Hours: 37 hours a week

Salary: £44,100 per annum

Location: Hybrid/Flexible – with Kings Weald Community Centre, Burgess Hill, West Sussex as your main base and travel across our centres in Brighton, Haywards Heath, Bognor Regis and Horsham as needed

Closing Date: Tuesday 26^th August 2025, midday

Interview Date: w/c 1^st September 2025

Are you a strategic, commercially savvy leader who’s passionate about making a difference?

We are looking for a dynamic and commercially minded leader to join us as Head of Business Development, a pivotal role driving innovation, income growth and community impact at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove. This is a dynamic, multi-faceted role that blends operational leadership with strategic oversight – perfect for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys building partnerships, and wants to shape services that matter.

You will be based at Kings Weald Community Centre, where you will lead the transformation of the site into a thriving community hub. From growing our commercial catering and room hire offer to developing new membership models and service lines, you will be at the heart of our mission to help people act now, to age better. You will take a lead role in growing and evolving our new customer membership platform by shaping offers, securing partnerships, and building a local business directory that brings real value to our community.

You will lead talented teams spanning Catering, Marketing & Comms, and our Gym and Centre staff – embedding a culture of collaboration, innovation and customer focus.

What You Will Do

• Lead and grow commercial income streams across our hubs – from catering to room hire as well as launching services at our new hubs including Power of Attorney work
• Act as Centre Manager for Kings Weald, building it into a vibrant and inclusive community space
• Oversee the development and promotion of our membership scheme, working closely with Marketing and Customer Services teams
• Identify and secure new commercial opportunities and partnerships particularly for our customer membership platform and business directory
• Collaborate with internal teams across Customer Services, Compliance and Fundraising to ensure joined-up delivery and maximum impact
• Use data and insight to shape pricing, offers and service design
• Manage budgets, contracts and supplier relationships with confidence and care

  What You Will Bring

  • A proven track record in business development and income generation, ideally within the charity or social enterprise sector
  • Experience leading commercial teams, with knowledge of catering, marketing or membership offers
  • A customer-first mindset, with strong communication and people management skills
  • Confidence using data, systems and insights to drive improvements and results
  • Strategic thinking combined with hands-on delivery – you roll up your sleeves and get things done
  • Comfortable working with digital systems and data insights to inform decision-making and measure impact
  • A driving licence and access to your own car – this is a role that gets out and about

  What We Will Offer

  • The chance to shape high-impact services and contribute to a mission that matters
  • A supportive, values-driven organisation where innovation is encouraged
  • A flexible, supportive team with big plans and a collaborative mindset
  • Condensed hours may be considered after six months (note: job share not available)

  How to Apply

  To apply, please read the full Job Description and get to know us at Welcome to Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove. Then, submit your tailored CV and a covering letter (no more than 3 pages) explaining how you meet the person specification. We love innovation (yes, we use AI too!), but most of all, we want to hear your voice.For any questions, contact Michelle Peel, Commercial Director at michelle.peel@ageukwsbh.org.uk.

  Please note applications without a cover letter will not be shortlisted.

  Alternatively you can download our application form Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (aukwsbh) current vacancies

  If you are shortlisted, we will carry out DBS and reference checks before appointment.

  Need support with your application? Email us at recruitment@ageukwestsussex.org.uk and we will be in touch.

  Benefits

  We value our team and offer a brilliant benefits package, including:

  • Flexible working options
  • Ongoing professional development
  • 28 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles)
  • Blue Light Card eligibility
  • BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • 4% auto-enrolment pension with life assurance
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Electric Vehicle Scheme

  Who We Are

  At Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, we are here for people as they age—helping them stay connected and stay independent. From community cafes to advice services, fitness classes to wellbeing calls, we support people aged 50+ (and sometimes younger too).

  We are a fast-moving, impact-focused charity where flexibility, innovation and purpose drive everything we do.

  Diversity & Inclusion

  We are proud to be building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. We want you to feel welcome, respected and able to be your full self, whether you are applying, volunteering, or working with us.

  If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know, we will make it work for you.