Job Title: Business Development Manager
Reporting to: Director of Corporate Services
Hours: Full Time, potential for part time
Salary: £40,000 – £60,000 (depending on experience)
About Oakdale: Oakdale is a values-led, well-established provider of professional therapy services with over 25 years of experience. Our flexible, bespoke, and evidence-based clinical services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team across the North of England, with a growing number offered nationally via online platforms.
Our work is primarily commissioned by the NHS and Local Authorities, covering areas such as neurodevelopmental assessments, ADHD services, trauma-informed therapy for adopted and fostered children, BUSS (Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems), psychotherapy in schools, work with disordered eating and gambling, general psychotherapy, and therapy for NHS staff.
We pride ourselves on our collaborative, outcomes-focused approach, committed to delivering ethical, effective, and evolving services responsive to our clients' and commissioners' needs.
Role Overview
The Business Development Manager is a senior role focused on driving growth and innovation across Oakdale’s service lines. Working closely with the senior team, the postholder will lead business development and tender processes, collaborating with clinical and other experts within Oakdale.
This role is vital for Oakdale’s long-term success, ensuring new service opportunities are identified and secured. The postholder should foster strong relationships with commissioners, partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure services are sustainable, impactful, and aligned with Oakdale’s values.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Strategy
* Manage Oakdale’s business development strategy across service areas, aligning with organisational priorities and values.
* Identify and pursue new opportunities across NHS, Local Authority, and third-sector markets.
* Monitor policy, funding, and commissioning trends to inform future opportunities.
* Develop and maintain strategic partnerships to facilitate service innovation and expansion.
* Contribute to Oakdale’s social media profile to support business development objectives.
* Lead the full lifecycle of tenders and funding applications, from opportunity identification to submission, coordinating relevant colleagues.
* Maintain knowledge of procurement portals and manage registration and alerts for relevant opportunities.
* Coordinate internal stakeholders to develop competitive, high-quality bids aligned with Oakdale’s strengths and priorities.
* Represent Oakdale in bid presentations, negotiations, and contract discussions.
* Post-contract award, liaise with Heads of Services to ensure smooth service mobilisation and ongoing relationships with commissioners.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
* Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, provider networks, and strategic partners.
* Represent Oakdale at external meetings, forums, and industry events.
* Collaborate with stakeholders to co-design services and respond to system needs.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
* Degree-level education in relevant fields (e.g., business, healthcare, project management).
* Qualification in project or service management (desirable).
Knowledge & Experience
* Understanding of NHS commissioning structures and contracting processes.
* Experience in business development or bid management.
* Proven success in securing and delivering contracts with public sector bodies (desirable).
* Experience leading cross-organisational projects and managing partnerships.
* Knowledge of neurodiversity and/or mental health services and current health policy landscape (desirable).
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Strong leadership, influencing skills, and ability to foster collaboration.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and digital communication tools.
* High organisational skills and ability to manage priorities and deadlines.
* Analytical and problem-solving skills with a solution-focused mindset.
Values & Cultural Fit
* A strategic, proactive, and values-driven professional committed to ethical service delivery.
* Collaborative and team-oriented, with strong relationship-building skills.
* Willingness to travel as required.
Apply For This Job
If you wish to apply, please complete the application form below and submit it for consideration.
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