Business Development Financial Control Lead

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the East Midlands is seeking a Business Development and Financial Control Lead to shape their financial strategy and drive commercial growth. This key role will focus on identifying new business opportunities and managing client relationships while ensuring effective financial management. Candidates should possess substantial experience in financial control, excellent negotiation skills, and a relevant professional qualification. The council offers support and benefits to enhance work-life balance and professional development.

Benefits

Flexi Time Scheme

Generous Annual Leave Scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Support Framework

Employee Wellbeing Support

Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Derbyshire Rewards package

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in business development and financial management.
• Proven experience in commercial growth and client relationship management.
• Strong understanding of pricing strategies and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a business development strategy to grow income.
• Lead financial management, including pricing and budget monitoring.
• Produce financial reports to inform strategic decisions.

Skills

Business development

Financial management

Client relationship management

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Education

HND/Degree in business, finance, or marketing

Job description

Drive Growth and Financial Excellence: Business Development and Financial Control Lead

Are you commercially minded and passionate about delivering value for money? We’re looking for an experienced Business Development and Financial Control Lead to join our Highways Technical Services team. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our traded services, grow external income, and ensure robust financial management.

About the Role

You’ll lead the business development and financial strategy for the Highways Laboratory and wider Technical Services function. From identifying new commercial opportunities to managing client relationships and overseeing budgets, you’ll ensure the service operates on a strong commercial footing while maintaining technical excellence and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a business development strategy to grow external and internal income.
• Lead financial management, including pricing, invoicing, and budget monitoring.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external clients, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including tenders and frameworks.
• Produce financial and performance reports to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Support continuous improvement of the Laboratory’s UKAS Quality Management System (ISO 17025).
• Deputise for the Functional Lead in strategic forums and partnership meetings.

About You

You’ll bring substantial experience in business development and financial management, ideally within a technical or engineering environment. You’ll be a confident communicator with strong analytical skills and the ability to build lasting relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g., HND/Degree in business, finance, or marketing) or extensive experience in a similar role.
• Proven experience in commercial growth, client relationship management, and financial control.
• Strong understanding of pricing strategies, budgeting, and performance analysis.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.

Desirable

• Experience in a local authority traded service or technical environment.
• Knowledge of highway materials, engineering, and laboratory testing.
• Familiarity with ISO quality management systems and public sector procurement.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in shaping the commercial future of Derbyshire Highways.
• Work in a collaborative environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Be part of a team committed to delivering value for money and technical excellence.

Support & Benefits

• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part‑time employees), subject to service needs.
• Generous Annual Leave Scheme: Ensures a healthy work‑life balance.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Provides financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in‑house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Electric/Plug‑in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encourages environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to lead commercial growth and financial control in a dynamic, forwardthinking service, we’d love to hear from you!

Important

Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

📅 Closing Date: Sunday 1st February 2026

📝 Interview Date: 9th to 13th February

Candidates who have previously applied and were unsuccessful need not reapply.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.