The Role
We are looking for a commercially aware, entrepreneurial and proactive Business Development Lead to take our Community Cookery School to the next stage of growth and sustainability.
This is not solely a delivery role. We are seeking someone who can think strategically, identify new income opportunities and drive commercial utilisation of the facility while ensuring strong community impact.
You will be responsible for developing an engaging and responsive cookery programme that meets local need, while simultaneously increasing revenue through facility hire, partnerships, corporate bookings and new income streams. You will manage budgets, monitor performance against targets and ensure the cookery school contributes both financially and socially to Westbank’s wider charitable objectives.
You will build relationships with local businesses, health partners, schools and community organisations, positioning the cookery school as a vibrant hub for healthy living and commercial opportunity. Alongside this, you will oversee programme delivery, volunteer coordination, marketing activity and impact reporting.
We are looking for someone who can spot opportunities, convert conversations into bookings, and balance purpose with performance. This role requires creativity, organization, and a passion for empowering individuals and communities to make healthier food choices.
Full details can be found in the Job Description.
The Person
We are seeking a confident self-starter who combines business acumen with community values.
You will demonstrate:
1. Strong business development experience, including income generation and commercial growth
2. Experience managing budgets and maximising return on resources
3. A track record of developing and delivering community-based programmes
4. Strong culinary knowledge and understanding of nutrition and food safety
5. Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills
6. The ability to influence, negotiate and promote services with credibility
7. Strong organisational and IT skills, including use of CRM systems and marketing tools
8. Energy, resilience and a solutions-focused mindset
Experience within the voluntary or health sector would be advantageous, but we are equally interested in candidates who can bring commercial expertise from other sectors and apply it within a charity context.
The Rewards
As well as a competitive benefits package and enhanced annual leave allowance (33 days per year FTE, inclusive of Bank Holidays you will be empowering individuals through the joy of cooking and make a positive impact in our community. You will also have the opportunity to shape a growing social enterprise within a respected Devon charity.
This is a chance to build something sustainable, innovative and community-driven, while generating meaningful income to support wider charitable services.
To Apply
Please send a CV and covering letter about why you are applying for this job with reference to the person specification in the job advert and e-mail it to
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis as applications are received – so we would encourage you to apply early.
In your application, please provide examples demonstrating:
9. Experience of generating commercial income or developing new revenue streams
10. Experience of managing a budget and delivering against financial targets
11. Experience of growing or scaling a project, service or initiative
Westbank is committed to inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Westbank is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
If you have any access needs for interview, please contact us at
Closing Date: 3rd of March 2026
Published: 17th February, 2026
Author: Andra Patriche
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