The Opportunity:
Nigel Wright Group are proud to be partnering with a transformative and growing social impact organisation in their search for a Business Development Manager. Our client is a passionate, values-led charity and their mission is to bridge the gap between talented individuals and employers offering rewarding job opportunities, creating a thriving community where everyone has the chance to succeed.
They deliver on skills shortages, push back on regional unemployment and contribute to a national reduction in reoffending. Following a significant inward investment, our client is positioning itself to embark on an ambitious nationwide scaling-up programme.
The newly created Business Development Manager role can be based anywhere in the UK and carries the responsibility of contributing to the organisation’s overarching strategic plan, while also leading the development and implementation of the accompanying income generation strategy.
Role Profile:
* Lead and coordinate activities to position the charity for successful public sector contracts and tenders.
* Identify and pursue new and repeat business opportunities; attend market engagement events and monitor sector trends.
* Develop strategic partnerships to enhance reach and impact.
* Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date pipeline of business development and grant opportunities.
* Prepare and submit high-quality, competitive tenders as a lead or subcontractor.
* Develop proposals aligned with service specifications, incorporating input from operational teams.
* Collaborate with the CEO and Finance Director to ensure accurate, fully costed and competitive bid pricing.
* Write and submit persuasive bids via relevant online platforms.
* Line manage a Grant Writer, overseeing the submission of high-value and multi-year trust and foundation applications.
* Support the CEO in cultivating relationships with major donors and securing significant contributions.
* Manage public donations, lead fundraising initiatives, and ensure compliance with fundraising regulations.
* Produce compelling quarterly impact reports to communicate the charity’s outcomes to funders.
Person Specification:
* Demonstrated success in writing and securing competitive tenders, particularly within the criminal justice or related sectors.
* Proven ability to develop high-quality bids for statutory funding.
* Extensive experience in generating significant income from charitable trusts and foundations.
* Strong background in designing or contributing to effective income generation strategies.
* Experience in leveraging social value commitments—especially through government procurement and Section 106 obligations—is highly desirable.
* Skilled in building and maintaining relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, network, and engage diverse audiences.
* Knowledge of the criminal justice system or related fields is a strong advantage.
* Awareness of the employment challenges faced by people with convictions is desirable.
Behaviours
* Maintains a non-judgemental approach when working with individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
* Committed to inclusive, anti-discriminatory practices.
* Demonstrates alignment with and respect for the organisation’s Christian ethos and values.
Other information:
* This is a full-time role offered on a hybrid/remote working pattern
* Occasional visits to the Newcastle head office plus business travel around the UK
Nigel Wright Group is retained on this search and as such, any direct third party supplied or referred applicants/CVs will be forwarded to Nigel Wright for consideration as part of our process.