Head of Business Development

Are you a fundraising expert intrigued by the idea of transforming healthcare through the power of volunteering? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you!

Helpforce is on a mission to revolutionise health volunteering and we need a dynamic, strategic, and results-oriented Head of Business Development to be at the forefront of this exciting journey. This is your chance to shape the future of a rapidly growing national charity, working at the intersection of innovation, impact, and social good.

In this role, you'll be responsible for driving the growth of our income-generating portfolio, securing new business, and forging high-value partnerships with the NHS and the broader healthcare sector. You'll also oversee the fundraising function, ensuring seamless alignment between our commercial growth and philanthropic income. This dual role is perfect for a senior professional who thrives on relationship building, business innovation, and revenue generation from both commercial and charitable sources.

Since our launch in 2017, we've been pioneers with a clear vision for a nation where volunteering is integral to healthcare being its very best. We collaborate closely with NHS Trusts and other healthcare organisations to co-create expert volunteering models that meet healthcare's biggest challenges, while generating evidence that showcases the value and impact of initiatives. Our insights empower health leaders across the UK to invest in solutions that enhance patient experience, reduce pressure on staff, and bring meaningful benefits to tens of thousands of people who volunteer their time and talents.

This is not just any job, this is a chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of millions who receive and deliver healthcare.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development - Core Focus

• Develop and lead the business development strategy to expand market presence, secure new contracts, and grow sustainable income streams.
• Identify new markets, service offerings, and strategic partnerships that align with Helpforce's mission and impact goals.
• Lead negotiations for contracts, partnerships, and commercial agreements.
• Oversee the preparation of bids, proposals, and tenders, working with internal teams to ensure high-quality submissions.
• Leverage Helpforce's reputation and evidence of impact to generate new business opportunities.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Build strong commercial relationships with public sector bodies, corporate partners, and health system leaders.

Fundraising - Leadership Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of all fundraising activities including trusts, foundations, major donors, and institutional funders.
• Directly line manage the fundraising function, providing leadership, coaching, and performance oversight.
• Support the development of high-quality funding applications, stewardship plans, and donor communications.
• Ensure fundraising activities comply with ethical standards, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the CEO and Trustees on high-value fundraising relationships.

Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), contributing to organisational strategy and leadership.
• Set income targets, KPIs, and performance metrics across business development and fundraising.
• Work with Finance to monitor budgets, forecast income, and manage financial risks.
• Represent Helpforce externally at high-profile events, conferences, and with key stakeholders.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with donors, funders, corporate partners, and public sector stakeholders.
• Support senior-level relationship-building with strategic funders and institutional partners, working alongside the CEO and Trustees where appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential

• Senior-level experience (7 years) in business development, commercial partnerships, or strategic fundraising,
• Experience in a non-profit, NGO, social enterprise, or impact-driven business.
• Proven track record of securing significant business contracts or partnerships.
• Strong leadership and line management experience.
• Excellent negotiation, commercial acumen, and contract management skills.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders including public sector, corporate, and philanthropic partners.
• Experience in setting and delivering income growth strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for proposals, reports, and presentations.

Desirable

• Sector knowledge: e.g. healthcare, NHS .
• Knowledge of CRM systems and fundraising databases.

Equality and Diversity

Helpforce encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We're committed to having a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage BAME and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that difference has on our organisation. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by Helpforce.

Location: Remote, but travel to the London office will be required, as will UK wide client meetings.
Salary: c.£62,000 per annum
Benefits: Competitive

Closing date for applications is 21st August 2025. Please use the application link to send us your CV and a covering letter to support your application. Applications submitted without a covering letter may now be considered.

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