Head of Business Development

British Cycling; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A national cycling organization is seeking a Head of Business Development to drive commercial growth through sponsorship and partnerships. The role entails managing revenue targets, cultivating partnerships, and innovating new business opportunities. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in sales within sports and excellent negotiation skills. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving organization.

Qualifications

• Experience in securing six- to seven-figure partnerships.
• Ability to articulate a clear vision and value proposition.
• Drive and comfort working in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and exceed annual revenue targets.
• Build and manage a strong sales pipeline.
• Lead negotiation and contracting with partners.
• Grow a high performing business development team.
• Cultivate long-term relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Proven track record in sponsorship or commercial sales

Exceptional presentation and storytelling skills

Negotiation expertise

Commercial creativity

Deep understanding of global sports

Job description

Overview

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.

Qualifications

• 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 it for the British Cycling proposition.
• Independent, driven, and comfortable working at pace with ambition and accountability.

About British Cycling

British Cycling exists to bring the joy of cycling to everyone. In recent years, we have 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. Our portfolio includes major events and partnerships, and we are focused on accelerating investment and innovation to unlock the full potential of our assets, including world-class events like the Lloyds Tour of Britain and new urban formats, including BMX Freestyle, and pioneering social impact initiatives that tackle inequalities nationwide. Looking ahead, 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 in 2027.