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Join us at a pivotal moment for the education sector.
ISBL is launching a major new initiative – the Centre for Education Operational Excellence – designed to transform how schools and trusts operate. We are seeking a proactive and strategic Business Development Lead to help shape, drive, and deliver this ambitious programme from inception.
About ISBL
ISBL has a 30‑year track record of supporting and developing a unique cadre of education professionals: school business leaders. Our work is underpinned by nationally endorsed professional standards and our OpEx for Education™ framework, placing us at the heart of sector improvement and operational excellence.
We serve a community of approximately 24,000 schools within a sector worth more than £80 billion, giving us significant reach, influence, and opportunity. Our core services span institute membership, professional development, research, events, sector innovation, and the sharing of best practice – creating a rich platform for partnership growth and impact.
Introducing the Centre for Education Operational Excellence
The Centre represents the next evolution of our work, extending ISBL’s focus from individual professional development to whole‑organisation operational excellence across schools and trusts.
It brings together three interconnected hubs:
- Solutions – Practical, high‑impact services and tools that support operational improvement.
- Research – Evidence‑based insights that shape best practice and drive innovation.
- International – Collaboration across global education systems to raise operational standards worldwide.
Working alongside ISBL, these hubs form a powerful ecosystem that connects practice, research, and international learning – strengthening organisational performance and, ultimately, educational outcomes.
About the Role
As Business Development Lead, you will play a central role in shaping the Centre’s commercial strategy, building new partnerships, and driving sustainable growth. This is a rare opportunity to influence a nationally significant initiative.
Full role details are available in the attached job description.
Please submit:
• Your CV
• A covering letter (max two pages) addressed to Stephen Morales, CEO, ISBL, outlining your motivation, suitability, and addressing:
1. What do you understand to be the priorities for this new initiative?
2. Why are you the right person to deliver this?
You will be informed whether you have been shortlisted by 12:00 noon on Friday 24 April 2026.
First-round interviews are expected to take place via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 29 April 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone should be able to live a fulfilling life, regardless of how severely mental illness affects them. Our services are growing — and so is our ambition. That’s why we’re looking for a passionate and skilled Business Development Manager to help us shape the future of our charity and the support we provide.
About the role
As our Business Development Manager, you’ll play a key role in sustaining and expanding the services that make a real difference to people severely affected by mental illness. You’ll bring teams together, write with clarity and purpose, and lead the end‑to‑end bid development process — ensuring we continue to deliver high‑quality, impactful support where it’s needed most.
You’ll champion collaboration, draw on the expertise of colleagues across the charity, and craft compelling, evidence‑based proposals that reflect who we are and what we stand for. From early development to final submission, you’ll help us win and retain contracts that directly improve lives.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading the end‑to‑end development of bids, retenders, and proposals in line with internal quality standards.
- Working collaboratively with teams across Rethink Mental Illness, building strong relationships and creating connected ways of working.
- Supporting and managing Bid Development Officers.
- Contributing to regional business development plans and helping shape sustainable, innovative service models.
- Writing high‑quality, insightful submissions that articulate our strengths, capabilities, and lived‑experience approach.
- Developing early-stage budget models and working with Finance and HR to finalise financials ahead of submission.
- Generating insight through data, evidence, and internal expertise to create winning proposals.
- Researching competitors and identifying what makes Rethink Mental Illness stand out.
- Supporting successful bids through structured handovers and mobilisation.
- Contributing to continuous improvement through feedback, learning, and maintaining our Bid Library.
What you’ll bring
Essential
- A strong track record of writing successful competitive bids or proposals.
- Excellent writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.
- The ability to interpret complex tender documents and understand commissioner expectations.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to unite diverse teams.
- Knowledge of commissioning, current legislation, and best practice in mental health and social care.
- Experience constructing budgets and modelling service assumptions.
- Strong organisational and project‑management abilities, with flexibility to meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and excellent general IT skills.
- A values‑driven approach consistent with Rethink Mental Illness’ ethos.
Desirable
- Experience working within mental health, health, or social care sectors.
- Lived or professional experience related to mental health and wellbeing.
Why Rethink Mental Illness?
When you join us, you’re not just taking on a role — you’re becoming part of a movement.
A movement committed to improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through high‑quality services, innovation, and compassionate support.
You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team where your growth and wellbeing matter, and where your work has a clear, direct impact.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.