Hybrid Strategic BD Manager - Education & Children

LJ Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% performance-related bonus

Hybrid working

Senior role with influence over growth

Job summary

LJ Recruitment is seeking a skilled Business Development Manager to lead growth across regulated education services. Hybrid working with travel to schools and the head office will be required, offering a strategic senior role.

You will build partnerships with local authorities and commissioners, manage placements and referrals, and align services with regulatory requirements and market demand. A strong background in children's social care or education is essential.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years' experience in business development, commissioning or strategic leadership within children's social care or education.
• Experience within independent specialist education or closely related environment.
• Proven experience partnering with operational teams to align commercial growth with service delivery.
• Experience leading or managing a placements/referrals function, especially with complex/high-volume referrals.
• Strong track record building relationships with local authorities, commissioners and other stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify and convert growth opportunities.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Analytical and strategic thinking with ability to use data and market intelligence.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with commissioning frameworks, funding pathways and procurement in children's services.

Responsibilities

• Partner with regional operational teams to drive service growth, occupancy and align BD with capacity.
• Provide market intelligence on commissioner requirements, regulatory developments and local demand.
• Support teams to maximise placement opportunities and keep services competitive and responsive.
• Lead and manage a placements/referrals function, ensuring referrals are handled effectively.
• Oversee end-to-end referral and matching process aligning with needs and availability.
• Monitor referral activity, conversion rates and pipeline opportunities.
• Provide regular analysis and insight to leadership.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and service growth.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Analytical thinking

Organisational skills

Job description

LJ Recruitment is seeking a skilled Business Development Manager to lead growth across regulated education services. Hybrid working with travel to schools and the head office will be required, offering a strategic senior role.

You will build partnerships with local authorities and commissioners, manage placements and referrals, and align services with regulatory requirements and market demand. A strong background in children's social care or education is essential.