Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager - Ingliston, Edinburgh EH28 8NB

Salary £35,000

Full time, fixed term role (12 month contract)

About RHASS

RHASS is Scotland s agricultural charity and is the leading voice for Scottish agriculture and the rural community. Founded in 1784 with the guiding principles to promote the regeneration of rural Scotland, those principles still ring true today. Today and in the future, the charity strives for new ways to preserve, educate and support the industry and people who live and work in the Scottish countryside, by uniting communities and investing in innovation, education, wellbeing and the environment. RHASS is the charity who puts on the Royal Highland Show at it s home venue the Royal Highland Centre, showcasing the very best in farming, food and rural life at Scotland s largest outdoor event.

The role

This is an exciting new role within RHASS, where you will have have the opportunity to shape the direction of the role. The Business Development Manager will lead the growth of commercial revenue across the Royal Highland Show (RHS), focusing on new new income streams, high-value partnerships, and diversification of commercial activity

This is a strategic and externally focused role responsible for market development, corporate engagement, and long-term commercial planning, ensuring that all opportunities align with RHASS s mission and brand.

You will manage the full commercial development cycle market mapping, lead generation, proposition design, negotiation, contracting and account management - while maintaining close working relationships with various departments to ensure alignment and support across commercial activity.

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and deliver a commercial growth strategy aligned with RHASS and RHS priorities.
• Work with the Head of Show to develop and implement a long-term commercial strategy aligned with RHS s goals and priorities.
• Identify and develop new commercial opportunities that sit outside existing commercial models, adding incremental value to the Show.
• Proactively identify and create compelling business cases and commercial proposals for new ventures.
• Act as the point of contact for key commercial partners, ensuring strong relationships and long-term retention

Business Development & External Engagement

• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective corporate partners, clients, and commercial customers.
• Engage collaboratively with Sponsorship and Trade Stands teams where appropriate to support joined-up commercial conversations and maximise overall show value.
• Attend industry events, exhibitions, and networking functions to promote RHS commercial opportunities and build relationships.
• Liaise with the relevant Chief Stewards, the Operations team, and external contractors to ensure smooth and professional delivery of the show.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure commercial opportunities are aligned with wider RHS initiatives, events, and brand strategy.

Event Delivery & Partner Experience

• Plan and oversee commercial client activations and hospitality experiences at the Royal Highland Show.
• Provide on-site leadership to ensure commercial partners receive first-class service and fulfilment.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver excellent logistics, communications, and end-to-end partner satisfaction.

Merchandise & Corporate Liaison

• Support the development and expansion of RHS merchandise and commercial product lines, working closely with Sponsorship Executive & Marketing.
• Lead corporate sales for the Royal Highland Show (e.g., hospitality, group bookings, commercial packages).
• Contribute to the development of new revenue-generating projects, products, or commercial models.

What You ll Bring

Essential

• Proven experience in business development, commercial growth, or new revenue generation, ideally within events, exhibitions, visitor attractions, or complex commercial environments.
• A strong track record of identifying, developing, and delivering new income streams, partnerships, or commercial opportunities from concept to contract.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and build rapport at all levels.
• Strong project management and organisational skills; comfortable handling multiple priorities and developing new initiatives in evolving environments.
• Experience working cross-functionally and engaging constructively with multiple internal stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness and financial literacy, including pricing, value propositions, and return on investment.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and MS Office Suite.

Desirable

• Familiarity with sponsorship management software or platforms.
• Experience working with boards, high-level sponsors, or trustees.
• Knowledge of merchandise sales and corporate hospitality logistics.

Application deadline: Friday 30th of January 5pm.