2 Business manager jobs in Milton Keynes
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The role
Lead the growth and delivery of Cruse's External Training & Consultancy programme, combining business development, customer relationship management, and delivery oversight to make Cruse the leading provider of bereavement training in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You will be responsible for managing our external training programme. The programme has been delivering high-quality grief and bereavement training to over 370 external organisations and thousands of individuals for the past ten years. This role will be responsible for sourcing, planning and managing customer engagements, and ensuring Cruse is the leading training provider for loss and bereavement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You will be responsible for developing a sales and marketing strategy, targeting relevant organisations and selling our training products. You will be overseeing the organisation of training sessions and then handing over to one of our trainers to deliver the sessions, providing support where needed, monitoring and acting on feedback, and always ensuring a consistently high standard of customer service.
How to apply
Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages. Please note that if your application does not include both a CV and covering letter, it may not be considered.
The closing date for applications is 16 September 2026 with interview taking place week commencing the 28th September 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early as suitable candidates apply.
Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28 September 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.
Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.
Criminal Record Checks
All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online:
· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice
· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice
Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.
We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.
Registered Charity 
101 - 500
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are seeking an organised, proactive, and people-focused Business Support and Grant Manager to join our growing charity. This new full time role has been created to support increasing demand and offers the opportunity to contribute directly to projects that deliver lasting community impact. The position is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract, with the intention of becoming permanent. Some UK travel, including occasional overnight stays, will be required.
Reports To: CEO
Contract: Full Time Fixed Term (2 years) with the intention of becoming permanent
Location: Within commuting distance of Milton Keynes, with UK travel and occasional overnight stays. Hybrid working from home will be optional following an induction period of at least two months at the head office.
Purpose of the Role: To provide effective business support and development assistance to the charity while managing community grants from application through to award, monitoring and reporting. The postholder will support organisational growth, stakeholder engagement, tendering for new contracts, and the delivery of grant funding that creates positive community and social impact.
Probation Period: Four Months
Key Responsibilities:
Business Support
· Support the day-to-day operational effectiveness of the charity.
· Coordinate, prepare and submit tenders and business proposals.
· Gather and collate information from internal and external stakeholders to support submissions.
· Ensure all submissions are completed accurately and within deadlines.
· Support the CEO and Grant Director with reports and presentations.
· Maintain accurate records, databases and organisational documentation.
Grant Management
· Administer grant programmes from application to project completion.
· Review and assess funding applications against agreed criteria.
· Undertake due diligence and eligibility checks.
· Attend community benefit fund Advisory Panel Meetings.
· Monitor grant expenditure and funded project progress.
· Review monitoring reports and evaluate project outcomes.
· Ensure compliance with governance, funding conditions and reporting requirements.
· Maintain accurate grant records and audit trails.
Stakeholder Engagement
· Develop and maintain positive relationships with funders, applicants, community groups and partners.
· Provide guidance and support to applicants throughout the grant process.
· Support the onboarding of new clients.
· Represent the charity at meetings and events and public consultations.
· Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders and grant recipients.
Community Benefit Funds
· Support the development and delivery of community benefit funds.
· Assist with planning, governance, assessment and reporting activities.
· Support research and community engagement initiatives.
· Contribute to ensuring funds deliver measurable and lasting community outcomes.
General
· Uphold the values, policies and procedures of the charity.
· Work collaboratively across the organisation.
· Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
Experience
· Experience of preparing tenders, funding bids or funding applications.
· Experience of stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
· Experience of managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
· Experience of producing reports and maintaining accurate records.
Knowledge
· Understanding of grant-making processes and funding assessment principles.
· Knowledge of governance, compliance and accountability requirements.
· Understanding of community-focused or charitable activities.
Skills & Abilities
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Strong organisational and project management skills.
· Ability to assess information objectively and make evidence-based recommendations.
· Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
· Ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
· Competent in Microsoft Office applications and database management.
· Ability to work independently and use initiative.
Personal Attributes
· Proactive and self-motivated.
· Professional and trustworthy.
· Strong commitment to fairness, transparency and integrity.
· Adaptable and solutions-focused.
· Passionate about supporting communities and delivering positive impact.
Desirable Criteria
Experience
· Experience working within a charity, community organisation, social enterprise or funding body.
· Experience managing community benefit funds.
· Experience of contract management or project delivery.
· Experience supporting senior leaders or board-level governance activities.
Knowledge
· Understanding of social value and community wealth-building principles.
· Knowledge of charity governance and funding environments.
Qualifications
· Degree-level qualification or relevant professional experience.
· Relevant qualification in business administration, project management, fundraising, grant management or a related discipline.
Other Requirements
· Willingness to travel across the UK.
· Ability to undertake occasional overnight stays.
· Right to work in the UK
· UK Driving License
