Business Development Manager

Carers First 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.

We have a committed, dedicated staff team and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives.

We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Manager to join our team. Reporting directly to the Director of Income and Engagement, you will play a key role in securing and sustaining income to enable Carers First to grow its support and impact for carers. Your responsibilities would include: -

• Identifying, assessing and managing commissioned contract and funding opportunities aligned to Carers First’s strategic aims, maintaining a clear and intelligence‑led pipeline.

• Leading the development of compelling, high‑quality and cost‑effective bids and proposals for carers services and support (including re-securing existing contracts). Working with services, co-ordinating bid plans and bid teams to ensure a consistent, unified approach.

• Supporting the mobilisation of new contracts and services.

• Supporting delivery of the Income Generation Strategy, including leading on larger Trust, Foundation and grant applications where appropriate.

• Building effective relationships with commissioners, funders and partners to support business development and market engagement.

• Using quality, insight, outcomes data and carers’ feedback to strengthen bids, inform service improvement and support the development of innovative service models that improve outcomes for carers.

About you

To be successful in this role you will bring a strong mix of business development expertise, Local Authority commissioned contract success, sector knowledge and collaborative working, alongside a commitment to improving outcomes for carers, with;

• A strong track record of securing new Local Authority commissioned contracts and re securing existing contracts, with experience of commissioning and procurement processes in health, social care or the voluntary sector.

• Proven experience of leading bid development activity and bid teams, producing high quality, persuasive proposals within tight deadlines.

• Experience of senior stakeholder engagement and relationship management with commissioners, funders and partner organisations.

• A good understanding of health and care systems, including Local Authority and Integrated Care System priorities and pressures.

• Experience of service design and service improvement, working collaboratively with multi disciplinary teams and people with lived experience.

• Excellent organisational, programme and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyse insight and impact data and translate this into learning, improvement and compelling cases for support.

• A collaborative, inclusive and supportive approach, with a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and strong alignment with the values and mission of Carers First.

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Carers First Can Offer You

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.

Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes.

How to apply

To apply for our exciting opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of carers, visit the Carers First website and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.

Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Kate Kennard, Director of Innovation and Development, via our recruitment team to arrange a call.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Interviews: Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first round interview:

Stage 1: Online competence-based interview – Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Second‑round interviews will only be offered to those candidates who successfully meet the required criteria at the first interview as follows:

Stage 2: A face-to-face meeting in London with an interview panel – Tuesday, 26 May 2026. You will be required to do a presentation, and details will be provided in advance.

Carers First is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Positive       Collaborative        Ambitious