Business Development Manager Job at Horizon Care and Education Group (Leeds)

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager the lead the business development activity of our Ofsted Regulated Education Services. The successful candidate will have a strong background in children's social care and education provision , a deep understanding of regulations, EHCP's, and sector dynamics. This role is integral to identifying new opportunities, developing strategic partnerships with local authorities, and ensuring our services meet both regulatory standards and the evolving needs of young people. Working closely with operational leaders and executive teams, you will play a key role in identifying growth opportunities, strengthening local authority partnerships, increasing occupancy, and ensuring services remain compliant, competitive, and responsive.

Job Responsibility

Act as a strategic partner to Regional Operations Teams to drive sustainable service growth and improve occupancy
Align business development activity with operational capacity and regional priorities
Provide market intelligence, commissioner insights, and regulatory guidance to support service planning and delivery
Support regional teams to maximise placement opportunities and maintain competitive service offers
Lead and manage the Placements Team, ensuring responsive handling of high-volume referrals
Oversee the end-to-end referral and matching process across supported accommodation and residential homes
Ensure placements are appropriate, needs-led, and aligned with operational availability and quality standards
Monitor conversion rates, placement activity, and referral pipelines, providing insight and recommendations
Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities across the education and children's services sector
Conduct market and competitor analysis to support strategic decision-making and service positioning
Drive business growth through proactive relationship management and opportunity development
Build and maintain strong relationships with local authority commissioners, housing partners, and sector stakeholders
Represent the organisation at sector forums, meetings, and networking events
Promote services and identify collaborative opportunities that support organisational growth and positive outcomes for young people
Maintain expert knowledge of Ofsted regulations and sector developments
Ensure all placements and service developments remain fully compliant
Provide internal guidance and updates to ensure regulatory standards are embedded across business development and operational delivery
Develop and deliver weekly executive reporting and trading packs for Managing Directors and the COO, providing clear insight into Referral volumes and conversion rates
Occupancy across supported accommodation and residential homes
Placement pipelines and business opportunities
Market trends and competitor activity
Commissioner engagement outcomes
Risks, patterns, and growth opportunities
Use data to provide actionable recommendations that support strategic and operational decision-making

Requirements

Extensive experience in business development, commissioning, or strategic leadership within education and/or children's social care
Experience within education sector and/or children's social care
Proven success partnering with operational teams to align growth and service delivery
Experience managing placements functions or handling high-volume, complex referrals
Strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, and key sector stakeholders
Commercial awareness and a proven ability to identify and develop growth opportunities
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities
Experience interpreting data, market intelligence, and regulatory developments
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
Understanding of commissioning frameworks, procurement processes, and funding pathways
Experience supporting service design or redesign in response to sector change
A relevant qualification in Social Care, Business Development, Housing, or a related field

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