5 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    As soon as possible

  • Closing date

    4 October 2025 at 12:59am

  • Date listed

    29 September 2025

Job details

Job role

  • Administration, HR, data and finance

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Full time

Contract type

Permanent

Full-time equivalent salary

£63,027.00 - £69,342.00 Annually (FTE) 1 FTE

Business Development Manager (DST091BC) job summary

Business Development Manager

Discovery Schools Academy Trust

Salary: Grade 15 Pay Points NJC 43 - 46 (£63,027 - £69,342)

Hours: 37 Hours per week; 52 weeks per year

Contract Type: Permanent 1 FTE

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday- 08:30am to 16:30pm. Friday- 08:30 to 16:00pm

Please note Closing Date is 03 October; or earlier if suitable candidates are identified.

About Discovery Schools Academy Trust

Formed in 2012, Discovery, is a well established and respected partnership of 15 primary schools and 3 Special schools 1 Secondary School in Leicestershire.  Our schools share a fundamental belief in the power of partnership and collaboration in improving the opportunities and outcomes for pupils and staff alike.

Within Discovery, all schools, leaders and pupils are encouraged to share their expertise and knowledge to help everyone reach their full potential, this is accomplished through collaborative learning and the removal of barriers to support everyone to achieve.

About the Role

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving growth and impact? We are seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager to lead the development and delivery of innovative income generation strategies across our Trust.

This is a pivotal role focused on enhancing financial sustainability through commercial opportunities, corporate partnerships, grants, and extended services. You’ll work closely with Trust Leaders to shape and implement a forward-thinking strategy that supports our educational mission and long-term ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and lead a Trust-wide income generation strategy.

  • Maximise commercial use of estate and facilities.

  • Cultivate corporate partnerships and secure sponsorships.

  • Identify and apply for external funding opportunities.

  • Oversee and expand Extended Services (Pre-School, Wrap Around Care, Holiday Clubs).

  • Represent the Trust at networking events and forums.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Proactive, results-oriented, and commercially astute.

  • A creative and innovative thinker with strong attention to detail.

  • Experienced in business development, income generation, and partnership building.

  • Skilled in strategic planning, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Knowledgeable about the education and charitable sectors.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

  • Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.

  • Proven experience in income generation and business development.

  • Strong understanding of funding sources and grant applications.

  • Experience managing commercial use of facilities and extended services.

For more information please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a passionate team committed to making a difference in education and community services. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to lead meaningful change.

Professional Growth & Support

  • Ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
  • Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
  • Highly committed and motivated Team
  • A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun
  • A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

  • Flexible working options.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
  • Defined benefit pension scheme.
  • Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant Trust.
  • Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
  • Play a significant part in continuing to develop our Trust.

Additional Perks

  • Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.
  • Cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Gym discounts.
  • Eyecare vouchers.
  • Dental support.
  • Retail discounts.
  • Free parking.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places employee development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.

Ready to make an impact?
Apply today and help shape the future of our Trust.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

View advert on external website (opens in new tab)

About Discovery Schools Academies Trust Ltd

Type
Multi-academy trust

Discovery Schools Academy Trust is a multi academy trust of 13 primary schools and 2 special school dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence.
The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence is shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

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