Job Description

Position

Business Development Manager

Location

UK Wide. Flexible working - principally home based with some travel

Salary

52,500 + excellent benefits

Hours

35 hours per week (flexible working)

Status

Permanent

Closing date

16 November 2025

Grow with purpose. Lead with impact.

At the Wise Group, we don't measure growth by turnover -- we measure it by the lives we transform.

As one of the UK's most distinctive social enterprises, we're entering an exciting new chapter of impact-led growth, and we're looking for a Business Development Manager to help us shape that future.


This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of our evolving Business Development function -- a bold new model that blends commercial excellence with deep social purpose. Working across the UK's employment, skills, justice, and energy sectors to name just a few, you'll help identify, develop, and secure opportunities that enable us to transform more lives and strengthen communities.

The Role

As a Business Development Manager, you'll be part of the engine that drives our next phase of impact. You will:

Build strong, trusted relationships with commissioners, funders, and partners across the public, private, and third sectors. Lead on the design and delivery of compelling, high-quality bids, tenders, and proposals that reflect our strengths in Relational Mentoring, Employability & Skills, and Justice. Spot opportunities across devolved administrations, government departments, and emerging markets -- from DWP and MoJ to local authorities and energy partnerships. Collaborate across our enterprise -- connecting insight, data, and creativity to design services that change lives. Champion innovation, quality, and social impact in every opportunity you help create.

This is a role for someone with drive, creativity, and purpose -- a professional who thrives on connecting ideas with impact and who sees opportunity where others see challenge.

About You

You'll bring:

Proven experience in business development, bidding, or partnerships -- ideally in employability, justice, skills, or social impact sectors. A strong commercial mindset and a genuine passion for social change. Excellent relationship-building skills and confidence engaging with senior stakeholders. The ability to craft persuasive, values-driven narratives that inspire funders and partners. Energy, resilience, and curiosity -- and the courage to think differently in a changing landscape.

Above all, you'll believe in The Wise Group's mission and the power of people, relationships, and opportunity to change lives.

A Workplace That Works for You

We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's most progressive, people-centred employers.

At the Wise Group, you'll join a community that is flexible, inclusive, and deeply human. We put people at the heart of everything we do -- supporting every colleague to learn, lead, and thrive.


We offer genuine flexibility, a hybrid model that values balance and trust, and a workplace that celebrates ambition, collaboration, kindness, and innovation. When our people flourish, our impact grows -- and that's what makes the Wise Group one of the best places to work in our sector.

Ready to grow impact with us?

If you're a strategic, driven, and values-led professional ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

View the

Role Profile

for full details about this opportunity.