Head of Business Development

Tonic Talent; Hounslow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization is seeking a Head of Business Development to secure high-value partnerships in the drinks and hospitality sectors. This senior role involves strategic planning, collaboration across functions, and representing the organization at key industry events. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong track record in business development, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead and mentor others.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus scheme: 8% of salary

10% employer pension contribution

Life insurance coverage (3x salary)

Employee Assistance Programme

Free therapeutic wellbeing services

Private medical cover

Fully paid expenses

Qualifications

• Strong track record of securing high-value partnerships.
• Experience in business development or corporate fundraising in drinks/hospitality.
• Skilled in strategic planning and pipeline management.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution for new business development.
• Cultivate and manage high-value partnerships.
• Monitor and report performance against targets.

Skills

Strategic planning

Relationship management

Communication

Proposal writing

Influencing

Tools

Excel

CRM systems

Job description

Head of Business Development

- Not-for-profit/Charity - Hospitality/Drinks Sector – Flexible Location (South of England) - £70,000 - £80,000 package plus excellent benefits

Tonic is partnered with a UK-based, successful, commercially driven, not-for-profit/charity organization seeking to appoint a Head of Business Development to their SLT. This senior, externally facing role is responsible for securing high-value partnerships and identifying innovative commercial opportunities across the drinks and hospitality sectors.

What's in it for the successful Head of Business Development?

• Salary £60,000 - £70,000 commensurate with experience
• Performance-related bonus scheme: 8% of salary
• 10% employer pension contribution
• 3x salary life insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free therapeutic wellbeing services
• Private medical cover
• Fully paid expenses

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Lead on the strategy and execution of new business development, including pipeline generation, prospect research, segmentation, targeting, and reporting.
• Cultivate high-value partnerships, from initial approach to proposal writing, pitching, closing, and stewardship.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, fundraising, programme delivery, and senior leadership to ensure outstanding partner experiences and develop innovative commercial initiatives.
• Monitor and report on performance, targets, and milestones—highlighting risks and growth opportunities.
• Act as a key external ambassador, representing the charity at events, industry functions, and high-level meetings.
• Contribute to a strong team culture, sharing insights and mentoring colleagues where appropriate.

Essential skills & experience:

• A strong track record of securing high-value partnerships and exceeding targets.
• Experience in business development, commercial partnerships, or corporate fundraising, preferably connected to the drinks or hospitality sectors.
• Excellent strategic planning, pipeline management, and familiarity with Excel and CRM systems.
• Skilled in proposal writing, developing presentations, and pitching confidently to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to lead conversations, understand partner motivations, and develop mutually beneficial offers.
• Outstanding relationship management and communication skills, capable of influencing and inspiring at all levels.
• Comfortable working autonomously and proactively identifying opportunities in a fast-paced environment.

Personal attributes:

• Action-oriented: Takes initiative and works efficiently to deliver results.
• Customer-focused: Builds trust with stakeholders and seeks to add value.
• Strategic & organized: Balances big-picture thinking with attention to detail.
• Compassionate & empathetic: Understands and advocates for the people supported.
• Interpersonally savvy: Builds rapport quickly and manages relationships diplomatically.
• Confident with senior leaders: Engages, influences, and communicates effectively with industry stakeholders.