Job Description

Job Introduction

At Horizon Care & Education we are committed to providing high-quality, person-centred care for children and young people in our Ofsted-regulated Residential Children's Homes and 16+ Supported Accommodation services. Our mission is to support vulnerable young people in achieving positive outcomes and brighter futures through stable, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environments.


We are seeking an experienced and strategic

Business Development Manager

to support the growth and expansion of our children's social care services. This pivotal role involves identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, fostering and maintaining key relationships with local authorities and commissioners, and ensuring our services align with regulatory standards and the evolving needs of the sector.

Key Responsibilities

Lead on the identification and development of new business opportunities in line with company growth strategy. Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, and other key stakeholders. Develop and implement a robust pipeline of referrals for 16+ Supported Accommodation and Residential Children's Homes. Collaborate with operational teams to ensure service delivery aligns with commercial goals and statutory requirements. Stay abreast of policy changes, regulatory frameworks (e.g., Ofsted,), and housing legislation affecting children's social care. Prepare and deliver compelling tenders, bids, and proposals for contracts and framework agreements. Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform strategic decisions. Attend relevant industry events, networking opportunities, and professional forums to promote the organisation's services.

Requirements

Experience in a business development, commissioning, or strategic leadership role within children's social care, particularly in supported accommodation and/or residential children's homes. Proven experience of business partnering with operational teams, working collaboratively to align growth strategies with service delivery capabilities.

In-depth Knowledge:

Strong understanding of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023*, Ofsted regulatory frameworks, and relevant housing legislation.

Placement Experience:

Proven experience in leading or managing placement functions or referral teams, particularly handling high volumes of complex cases.

Strategic Partnerships:

Demonstrable track record of building and sustaining successful partnerships with local authorities, commissioners, and sector stakeholders.

Commercial Acumen:

Ability to identify, assess, and develop business growth opportunities within the social care sector, with a strong understanding of the commercial drivers.

Interpersonal Skills:

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and engage across internal teams and external partners.

Strategic Insight:

Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, including interpreting data, market trends, and changes in legislation and regulation.

Organisation & Drive:

Highly self-motivated with excellent time management and organisational skills; able to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.

Operational Insight:

Experience working within or in close partnership with operational leadership teams in children's social care, supported accommodation, or housing support services.

Sector Knowledge:

Understanding of commissioning frameworks, procurement processes, and funding pathways within children's services and supported housing. *

Service Design:

Experience contributing to service development, design, or redesign in response to regulatory change or emerging needs from commissioners.