Development manager jobs in Milton keynes

Team: Philanthropy & Partnerships 

Location: Homebased with some travel for meetings & events 

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday 

Salary: Up to £49,149.84 per annum 

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months 

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our enthusiastic employees, volunteers, and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Corporate Partnerships Development Manager: 

• The Corporate Partnerships Development Manager will play a key role at Cats Protection by raising new and transformational funds in support of the organisation’s 10 year strategic objectives.

• The role will lead the Corporate Partnerships new business team, to build profitable, multiyear relationships with companies, ensuring propositions are maximised and new partners onboarded to the highest standards 

About the Corporate Partnerships team: 

• We sit within the Marketing & Income Generation directorate. 

• The corporate partnerships team is split between new business and account management, made up of driven, passionate and dynamic corporate fundraisers 

• We currently have a team of one full time and one part time Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officers in new business. On account management side our team consist of a Corporate Partnerships Development Manager, Corporate Partnerships Account Manager and Corporate Partnerships Officer. This is in addition to a Lead Corporate Partnerships Manager who oversees the entire corporate partnerships team. 

What we are looking for in our Corporate Partnerships Development Manager: 

• Significant experience of developing relationships and raising money from new businesses and other corporate organisations. 

• A demonstrable track record of delivering significant financial results against agreed targets and timescales. 

• Experience of leading fundraising teams to deliver and drive income and growth 

• Significant experience of managing a diverse range of stakeholders and relationships at a variety of levels 

• Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities. 

What we can offer you: 

• range of health benefits 

• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service. 

• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing. 

• and much more, which you can learn about

Interested? Here’s how to apply: 

Application closing date: 3rd June 2026 

Virtual interview date: Week commencing 8th June 2026 

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. Anonymised application form 

2. Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams 

3. Final stage presentation (dependent on first stage interviews) 

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

Join SmellTaste and lead the development of the charity’s involvement in research, shaping how lived experience of those affected by smell and taste impairment is integrated in research projects. As Research Development and Engagement Manager, you will lead engagement with researchers, our patient community, and external partners to develop and support new research collaborations. This includes leading the Public and Patient Involvement activity for a 12-month National Institute of Health Research-funded Programme Development Grant, the ICAST Programme: Improving Care for patients with Smell & Taste Disorders, and undertaking planning work for the prospective Programme Grant which is expected to follow this.

This post is funded for 2 days (15 hours) per week for an initial 12-month period, with the potential for the contract to be extended and for it to become a full-time role subject to further funding being secured. 

You will be joining a small, friendly and ambitious team that will support your professional development as part of the charity’s ongoing growth.

If you are passionate about making a difference to an underserved patient community and want to be part of a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers the people it represents then we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Application instructions: 

Please apply by providing both a CV and a covering letter which clearly states how you meet all the points in the Personal Specification.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the SmellTaste contribution to a 12-month National Institute of Health Research-funded Programme Development Grant, led by Prof Carl Philpott at the University of East Anglia (the ICAST Programme: Improving Care for patients with Smell & Taste Disorders).  
• Develop a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) strategy for the above project, including evaluation of impact and dissemination
• Manage a PPI panel for the NIHR project, organise PPIE meetings and ensure participants and panel members are remunerated for activity.
• Develop a detailed, costed delivery plan for the national survey element of the planned Programme Grant which is expected to follow on from the Programme Development Grant, including marketing and publicity, recruitment and dissemination.
• Work with the charity’s CEO and honorary Director of Research and Medical Affairs to develop a research strategy for the charity that aligns with the research priorities identified in the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership for Smell and Taste Disorders.
• Work with the charity’s CEO, honorary Director of Research and Medical Affairs and external researchers to identify opportunities for new collaborative research opportunities.
• Develop funding applications for research projects.
• Oversee all of the charity’s collaborative research activity, including PPIE activity.
• Evaluate and report on the impact of research projects, ensuring inclusivity and ethical standards.

Personal specification

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in biological sciences or a related field
• Experience leading or supporting public and patient involvement and engagement initiatives in research
• Experience leading or supporting involvement in research
• Experience of writing grant applications
• Ability to communicate and interpret complex scientific research clearly
• Experience working with diverse and underrepresented communities
• Confident relationship builder with researchers and other external stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills, including strong project management skills

Hours: Part-time, 15 hours per week

Salary: £40,000, pro-rata

Holiday allowance: 25 days pro-rata, plus bank holidays

Location: Home working. Some travel will be required to attend in-person meetings and events

Interviews expected to be held during the week commencing 22nd June.

Our client is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest. With a committed, dedicated staff team and clear plans to scale reach, support and impact, this charity lives its values by being positive, collaborative and ambitious in all it does.

Business Development Manager

Hybrid - predominantly home-based with occasional travel

Permanent

22.5 - 30 hrs hours per week (negotiable, 3-4 days a week)

£39,000 - £45,000 (pro-rata for part-time hours)

Reporting to the Director of Income and Engagement, you will identify, assess and manage contract and funding opportunities. You'll lead the development of compelling, high-quality and cost-effective bids and proposals (including re-securing existing contracts), coordinating bid plans and bid teams to ensure a consistent approach. You will also support mobilisation of new contracts and services and build relationships with commissioners, funders and partners. Using insight, outcomes data and carers' feedback, you'll strengthen bids, inform service improvement and support the development of innovative service models that improve outcomes for carers.

To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong track record of securing new contracts and re-securing existing contracts, with experience of commissioning and procurement processes in health, social care or the voluntary sector. You'll have proven experience of leading bid development activity and bid teams, producing high-quality, persuasive proposals to tight deadlines, alongside strong senior stakeholder engagement skills with commissioners, funders and partner organisations. You'll bring a good understanding of health and care systems (including Local Authority and Integrated Care System priorities and pressures), plus experience of service design and improvement, working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams and people with lived experience.

How to apply

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Femke Vorstman at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. To formally apply, you will need to complete a supporting statement (max. 2 sides of A4) by COB on Monday 8 June. . Interviews will be held on Monday 15 June and Friday 19 June. 

Our client is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest. With a committed, dedicated staff team and clear plans to scale reach, support and impact, this charity lives its values by being positive, collaborative and ambitious in all it does.

Business Development Manager

Hybrid - predominantly home-based with occasional travel

Permanent

22.5 - 30 hrs hours per week (negotiable, 3-4 days a week)

£39,000 - £45,000 (pro-rata for part-time hours)

Reporting to the Director of Income and Engagement, you will identify, assess and manage contract and funding opportunities. You'll lead the development of compelling, high-quality and cost-effective bids and proposals (including re-securing existing contracts), coordinating bid plans and bid teams to ensure a consistent approach. You will also support mobilisation of new contracts and services and build relationships with commissioners, funders and partners. Using insight, outcomes data and carers' feedback, you'll strengthen bids, inform service improvement and support the development of innovative service models that improve outcomes for carers.

To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong track record of securing new contracts and re-securing existing contracts, with experience of commissioning and procurement processes in health, social care or the voluntary sector. You'll have proven experience of leading bid development activity and bid teams, producing high-quality, persuasive proposals to tight deadlines, alongside strong senior stakeholder engagement skills with commissioners, funders and partner organisations. You'll bring a good understanding of health and care systems (including Local Authority and Integrated Care System priorities and pressures), plus experience of service design and improvement, working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams and people with lived experience.

How to apply

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Femke Vorstman at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.

In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. To formally apply, you will need to complete a supporting statement (max. 2 sides of A4) by COB on Monday 8 June.

⏰ Full Time – 37.5 hours per week
�� Reporting to: Head of Income Generation

At YMCA South Midlands, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to belong, contribute and thrive.

We are now looking for an ambitious, commercially minded and relationship-driven Business Development & Fundraising Manager to help grow sustainable income and develop meaningful partnerships that support our mission and expand our impact across the region.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities and turning ideas into action. You’ll play a key role in growing our corporate partnerships, increasing use of our conferencing and catering facilities, and helping shape future social enterprise opportunities.

If you’re someone who enjoys combining purpose with commercial thinking and wants to make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

You’ll work closely with the Head of Income Generation to grow income through:

• corporate fundraising partnerships
• business development opportunities
• sponsorships and CSR relationships
• conferencing and catering sales
• community and challenge fundraising initiatives

You’ll also line manage our Fundraising & Partnerships Officer and help strengthen the overall supporter and client experience across the organisation.

This is a varied and hands-on role where no two days are the same.

What You’ll Be Doing

Business Development & Income Growth

• Growing income through corporate partnerships and business development activity
• Increasing bookings and commercial opportunities across our conferencing and catering offer
• Supporting the promotion and development of HomeGround Café and other YMCA social enterprise initiatives
• Identifying and developing new income streams and partnership opportunities
• Building strong relationships with local businesses and regional partners

Corporate Partnerships & Fundraising

• Developing and managing a pipeline of corporate supporters and prospects
• Securing sponsorships, CSR partnerships and employee fundraising opportunities
• Building long-term, high-value relationships with businesses and supporters
• Working collaboratively across teams to maximise opportunities and impact

Stewardship & Supporter Experience

• Delivering an excellent experience for corporate clients and supporters
• Building long-term engagement and retention
• Using Donorfy CRM to manage supporter information and reporting accurately

Leadership & Performance

• Line managing and supporting the Fundraising & Partnerships Officer
• Monitoring performance, income targets and KPIs
• Using insight and reporting to improve performance and decision-making

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is:

• commercially minded but values-driven
• confident building relationships and networking
• proactive, organised and self-motivated
• comfortable managing multiple priorities
• passionate about making a difference to young people and communities

You’ll ideally have:

• experience in fundraising, sales, partnerships or business development
• experience building and managing B2B relationships
• a track record of achieving targets and delivering results
• strong communication and relationship-building skills
• the ability to spot opportunities and turn them into action
• experience working collaboratively across teams

Experience within the charity sector is helpful but not essential. We are open to candidates from commercial backgrounds who are motivated by purpose and impact.

Why Join YMCA South Midlands?

This is more than a fundraising role.

It’s an opportunity to help shape the future of a growing charity that supports young people, families and communities across the South Midlands.

You’ll join a passionate and ambitious team that cares deeply about making a difference and is committed to creating a culture where people can do meaningful work, grow and thrive.

Additional Information

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is required
• Some evening and weekend work may occasionally be required
• Salary: Competitive (depending on experience)

Ready to Apply?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to combine purpose, partnerships and business growth to create meaningful social impact, we’d love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving national charity, as part of a high-performing, ambitious Business Development team. You will use a wide range of commercial and interpersonal skills to develop the way our services support children, young people and families. The core area of your work will be working with teams of Barnardo's colleagues to produce compelling proposals to commissioners and partners. As such, you'll be able to demonstrate:

∙ Strong organisational skills

∙ Attention to detail

∙ The ability to elicit and articulate great ideas

∙ Strong written and spoken communication.

You will need to be a good writer, communicating ideas effectively on paper with an ability to analyse large volumes of information to develop clear and compelling responses to tenders. It is critical that you can build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the development of proposals and service design. You will manage all aspects of proposals and tenders, leading the development and delivery of bids, working to deadlines, ensuring that we present strong business cases and bids that underpin successful outcomes. In addition, there will be the opportunity to help us develop new services and innovations in priority growth areas, monitor market intelligence, assess commercial and contract risks and work alongside operational colleagues in Children's Services.

Your project management skills may have been developed in any sector, and may need further development, but your commitment to the work we do will be demonstrated by your enthusiasm and ability to learn. In Business Development we are a supportive team, with stimulating and challenging work and extensive opportunities to learn and to help Barnardo's transform the lives of the UK's most vulnerable children.

This is a full-time role (36.25 hours per week) within Business Development. The role will operate on a 'Work from Anywhere' basis, meaning that you can work both from home and/or from an office 'hub that's nearest to where you live. Some travel may be required.

Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Please note previous applicants need not apply. 

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Benefits

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

Our hybrid working initiative is based on trust, flexibility and empowerment. We understand our workplace offer means different things to different people, and we encourage those conversations. This may mean working at one of our stores, services, working at home, in the community, at one of our Collaboration Hubs or depending on the role any combination of these. Please read through the advert carefully to understand the remits of hybrid working that will be specific to the role.

• Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
• Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service. Those working less than full time are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata
• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our Buy Your Leave scheme
• A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options
• Service related sick pay from day 1
• Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's. Ability to pay via salary sacrifice to garner both tax and NI savings on your own contribution
• Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension
• Cycle2work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Discounts and cashback from at high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal
• 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
• Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
• Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer

*T&C's apply based on contract

About Barnardo's

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do. We are a Disability Confident Leader, are progressing our ambition to be an anti-racist organisation with Anti-Racism Commitments and actions in place and have networks for colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+, Black and Minoritised Ethnic and Women. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.