Business Development Officer
Hours of Work: Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm & Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm
Closing Date: 30th November 2025
About Us:
Noel-Baker IT Services started in 2010 and was created as an entity of the school, Noel-Baker. Over the years, the business has continued to grow, along with the number of staff within the team. In 2016, Noel-Baker joined L.E.A.D. Academy Trust and at this point the company changed its name to L.E.A.D. IT Services. During 2017, the company expanded to more than 25 team members, supporting over 90 schools and businesses, ranging from nurseries to colleges to specialist schools. We now have over 50 dedicated team members supporting in excess of 150 schools and businesses across the UK.
Office:
Our office is located in Pride Park, with convenient access to public transport. Spanning two floors, our spacious office offers a collaborative and friendly environment where you’ll work alongside our welcoming and supportive team members. Many of our team have been with us from the beginning, while others have joined along the way, creating a diverse and dynamic group that’s truly rewarding to be a part of.
Please note, while this role is mainly office based, occasional travel will be required.
The Role:
This role will be responsible for shaping and delivering the company’s effectiveness and growth strategy within the education sector and expanding into the wider commercial market. L.E.A.D. IT Services has strong roots in the education sector – with managed IT support and consultancy tailored for schools and multi‑academy trusts. This role offers the opportunity to build on that foundation and spearhead excellence and growth in both the education sector and new commercial markets. This role reports directly to the Director of IT and serves as part of the leadership team, contributing to overall company strategy, performance governance and growth initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Commercial Operations
* Lead the company’s commercial operations, ensuring efficient, scalable delivery of services tailored to education clients and commercial customers alike.
* Develop and implement account management frameworks that enhance client retention, satisfaction and lifetime value across both educational and commercial sectors.
* Monitor, report and optimise commercial performance, using KPIs, forecasting and reporting tools to ensure bottom‑line impact and operational excellence.
Business Development & Marketing Expansion
* Identify and pursue business opportunities in both the core education sector and adjacent commercial markets – including partnerships, joint ventures and sponsorship opportunities to drive revenue and brand value.
* Drive appropriate growth from the existing customer base while expanding into new sectors or geographies; ensuring L.E.A.D. IT Services leverages its education sector credentials into wider commercial offerings.
* Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform strategic direction, identify emerging opportunities and shape commercial strategy.
* Represent L.E.A.D. IT Services externally at industry events, educational forums, commercial partner meetings and conferences to promote brand visibility and secure strategic relationships.
* Lead the development of high‑quality proposals, bids and tenders, aligned with brand positioning and strategic priorities.
Marketing & Strategic Alignment
* Champion a culture of strategic thinking, data‑driven decision‑making and continuous improvement across all marketing, commercial and operational functions.
* Guide the use of digital, print, event and stakeholder‑engagement channels to strengthen visibility, credibility and customer engagement.
* Collaborate with internal marketing and communications to develop and coordinate strategic marketing plans, promotional platforms and brand campaigns – ensuring they align with commercial and business development goals.
* Use analytics, customer insights and market intelligence to drive strategic marketing decisions, refine positioning and measure impact.
* Provide strategic and operational oversight of marketing and communications functions, ensuring that marketing strategy supports brand positioning and business objectives in both education and commercial markets.
Influencing and Managing Relationships
* Build and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, partners and stakeholders – particularly engaging in in‑person meetings, school visits, sector events and commercial forums.
* Oversee supplier relationships, contracts and procurement processes to ensure cost‑effective, compliant, high‑quality delivery aligned with operational and commercial goals.
As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the post‑holder may be required to undertake other duties which are broadly in line with above key responsibilities. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and updated as required.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria
Experience
* Significant senior leadership experience in business development, commercial operations or strategic growth roles – ideally within the education, technology or services sectors.
* Demonstrated success in building and maintaining key client and partner relationships, including in‑person engagement and stakeholder management.
* Proven track record of expanding business into new markets and driving growth within existing customer bases.
Personal Attributes
* Commercially astute, strategic and growth‑oriented with a strong bias for deliverables.
* Confident and effective in representing the organisation externally and engaging in high‑profile partner meetings.
* Highly organised and proactive, with the ability to balance big‑picture strategy and detail‑oriented execution.
* Collaborative and inclusive leader capable of working across teams and fostering and reflecting the company's culture.
* Adaptable and resilient in a changing environment, comfortable managing multiple priorities and delivering results in fast‑paced settings.
Additional Requirements
* This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
* Hold a driving licence and have access to own vehicle.
Application Process
To apply, please email a covering letter and a completed application form to: jobvacancies@leaditservices.co.uk
All shortlisted candidates will need to verify their eligibility to work in the UK at interview.
Legal Statements
L.E.A.D. IT Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and individually take responsibility for doing so.
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