We are seeking a hands‑on business development professional to activate and grow ICF’s technology‑enabled work applying data science and the use of AI across the UK Public Policy consulting market, spanning commissioned research, implementation and evaluation. This role focuses on building relationships, identifying and shaping opportunities emerging from existing frameworks, and working closely with technical and delivery teams to translate ICF’s established capabilities into live projects. It spans technology‑enabled research, data, and digital consulting, including practical application of data science and AI within complex public sector programmes. The role sits within the UK and India Consulting Division and works closely with team leads, subject matter experts, delivery teams, and external partners. It is well suited to someone who enjoys being close to clients and opportunities, understands how public sector frameworks work in practice, and is motivated to win work by turning capability into delivery leading large strategic bids end‑to‑end.
Key Responsibilities
- Opportunity identification and activation (technology‑enabled work)
- Identify, qualify, and win new opportunities across UK public sector contracts and activate existing frameworks to further technology enabled research, data and digital consulting work.
- Monitor upcoming call‑offs, market engagement activity, and client intelligence to inform opportunity prioritisation and early positioning (capture).
- Support early‑stage opportunity shaping by working with sector and subject matter experts to align emerging client needs with ICF’s technology and delivery capabilities.
- Help determine the most appropriate route to market (framework call‑off, competitive bid, pilot, or partnership‑based approach).
Client and Partner Engagement
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with client stakeholders, framework owners, and delivery partners.
- Engage with clients to understand evolving priorities, translating these into actionable opportunity concepts.
- Work with existing and new partners to shape joint propositions that meet framework requirements and support broader technology‑enabled delivery.
- Position ICF as a credible, delivery‑focused technology partner well ahead of formal procurement activity.
Technology‑Enabled Solution and Bid Development
- Contribute to the design of technology‑enabled solutions within bids and call‑offs, working closely with technical leads, researchers, and delivery teams.
- Support the articulation of value propositions, case studies, and implementation approaches to ensure proposals are credible, achievable, and client focused.
- Provide early‑stage bid input and constructive challenge, ensuring the proposed solution reflects genuine capability and delivery experience.
- Lead and manage selected technology‑enabled proposals end‑to‑end, coordinating inputs from technical, sector, and business development teams.
Internal Coordination, Governance and Growth Support
- Act as a bridge between business development, technical specialists, and delivery teams to ensure consistency between capability, proposition, and delivery.
- Support coordination across sectors (e.g., energy, climate, environment, employment, health, education, justice, equality) where technology augments research, evaluation, and programme delivery.
- Promote reuse of proven approaches, assets, and delivery models across the wider digital and technology community within ICF.
- Use CRM systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics) to track opportunities, manage pipeline information, and support reporting.
- Support marketing and growth activity, including briefing materials, market‑facing content, events, and post‑decision reviews.
Qualifications
Business Development
- Experience of winning work in a business development, partnerships, or client-facing role within a consulting, technology, or digital services environment.
- Extensive knowledge with UK public sector procurement and framework-based delivery, with experience supporting or contributing to successful bids or call‑offs.
- An understanding of how opportunities progress from early client engagement through to funded work.
Technology Literacy
- Broad familiarity with digital and technology solutions such as cloud platforms, data and analytics, AI-enabled tools, and digital delivery approaches.
- Ability to engage credibly with technical specialists and clients without needing to be a technology expert.
- Experience working alongside multidisciplinary teams spanning technology, research, evaluation, communications, or programme delivery.
Ways of Working
- Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, with confidence engaging a range of stakeholders.
- Practical, organised, and proactive approach to managing multiple opportunities in parallel.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate client needs into clear internal actions.
- Experience in capture, bid management, proposals, and broader business development.
- Strong strategic planning and communication skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with marketing, technical, and sales teams.
- Comfort operating in early stage, ambiguous opportunities, helping shape ideas before formal procurement or scope is defined.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Right to Work, Location & Sponsorship (UK)
- Have the legal right to work in the UK (or be eligible for sponsorship where applicable on a case-by-case basis).
- Be physically located in the UK on Day 1 of employment (or shortly before your start date).
#J-18808-Ljbffr