Overview
Business Development Manager Pleasant Places SENtre – Kent, United Kingdom
Help Build Something Meaningful
Pleasant Places SENtre is an innovative specialist education and behaviour support provider supporting children, young people, and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
We provide:
- Alternative Provision (AP)
- EOTAS Packages
- SEN Tuition
- ABA and Behaviour Support Services
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Community Integration Programmes
- Functional Skills and Academic Tutoring
- Parent Training and Support
- Specialist Assessments
As a growing organisation, we are seeking an ambitious, relationship-focused Business Development Manager who is passionate about making a difference while helping to expand our services across Kent and the wider South East.
This is not a corporate sales role. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of a mission-driven organisation supporting some of the most vulnerable children, young people, and families in our communities.
About the Role
The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving growth, increasing referrals, developing strategic partnerships, and raising awareness of Pleasant Places SENtre across local authorities, schools, NHS services, charities, and community organisations.
You will play a key role in helping the organisation expand its reach, secure new contracts, increase occupancy, and develop innovative services that meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.
Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Growth & Strategy
- Develop and implement business development strategies.
- Identify opportunities for organisational growth.
- Support the expansion of existing services and development of new services.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis.
- Contribute to strategic planning and service development.
Local Authority & School Partnerships
- Build relationships with Local Authorities.
- Develop relationships with SEND teams, commissioning teams, and case officers.
- Promote services to schools, academies, and Multi-Academy Trusts.
- Increase referrals for EOTAS, Alternative Provision, SEN Tuition, and Behaviour Support services.
- Attend networking and commissioning events.
Contract & Tender Development
- Identify relevant tender opportunities.
- Support the preparation of high-quality tender submissions.
- Assist with framework applications and approved provider lists.
- Maintain records of bids, contracts, and opportunities.
- Monitor contract performance and renewal opportunities.
Marketing & Brand Development
- Increase awareness of Pleasant Places SENtre across the region.
- Support social media, website, and promotional activities.
- Coordinate open days, information events, and parent workshops.
- Develop promotional materials and presentations.
- Generate case studies and success stories.
Relationship Management
- Build strong relationships with:
- Parents and families
- Local Authorities
- Schools and colleges
- NHS services
- Charities and community organisations
- Social care teams
- Independent professionals
- Ensure excellent stakeholder engagement and customer experience.
Admissions & Referrals
- Manage enquiries and referral pipelines.
- Conduct initial consultations with families and professionals.
- Support assessment and onboarding processes.
- Track conversion rates and service uptake.
- Ensure timely follow-up of all enquiries.
What We're Looking ForEssential
- Experience in business development, partnerships, marketing, admissions, commissioning, or service growth.
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.
Desirable
- Experience within SEND, education, health, social care, or children's services.
- Experience working with Local Authorities.
- Knowledge of EOTAS, Alternative Provision, EHCPs, and SEND processes.
- Experience writing tenders and funding applications.
- Experience developing strategic partnerships.
What Success Looks Like
Within your first 6 months, you will help:
- Increase referrals and service occupancy.
- Expand relationships with Local Authorities and schools.
- Secure new contracts and commissioning opportunities.
- Increase awareness of Pleasant Places SENtre across Kent and neighbouring counties.
- Support the development of new educational and therapeutic services.
- Strengthen the organisation's reputation as a trusted SEND provider.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Performance-related bonus opportunities.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Professional development and training.
- Opportunity to shape and influence a growing organisation.
- Supportive leadership team.
- Meaningful work with genuine social impact.
Safeguarding Statement
Pleasant Places SENtre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
All appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS checks
- References
- Right to Work verification
- Safeguarding screening
Ready to help build a service that changes lives?
We are looking for a driven and entrepreneurial professional who can combine strategic thinking, relationship building, and commercial awareness with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Apply today and become part of the Pleasant Places SENtre journey.
Pay: From £13.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Canterbury CT3 4GP
