PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving the sustainable growth and commercial success of Care Dorset by identifying new opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships, and supporting the expansion of high-quality, person-centred services.
The role will work closely with operational managers to maximise occupancy and increase the proportion of self-funding clients across care homes and day opportunities, ensuring a balanced and financially sustainable service model.
Through effective engagement with commissioners, partners, and local communities, the postholder will enhance Care Dorset’s market presence, diversify income streams, and contribute to the delivery of innovative services that meet the evolving needs of people across Dorset and the South West.
Growth & Strategy
- Identify, develop, and deliver sustainable business growth opportunities across Care Dorset services, including residential care, supported living and day opportunities.
- Contribute to the development and execution of Care Dorset’s commercial strategy, aligning with Dorset Council priorities and wider Integrated Care System (ICS) objectives.
- Proactively analyse local market demand, demographic trends, and gaps in provision to inform service expansion and development.
Self-funder growth & Income diversification
- Work closely with Registered Managers and Operational Leads to increase the number and proportion of self-funders across care homes and day opportunity services.
- Support managers to:
- Identify barriers to self-funder growth (e.g., reputation, visibility, pricing, referral pathways) and implement targeted action plans to address them.
- Collaborate with Head of Marketing & Communications enhance Care Dorset’s visibility to self-funders, including digital presence, local campaigns, and community engagement.
- Develop relationships with key influencers in the self-funder market (e.g., families, solicitors, financial advisers, hospital discharge teams).
Commissioning, Partnerships & Stakeholder engagement
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with Dorset Council commissioners, NHS partners, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and third-sector organisations.
- Influence commissioning intentions through proactive engagement, demonstrating Care Dorset’s capacity, quality, and value.
- Represent Care Dorset at strategic forums, provider meetings, and partnership boards across Dorset and the wider region.
- Develop partnerships that support new models of care, integration, and community-based service delivery.
Tendering, Bids & Contract development
- Lead and coordinate the preparation of high-quality tender submissions, framework applications, and business proposals.
- Work with operational and finance colleagues to ensure bids are commercially viable, deliverable, and aligned with quality standards.
- Maintain a pipeline of upcoming opportunities, including frameworks, block contracts, and spot-purchase arrangements.
- Support negotiation of contract terms to ensure sustainability and positive outcomes.
Service development & Innovation
- In collaboration with operational teams design and implement new or enhanced service models in response to identified needs (e.g., dementia care, reablement, complex care, community day services).
- Lead the mobilisation of new services, ensuring smooth transitions from contract award to operational delivery.
- Encourage innovation that improves outcomes, enhances customer experience, and increases market competitiveness.
Performance monitoring & Reporting
- Track and report on key growth metrics, including:
- Provide regular insights and performance reports to senior leadership.
- Use data to inform decision-making, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
Marketing & Brand development
- Work with marketing colleagues to promote Care Dorset services effectively to both commissioners and private individuals.
- Support the development of marketing materials, case studies, and success stories that showcase quality and outcomes.
- Ensure consistent messaging that reinforces Care Dorset’s reputation as a high-quality, trusted care provider.
Internal collaboration & Support
- Act as a key link between operational, marketing, customer experience and finance teams.
- Provide coaching and guidance to service managers on business development, occupancy management, and customer engagement.
- Foster a culture of commercial awareness and continuous improvement across operational teams.
In addition to the above, this role will be expected to:
- Undertake regular training required to fulfil the role to a high standard.
- Adhere to our policies, procedures and standards as published.
- To uphold and embody Care Dorset’s values and behaviours in all that you do.