Head of Business Development - (Hybrid London based)

Zinc Network; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international development organization in London is seeking a dynamic Head of Business Development to drive growth and enhance market presence. This role involves monitoring funding opportunities, developing client strategies, leading proposal development, and mentoring teams. Candidates should possess a strong background in communications, at least 10 years of relevant experience, and exceptional negotiation skills. The position offers the chance to contribute to impactful projects while working within a diverse and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in proposal development within international development.
• Knowledge of UK government procurement processes, especially in security and defense.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of client engagement strategies to secure new work.
• Monitor funding pipelines to identify new business opportunities.
• Oversee full lifecycle of proposal development for competitive submissions.

Skills

Strategic communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Proposal development

Project management

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, business, or related field

Job description

Introducing Zinc Network

For over fifteen years, Zinc Network has been helping governments and businesses navigate the world's most complex challenges using communications, technology, and behavioural science. We work on some of the toughest briefs: protecting children online, strengthening democratic resilience, and championing purpose-driven technologies and organisations.

Working in partnership with a global network of media outlets, communities, and influencers, we help clients understand complex issues, design and deliver behavioural interventions, create compelling campaigns, activate trusted grassroots networks, and evaluate impact.

We're now building Kora — our AI-powered platform that systematises this expertise into scalable technology, enabling clients to work faster, more impactfully, and more cost-effectively.

We're looking for people who want to operate at the intersection of geopolitics, security, and technological disruption, and who are committed to building a safer, more secure world.

Outline of the job

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced Head of Business Development (BD) to drive Zinc Network’s growth and strengthen our position in priority markets, including the strategic positioning and commercialization of Kora. The role will lead the identification and pursuit of new business opportunities, oversee proposal development, and build and sustain high-value relationships with clients and partners. Priority client and procurement frameworks include the Integrated Security Fund (ISF), Crown Commercial Service (CCS), and security and defense mechanisms.

The Head of BD will be based in London and be expected to be in our London office at least 3 days per week.

What you’ll be doing

As Head of BD, you will play a critical role in driving Zinc’s revenue and impact. Your responsibilities will include:

Business Development & Opportunity Tracking

• Monitoring UK government and other government and client funding pipelines to identify new business opportunities.
• Mapping Zinc’s capabilities against upcoming opportunities and ensuring early positioning with potential clients and partners.
• Conducting research to inform new business strategy and sector trends.

Client Engagement & Pitching

• Leading the development of client engagement strategies to establish and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, and commercial clients.
• Representing Zinc at industry events, networking opportunities, and client meetings to showcase our capabilities.
• Preparing and delivering compelling pitches and presentations to secure new work.

Concept Development & Strategic Positioning

• Generating innovative project ideas and developing regular concept notes to expand Zinc’s portfolio.
• Collaborating with internal teams to refine concepts into fundable proposals that align with donor priorities.

Proposal Leadership & Writing

• Leading the full lifecycle of proposal development, including bid strategy, technical writing, compliance, and quality control.
• Writing and reviewing key proposal sections, including technical solutions, corporate capability statements, stakeholder engagement strategies, duty of care descriptions, staffing solutions, and social value propositions.
• Managing proposal timelines and teams to ensure high-quality, competitive submissions.

Financial & Commercial Oversight

• Working closely with Zinc’s commercial team to develop budgets and budget narratives that align with technical approaches and donor evaluation criteria.
• Ensuring proposals are financially competitive while maintaining the integrity of Zinc’s programmatic delivery.

Team Leadership & Internal Coordination

• Leading and mentoring business development team members, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Coordinating effectively with Zinc’s research, strategy, and implementation teams to ensure business growth efforts are well-integrated across the business.
• Represent Zinc at high-level meetings with clients and project partners, all while embodying the values of Zinc Network.

What we need from you…

We are looking for a BD leader with a proven track record of securing funding and leading winning proposals in the international development and strategic communications sectors. The ideal candidate will be eager to step into a senior position at Zinc and help us grow the business. Qualifications include:

• A bachelor’s degree, or significant professional experience, in communications, business, international development, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in proposal development and business growth within a related field.
• Knowledge of UK government procurement processes, particularly with FCDO, Home Office, Crown Commercial Services, defence, and other international government clients.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to craft compelling proposals and persuasive pitches.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple bids and business development efforts simultaneously.
• A track record of securing funding from governmental, foundation, and commercial clients.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside of regular business hours to meet proposal deadlines.
• Experience improving BD or organisational processes using AI.
• Knowledge of communications and campaigning, media development, and/or information integrity is preferred.

Area of Selection

We’re committed to hiring a diverse workforce from different professional and cultural backgrounds, and to that end we encourage a variety of people to apply to join our company to represent the diverse range of subjects associated with our projects.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates who receive a job offer will be required to:

• Disclose any previous disciplinary action against them resulting from a substantiated safeguarding (including any breaches involving trafficking-related activities) or workplace investigation.
• Undergo background checks including employment verification, sexual offender registry (as available), identity confirmation, and anti-terrorism vetting.

How to apply

Please include a cover letter stating how you meet each of the requirements.

If you require an accommodation to be made at any point throughout the recruitment process, please advise us when contacted.

Deadline for applications

31 December 2025