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Job Title: Head of Business Development
Location: Hybrid – mix of homeworking, Head Office, and regular travel
Contract Type: Part-time (22.5 hours per week), Permanent
Salary: £50,000 FTE
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
About Dingley's Promise
Since 1983, Dingley's Promise has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We currently operate 10 specialist Early Years Nurseries across the UK, offering families high-quality sessions (9:15am–2:45pm, term time only) alongside year-round family support services.
Beyond our nurseries, we deliver inclusion training to over 26,000 early years educators across England, helping to make mainstream settings more inclusive for children with SEND.
The Role
We are seeking a Head of Business Development to drive the strategic growth and long-term sustainability of our specialist Early Years Services. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong commercial expertise and a passion for creating opportunities that support children with SEND.
The successful candidate will combine a sharp eye for business development with an understanding of the Early Years sector, helping us expand our reach, strengthen partnerships, and secure the funding needed to grow our services.
Key Responsibilities
Funding & Bid Writing
* Research, identify, and pursue funding opportunities (grants, tenders, partnerships).
* Develop and submit compelling bids and proposals for local authority and national government commissioning.
Operations & Commercial Oversight
* Support financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting for new and existing services.
* Lead tendering and procurement for organisational contracts (e.g., IT, cleaning, facilities).
* Monitor and report on the Social Value commitments within Service Level Agreements.
Business Growth & Strategy
* Design and implement a strategic business development plan for Early Years services.
* Identify opportunities for expansion (new nursery sites, service diversification, partnerships).
* Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform business decisions.
Marketing & Communications
* Collaborate with the marketing team to develop campaigns that promote services.
* Support brand-building and promotional activities across all early years services.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
* Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, education providers, community organisations, and funders.
* Represent Dingley's Promise at sector events, networking forums, and stakeholder meetings.
Key Requirements
* Proven experience in business development or a commercial role (experience in early years, education, or childcare desirable).
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
* Track record in developing and delivering growth strategies and managing multiple projects.
* Strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
* Degree (or equivalent) in Early Years Education, Business, or related field (desirable).
* Understanding of the UK early years landscape, including regulations, funding models, and market dynamics (desirable).
* Knowledge of Ofsted standards and EYFS frameworks is an advantage.
Why Join Us?
* Be part of a mission-led organisation improving outcomes for children with SEND.
* Play a key role in shaping the future of our specialist early years services.
* Benefit from opportunities for professional growth and career progression.
* Work in a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Apply today – we can't wait to meet you
"Dingley's Promise are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care, as such the successful post holder will be required to undergo a robust vetting process, including an enhanced DBS Check and Reference History Checks."
Ref: DINGLEY1
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 22.5 per week
Benefits:
* Flexitime
* Work from home
Work Location: In person