Commercial Business Development Lead

Sands exists to save babies’ lives and ensure that anyone affected by pregnancy loss or baby death receives the support and care they need. 

We are recruiting a Commercial Business Development Lead to drive growth of Sands’ partnerships programme. This is a new and exciting role requiring an ambitious and entrepreneurial individual, who will focus on securing commercial and strategic partnerships which maximise Sands’ exclusive, new and emerging opportunities.  This includes our award-winning Sands United Football Club, the globally-recognised Baby Loss Awareness Week, our leadership in Saving Babies’ Lives research and flagship UK-wide events such as Ribbon Run, Starlight Walk and others. 

The postholder will be responsible for securing sector-leading, inspiring and memorable partnerships, including but not limited to multi-year collaborations, sponsorship and cause-related marketing. Demonstrable experience in working across sporting and/or event sponsorship is essential as well as in commercially-led partnerships including retail.  The ability to collaborate strategically with those committed to social change is also required.

You will ensure there is an integrated approach across Sands’ functions including other areas of fundraising, engagement, communications and events. This role therefore has a high level of responsibility for the management of internal and external senior relationships.

With a high level of business acumen to identify a robust pipeline, the postholder will seek out partners that align with Sands’ vision, that will place us on the map as the go-to baby charity, thus increasing Sands’ public profile via household brands and high-profile partnership activities.

The post-holder will be able to diversify prospects across different sectors and industries including mental health and wellbeing, health and beauty, groceries, high street retailers, home and leisure, transport, jewellery and commemoration. 

You will be skilled at creating bespoke and engaging proposals that captures the interest, trust and needs of key decision-makers.  An excellent communicator and influencer, you will also be a confident presenter and networker, with the ability to represent Sands externally and produce high-quality prospect research, reports and creative pitch material. 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in cultivating high-level relationships with corporate partners and individuals across a range of engagement mechanisms – particularly working from home and online.