We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Manager (BDM) to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity following an internal promotion. We’re looking for a results-driven individual to support and drive the success of our franchise network, ensuring that franchisees are achieving their business goals and performing to the highest standards.
Location: Hybrid – Remote with travel across the UK and occasional visits to babyballet® Head Office, Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time
About babyballet®
babyballet® is a multi-award-winning pre-school dance franchise that has established itself as a market leader over the last 20 years. With over 100 franchises across the UK and internationally, we provide fun, engaging, and inclusive dance classes to over 20,000 children each week. Our mission is to inspire young children through movement, creativity, and confidence, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for franchisees, staff, customers and little stars alike.
Role Overview
The Business Development Manager will play a key role in supporting and mentoring our franchisees, ensuring they stay on track with their business plans and meet performance targets. This will involve regular virtual and face-to-face catch-ups, providing strategic guidance, and implementing performance improvement plans where necessary.
The successful candidate will be responsible for fostering strong relationships with franchisees, offering ongoing business support, and working closely with the babyballet® Head Office team to drive the continued growth and success of the brand.
Key Responsibilities:
* Franchisee Support & Development: Work closely with franchisees to help them meet their business objectives, providing advice and support on financial performance, operations, and strategic growth.
* Performance Monitoring: Conduct regular check-ins with franchisees (both virtual and in-person) to track progress against business plans and key performance indicators (KPIs).
* Business Planning & Strategy: Assist franchisees in setting realistic business goals and developing action plans to achieve them.
* Problem-Solving & Performance Management: Identify any areas of underperformance and work with franchisees to implement improvement strategies, including formal performance plans where necessary.
* Travel & Site Visits: Visit franchisees across the UK to provide hands-on support and conduct in-depth business reviews.
* Collaboration with Head Office: Work alongside the babyballet® Head Office team to ensure franchisees receive comprehensive support across all business functions.
* Training & Development: Assist in delivering training to franchisees, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to run a successful babyballet® business.
* Market & Industry Insight: Stay up to date with trends in the children’s activity industry and franchise sector to provide informed guidance to franchisees.
Person Specification:
Essential:
* Proven experience in business development, franchise management, or a similar role.
* Strong business acumen and a strategic mindset.
* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
* Ability to mentor, support, and challenge franchisees to drive performance.
* Willingness to travel regularly across the UK.
* Highly organised with strong problem-solving abilities.
* Self-motivated and able to work independently.
* Competent in using business software and tools for reporting and analysis.
* Passion for the babyballet® brand and its mission.
Desirable:
* Experience in the children’s activity sector, education, or dance industry.
* Understanding of the franchise model and its operations.
How to Apply:
To apply for this exciting role, please send your CV and a covering letter detailing your experience and why you would be a great fit for the Business Development Manager role at babyballet® to info@babyballet.co.uk.
Application deadline: Sunday 12th April 2026