Head of Business Development

British Cycling; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization in Greater Manchester is looking for a Head of Business Development to drive commercial growth and manage partnerships across sponsorships and events. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in sponsorship sales and strong negotiation skills. This hybrid role offers an opportunity to shape the commercial strategy as the organization continues to grow.

Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Holiday purchase scheme

Life Assurance

Pension

Qualifications

• Proven track record in securing high value commercial partnerships.
• Experience in sports or entertainment industries is preferred.
• Ability to cultivate trusted relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and exceed annual revenue targets in sponsorship and events.
• Build and manage a sales pipeline.
• Lead negotiations with partners.
• Collaborate with marketing and product development teams.

Skills

Sponsorship sales

Commercial sales

Negotiation expertise

Presentation skills

Relationship management

Job description

Role Title: Head of Business Development

Salary: circa £70,000 (dependent upon experience)

Location: Hybrid

Our Story

British Cycling exists to bring the joy of cycling to everyone.

In recent years, we’ve embarked on an exciting new journey having rebuilt British Cycling into a modern, commercially ambitious, and purpose-led organisation. With a modernised commercial and events offering grounded in social impact and storytelling, harnessing the spotlight and inspiration of our athlete’s performance on the world stage, and our growing portfolio of major events.

This saw British Cycling being recognised as Sports Organisation of the Year at the 2025 Sports Industry Awards.

Your opportunity

As part of our next phase of growth, British Cycling is focussing its commercial operations on accelerating investment and innovation. This will unlock the full potential of our assets from world-class events like the Lloyds Tour of Britain to new urban formats, including BMX Freestyle, and pioneering social impact initiatives that tackle inequalities nationwide.

And, in 2027, British Cycling will deliver one of the biggest sporting events on the planet when the UK hosts the Grand Depart of both the Tour De France and the Tour De France Femme, Avec Zwift.

We’re now seeking a Head of Business Development to lead the charge driving commercial growth across sponsorship, events and hospitality, and the Foundation while expanding into new ventures such as licensing and merchandise.

What you’ll be doing

• Deliver and exceed annual revenue targets including high value commercial partnerships.
• Build and manage a strong sales pipeline, ensuring consistent deal flow and momentum.
• Lead negotiation and contracting with prospective and existing partners.
• Grow, a high performing business development team.
• Cultivate long-term, trusted relationships with partners, agencies and stakeholders and potential philanthropic relationships.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including a close relationship with Marketing and product development.
• Represent British Cycling at key industry events, elevating our presence and influence.
• Shape future commercial strategy and identify emerging opportunities for growth.

As British Cycling continues to grow, the role will evolve, offering the chance to shape new opportunities and make a lasting impact.

What we’re looking for

• Proven track record in sponsorship or commercial sales within sport, entertainment, or related industries.
• Demonstrable experience securing six- and seven-figure partnerships.
• Exceptional presentation and storytelling skills to articulate British Cycling’s vision and value proposition.
• Commercial creativity - able to spot opportunities others might miss.
• Negotiation expertise and the confidence to operate at senior client side and brand side levels.
• Deep understanding of the evolving global sports and entertainment landscape. Ability to take innovation from other sports / brands and adapt if for the British Cycling proposition.
• Independent, driven, and comfortable working at pace with ambition and accountability.

What’s in it for you

• Cycle to Work Scheme
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Life Assurance
• Pension

How To Apply

Send us your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and why you feel you meet the criteria via the apply button below.

Applications close: Sunday 16th November 2025