Head of Business Development (Maternity Cover)

Head of Business Development (Maternity Cover)Location: Central Office, Highfield Park, North Wales / Hybrid (regular travel required)Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (flexibility required)Salary: £60,000 – £68,000 per annum, dependent on experienceContract: Fixed-Term (12 months – maternity cover)Reporting to: Director of Support ServicesEstimated Start Date: 01 August 2026 (to allow for a one‑month handover)Estimated End Date: 01 August 2027The OpportunityYoung Foundations is an established, values‑led provider of specialist care and education for children, young people and adults with complex needs. We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Business Development to join us on a fixed‑term basis, providing senior leadership and continuity during a period of maternity leave.This is a strategically critical role, responsible for championing our business development strategy, protecting and driving occupancy performance, and ensuring Young Foundations remains a strong and reliable provider within the sector.This role will play a central part in maintaining momentum, managing external risk, and ensuring values‑led, child‑centred decision making underpins all commissioning and placement activity.Key ResponsibilitiesAs Head of Business Development, you will:Provide senior leadership and line management to the Business Development team, ensuring clarity, pace and accountability throughout the maternity cover periodEnsure business development continues to have a strong, effective and credible voice at Senior Management Team level ensuring commercial insight, market intelligence and commissioning intelligence inform strategic decision makingMaintain and strengthen high‑quality relationships with Local Authority commissioners and key external stakeholders, protecting Young Foundations’ reputation and market positionMaintain momentum against occupancy targets across homes and schools through proactive referral pipeline management and collaborative working with operational leadsProvide active oversight of placement stability, responding swiftly to potential disruptions and mediating with commissioners and partners to achieve positive, sustainable outcomesOversee fee negotiations, contracts and framework participation, ensuring competitiveness, sustainability and alignment with our specialist provisionEnsure consistent, high‑quality use of the Sugar CRM system for referral tracking, reporting and performance managementRepresent Young Foundations externally at provider forums, partnership meetings and sector eventsUphold and champion the Young Foundations brand, values and missionWhat We’re Looking ForYou will bring:Significant senior‑level experience within business development, commissioning or commercial roles in health, social care and/or educationStrong knowledge of Local Authority commissioning, referral pathways, frameworks and contract negotiationsConfidence operating at a senior strategic level, able to make timely, sound decisions and provide assurance in fast‑moving environmentsExcellent relationship‑building, influencing and negotiation skills, with credibility when working with commissioners and sector partnersA proven ability to manage referral pipelines and deliver against occupancy and growth targets in complex, multi‑site environmentsA values‑driven approach, ensuring all decisions remain child‑focussed and aligned with Young Foundations’ ethosThe ability to lead calmly through periods of risk, complexity or challenge, maintaining stability and focus across teams