achievements stand 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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zinc Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Zinc Network's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their work on complex challenges like online child protection and democratic resilience. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your success in business development and proposal writing. Highlight instances where you've secured funding or led successful pitches, especially in international development or strategic communications. This will give the interviewers confidence in your ability to drive growth.
✨Engage with Questions
Come armed with thoughtful questions about Zinc Network’s future projects, particularly around Kora and its impact. This shows you're not just interested in the role but are also thinking strategically about how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Business Development, it's crucial to convey your leadership style. Share how you've mentored teams or fostered high-performance cultures in previous roles. This will reassure them that you can lead and inspire the business development team at Zinc.