Business Development Officer

About this role

Salary: £33,669 – £38,220 Per annum FTE (pro rata)
Hours: 22.5 hours per week, worked over three full days
Location: The Media Centre, Huddersfield, with some remote working and travel across Kirklees
Responsible to: Chief Executive

Closing date: Friday 16th October 2026 (5 pm)
Shortlisting: Week commencing 19 October 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 2nd November
Start Date: As soon as possible following notice period

Paddock Trust is looking for an experienced and motivated Business Development Officer to help us secure new income, build strong partnerships and support the future growth of our organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking charity and play a key role in securing funding, developing strategic partnerships and identifying new opportunities that enable us to support more people and communities across Kirklees.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, you will lead on identifying, developing and securing sustainable income through grants, trusts, tenders, contracts and partnership opportunities. You will represent the organisation across a range of community, public sector and strategic forums, helping to raise our profile and influence future service development.

What you’ll be doing

As our Business Development Officer, you will help Paddock Trust secure new income, develop strong partnerships and identify opportunities for future growth.

• Research and pursue funding opportunities through grants, trusts, tenders, contracts and partnership funding.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of opportunities linked to Paddock Trust’s priorities.
• Write high-quality funding applications, bids and tender submissions.
• Work with colleagues and partners to develop project ideas, delivery plans, budgets and outcomes.
• Gather evidence, statistics, case studies and impact information to strengthen applications.
• Build relationships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, NHS organisations, businesses and community partners.
• Represent Paddock Trust at community meetings, networking events, strategic forums and commissioning events.
• Identify emerging community needs and use this information to help develop new services.
• Maintain accurate records of opportunities, submissions, outcomes and feedback.
• Report on business development activity, income secured and progress against targets.
• Help promote Paddock Trust’s work, achievements and impact.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised and confident in building relationships. You will be able to spot an opportunity, develop it into a strong proposal and communicate clearly with a wide range of people.

You will have:

• Experience in business development, fundraising or income generation.
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids or tenders.
• Strong networking and partnership-building skills.
• Confidence representing an organisation externally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• An understanding of grant funding, commissioning and procurement.
• An understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding.
• A genuine interest in supporting communities and creating positive social impact.

Why join us?

• Opportunity to shape the future growth of a respected local organisation.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Supportive and values-driven team environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and progression.
• The chance to make a real difference to people and communities across Kirklees.
• 24 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension contribution (5%)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retail discounts and workplace ISA

Additional Information

The role requires travel across Kirklees. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential. Travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with organisational policies. An Enhanced DBS check will be required.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

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