Business Development Manager

This permanent role has a starting salary of 47,142 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

We have a great opportunity to join our Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development team as a Business Development Manager.

We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for 3 days per week on average (60% of the working week) and support working from home the rest of the time.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About The Role

This is a new and exciting role covering all areas of Business Development for our successful and growing outdoor learning service. Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) is a self-financing service within Surrey County Council generating over 3.3 million of revenue with a strong vision and set of core values. We have ambitious financial targets and aspirations.

The key priorities of this role will be to support the Senior Management team in leading the financial reporting and monitoring of the SOLD revenue and expenditure budget. There will be a requirement to provide regular, accurate intelligence and data on our business and financial model. You will be advising the Senior Leadership Team on a range of financial and business decisions.

The role will also focus on overseeing all areas of Business Development including; new markets, pricing, terms and conditions of booking, staff utilisation, customer service, marketing, grants and other funding opportunities. You will work collaboratively with our amazing passionate team of outdoor learning professionals who deliver from three outdoor learning centres in and around Surrey.

This role is varied and offers real opportunity to influence the strategic Business Model and financial sustainability of SOLD.

This role requires direct line management responsibility for 3 team members currently, and major projects for the near future include: setting up thorough and accurate financial monitoring processes, auditing our business model including pricing structure, reviewing the marketing strategy and bookings process and identifying new revenue opportunities in line with our core values.

This is a significantly important position for SOLD and you will work with our Senior Leadership team to contribute directly to our strategic goals and financial sustainability for the future. You will also make a meaningful difference to and impact on our direction of travel and strategic business decisions.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align withour behaviours:

• A degree in Business, Finance or related field
• Proven experience in securing funding and driving business growth.
• Knowledge of the education market and understanding of learning in the outdoors.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficient in financial analysis and the ability to analyse complex financial data.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute effective business strategies
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong work ethic and a proactive attitude.
• Excellent IT skills with a range of software applications
• Proven track record of excellent performance management of a staff team

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

1. Please tell us about your experience of managing large revenue and expenditure budgets of a similar scale to SOLD's.
2. Please explain how you have influenced and made positive changes to a Business Development Plan of a similar sized organisation.
3. Please tell us how would you deliver a Business audit and analysis process for an organisation like SOLD.
4. What is your experience of performance management of teams?

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25th April 2026 with interviews planned on Wednesday 6th of May 2026.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Commitment Wording

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.