Job Description

Location

Manchester

Company

MIDAS

Contract type

Fixed term/ Full- time

Salary

Up to 50,000 per annum

Closing Date

22/01/2026

Ref No

4974





MIDAS, one of the UK's leading inward investment agencies, is recruiting a Head of Business Development - Special Projects to shape a compelling proposition, design a robust go?to?market strategy, and lead its initial delivery. The role will focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Greater Manchester (GM), with a particular emphasis on the Creative Industries sector.



The successful candidate will drive the attraction of high-value businesses and investment into GM to create new jobs, increase innovation, and add value to the GM ecosystem.

This is a fixed term contract for six months.

Key Responsibilities:

Create a compelling Creative Industries investment proposition aligned with national and GM strategies, collaborating closely with GMCA and partner organisations. Develop and deliver a targeted business development strategy, leveraging MIDAS intelligence and UK national resources, including Department for Business and Trade (DBT) teams in North America. Drive FDI performance by building the foundations needed to meet annual targets for high?value investment, Research and Development activity, and job creation. Build strategic relationships with North American companies, engaging C?suite decision makers through a consultative approach to generate new investment opportunities. Lead a coordinated international business development campaign with MIDAS marketing to raise GM's global profile and deliver a high?quality pipeline of Creative Industries leads. Oversee business development delivery and budget management during the fixed?term contract, aligning and influencing partner activity to maximise impact. Plan and lead an in?market roadshow for senior stakeholders, securing meetings with at least ten companies progressing active FDI projects. Manage and develop a small sector?focused team while guiding in?market enquiry handling, refreshing sector propositions, championing Creative Industries, and strengthening stakeholder networks as part of the MIDAS Management Team.

About You:

Strong commercial acumen that builds credibility and influence with senior business leaders. Understanding of GM global sector strengths, ideally complemented by experience working across key international markets including the US, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan. Ambitious, resilient, and highly focused, with the ability to manage time and priorities effectively in a target?driven environment. Entrepreneurial and innovative mindset, generating fresh, tailored ideas to promote GM's offer to prospective investors. Trusted and mature communicator who inspires confidence and demonstrates clear strategic awareness. Curious and knowledge?driven.

Requirements:

Extensive B2B consultative sales experience in highly commercial environments, with a track record of market and network development. Comprehensive understanding of the full sales cycle, from research and planning through to lead generation, deal closure, and aftercare. Skilled senior?level negotiator with the ability to influence decision makers and collaborate effectively across teams. Direct experience in Foreign Direct Investment, including working with the UK's Department for Business and Trade in North America. Proven ability to develop sector?specific inward investment propositions that resonate with target markets. Hands?on experience delivering inward investment strategies, driving activity from concept to execution. Line?management experience, supporting, developing, and directing team performance. Strong project management capability.

We are currently unable to provide sponsorship for work permits or visas. Therefore, we can only consider candidates who already have the legal right to work in the UK.

At GC, safeguarding the welfare of all individuals including vulnerable adults and young people is a top priority, and we expect all staff to uphold this standard. All appointments follow Safer Recruitment Procedures, including a DBS check carried out by Due Diligence Limited (DDC Ltd), at no cost to the successful candidate.



Please note: It is a legal offence to apply for a role involving regulated activity if you are on the Barred List.



We are committed to increasing workforce diversity and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria and either have a disability or are from a diverse ethnic community.



If this applies to you, you can request consideration under this scheme during the application process. Your request will be shared only with the Hiring Manager and Internal Recruitment Team.



We also aim to make our recruitment process inclusive and accessible. If you need reasonable adjustments or have any general enquiries at any stage or the recruitment process, please contact careers@growthco.uk or call us on 0161 237 4447.



Examples include:


Meeting the hiring manager or touring the venue in advance Extra time for tasks Interview questions shared beforehand Accessibility software or equipment for assessments
We're proud to support the Ban the Box campaign, which helps people with convictions access job opportunities. As part of this, we've removed questions about convictions from the initial application stage.



GC is committed to fostering a culture of flexibility and agile working. Many roles will increasingly support full agile arrangements. If you require more permanent flexibility, we encourage you to discuss this during your interview so your request can be considered early in the process.



All GC colleagues will work inline with the Health & Safety at work act and the GC Health & Safety Policy.