Head of business development jobs

Welcome to Ada!

At Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of diverse digital talent. Through the quality of education we deliver, the depth of our industry partnerships and focus on diversity, we are changing the face of the tech sector, expanding the talent pipeline and transforming lives.

We are a specialist Further Education college, where every 16-19 student takes Computer Science and all of our diverse Higher Level and Degree Apprentices work in skills shortage disciplines in innovative, blue-chip companies.

The digital skills gap is costing the UK economy an estimated £63 billion a year in lost GDP. Ada seeks to fill this skills gap by equipping young with the skills industry actually needs.

Ada was announced by the Prime Minister in December 2014; England’s first new FE College since 1993 and since then we’ve gone from strength to strength including a Good with Outstanding features in our first Ofsted Inspection.

16-19 Provision:

As of 2024, we have 187 16-19 students enrolled. Our most recent results are outstanding; 39% of A level results at A*- B and 74% achieving at least one Distinction or better in their externally assessed Computing BTEC. This makes us the best education institution in the country for this BTEC.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Across our London Victoria and Manchester Ancoats campus, we have 363 apprentices currently enrolled on our Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships. We specialise in five disciplines at present: software development, data analytics, tech consultancy, cyber security and business analysis, working with a wide range of SMEs and corporate organisations such as PwC, Bank of America, Deloitte, Clearscore, Just Eat, Capita, MHRA, Booking,com and Salesforce.

At present 38% of our learners are female, 51% are from ethnic minority backgrounds and 50% come from low-income households compared to national averages of c. 20%.

This is an exciting time to join Ada with our new state-of-the-art campuses in Victoria, London and Ancoats, Manchester. We’re passionate about building a supportive, values driven environment for both our students and staff.

Post Title: Head of Business Development and Sales

Nature of the Role: 0.6 or 0.8 FTE. Hybrid working

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for: Apprenticeship and T-level Business Development & Sales

Direct Reports: 4

Annual Salary: £60,000 (pro rata)

Pension: Stakeholder pension scheme (10% employer contribution)

Holidays: 30 days per annum (Pro rata)

Location: Manchester (Ancoats) with regular travel to our London office expected

About You

• You will enjoy identifying, cultivating and closing new employer partnerships that transform
• the life chances of diverse young people through employment or work experience
• opportunities. You will enjoy being the most capable member of a team and thrive on leading them to new heights.
• You will be able to demonstrate your track record in driving sales growth as well as articulate your personal alignment to our mission.
• You will also be able to demonstrate you as comfortable cultivating C-suite relationships at large corporates as you are engaging the CTO of a fast growing start-up.
• Your role will be prominent within Ada and our wider ecosystem and you will enjoy the opportunity to represent the College in a wide variety of forums though always keeping an entrepreneurial eye out for an opportunity.

We'd really like to hear from you, if...

• You get a real kick out of identifying and cultivating new employer relationships that lead to the creation of life-changing employment opportunities for diverse young people.
• You believe higher level and degree apprenticeships, especially in the tech sector, offer diverse young people a fantastic opportunity to launch their careers
• You love talking to people and are passionate about evangelising Ada's mission to employer partners and wider stakeholders.
• You are curious, data-oriented and proactive, always searching for, and following up on, leads and possible opportunities.
• You enjoy leading and managing a small team to achieve ambitious sales targets
• You are as adept at cultivating existing employer relationships as pitching for new business.
• You are a meticulous record keeper who loves a good quality CRM database.
• You will feel a strong sense of ownership for the Business Development function at Ada and clearly understand it's vital purpose in serving young people and driving forward Ada's social impact and revenue growth.

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post.

Equal Opportunities

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:

• To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
• To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
• To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
• To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation.

Applicants with Disabilities

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If there is anything in this regard that you would like to discuss in relation to your application please contact .

Sponsorship

Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.

Thank you for your interest in Ada, the National College for Digital Skills.

Closing Date: 12th June 2026

(Candidates' applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, early applications are advised.)

Good Luck with your application!

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of Resources for Autism.

Since 1997, we have supported autistic people and their families through services that are safe, empowering and neuro-affirming. As demand for our work continues to grow, we are looking for an ambitious and strategic Head of Income Generation & Business Development to help us build a stronger, more diverse and sustainable future.

Reporting to the CEO and joining our Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the development of a progressive income generation strategy that expands new partnerships, income streams and opportunities for growth — ensuring we can continue delivering life-changing support to autistic people across London and the West Midlands. 

We are looking for someone who combines commercial awareness with creativity, relationship-building and a genuine commitment to social impact.

LOCATION: London (or Birmingham with regular travel to London)

SALARY: £50,000 - £56,000 depending on experience

HOURS: Full time

The Role

You will design and deliver a new income generation strategy that unlocks growth across:

· Corporate partnerships

· Major donors and philanthropy

· Community, individual and digital giving

· Earned and paid‑for services

· Grants, trusts and public sector funding (as part of a balanced mix)

· Recurring /regular donations from committed individuals

You will take an “intrapreneurial” approach — spotting opportunity, building new propositions, testing ideas and learning quickly — while embedding a culture where income generation is seen as a shared organisational priority, not the responsibility of one team.

Essential Experience & Track Record

• A demonstrable track record of generating income and/or building sustainable revenue streams, across more than one income source.
• Evidence of developing and delivering an income or growth strategy, particularly in contexts requiring diversification or change.
• Experience of driving new opportunities — such as partnerships, products, services or supporter propositions — rather than only maintaining existing income.
• Proven success in building and stewarding senior relationships, including corporates, funders, donors, commissioners or strategic partners.
• Experience working at a senior level within an organisation, with exposure to executive decision‑making and governance (e.g. Board or Trustee engagement).

Essential Skills

· Demonstrable evidence of success and business growth

· Experience and success in one or more of the following:

• Corporate partnerships or sponsorship

• Major donor / philanthropy programmes

• Earned or paid for services/ sales

• Community or digital fundraising

· Experience developing and delivering successful strategies.

· Evidence of successful relationship-building skills with funders, donors, corporate partners or others.

· Experience managing or mentoring staff or volunteers.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with senior stakeholders.

· Good market research and data analysis skills that have influenced decisions

· Experience contributing to or leading at organisational growth.

· Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) adaptable to different populations including: colleagues, external professionals, service users, families, volunteers, donors

Desirable Skills

· Understanding of and commitment to adhering to fundraising policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g. Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice, GDPR).

· Experience in minor/major donor fundraising and/or corporate partnerships.

· Familiarity with the autism or disability sector.

Staff Benefits 

90% of our staff say that Resources for Autism is “a great place to work”. 

Not only will the work you do ensure we are making vital differences and inspiring others, but our other benefits also include: 

· 25 days of leave (pro rata for part time roles) each year plus 8 bank holidays and an additional 3 Celebration days that could be used between Christmas and new year, but may be used for other religious days or significant days such as your birthday 

· access to ongoing training and progress in the areas that interest you 

· access to our wellbeing initiatives and an Employee Assistance Programme 

Application Process

Read more about us and the role on our website

To apply, you will need to complete our application form in full, including your full employment and education history. Any gaps in employment should be clearly explained within your application.

Please note that CVs may be included as supporting documents but will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.

As part of your application, we ask that you provide a personal statement outlining how your experience, skills and approach meet the requirements of the role and person specification.

North & West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our strategic leadership team and help make a real difference within our communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established and respected charity with an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality advice services and being a great place to work. You will become part of a collaborative and supportive team that is committed to working together, and alongside partner agencies, to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

You will play a key role in developing strategic partnerships and identifying new business opportunities that support the organisation’s growth, sustainability, and long-term impact. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will help strengthen relationships, increase opportunities for collaboration, and support the continued development of our services and community impact.

Key details

Position: Head of Partnerships & Business Development

Location: Flexible within North & West Gloucestershire (hybrid working available)

Hours: 0.6 FTE (approx. 22.5 hours per week)

FTE Salary: £44,163 (£26,497 pro rata)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Annual leave and benefits:

27 days plus Bank Holidays

Contribution of 7% based on 4% employee contribution

Employee Assistance Scheme

Birthday Leave

Christmas Closure

Flexible Working Policy

What are the responsibilities?

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with local authorities, funders, voluntary sector organisations, and community stakeholders.
• Identify and secure new business development, funding, and partnership opportunities that support organisational growth and sustainability.
• Lead and coordinate funding bids, tenders, and partnership proposals in collaboration with the CEO and operational teams.
• Build strong relationships with funders, commissioners, partners, and local communities to strengthen collaboration and service impact.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, events, and regional networks, acting as an ambassador for the charity.
• Support organisational growth and strategic planning by providing updates on partnership activity, funding opportunities, and development progress.

What are the requirements?

This job is for you if you:

• Have experience in partnership management, business development, fundraising, or stakeholder engagement.
• Can build strong relationships and work collaboratively with funders, partners, community organisations, and stakeholders.
• Are confident identifying and developing new opportunities that support organisational growth and sustainability.
• Have excellent communication skills, including experience writing funding bids, tenders, or partnership proposals.
• Are organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
• Can work independently while contributing positively within a collaborative leadership team.

It would also be beneficial if you have knowledge of the charity, advice, or voluntary sector, experience working with commissioned services or partnerships, or an understanding of local government and funding environments.

Application deadline: 14th June 2026 (may close early if a suitable candidate is appointed)