Business Development Manager (May 2026)

Location

UK based with the option for remote working. This role will require occasional travel to HQ in London to fulfil operational requirements.

Occasional overseas travel to support programme implementation and/or oversee activities is required for the position.

Benefits

Yearly performance related pay, generous leave, 4 wellbeing days per year, eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme option - employer contribution up to 28.97% and more.

Contract

Fixed Term - From until March 2029. With the possibility of being made permanent.

Working Pattern

Full-time: WFD will consider flexible working arrangements, including job share, compressed hours, flexitime.

Role Overview with key responsibilities

WFD’s exciting plans for growth include diversifying our donor funding and delivering our new business development strategy.

As our new Business Development Manager, you will play a central role in expanding our funding portfolio, unlocking new strategic partnerships, and scaling high-impact programmes across more than 50 countries.

Working closely with the Head of Business Development and Funding Partnerships, this role will

• Actively engage in donor analysis; identifying emerging donor trends and contribute to the diversification of donor funding and the execution of our new business development strategy.
• Review and design effective business development systems and operating procedures.
• Lead funding opportunities with institutional donors (FCDO, ISF, EC and other bilateral European donors) including trusts and foundations when renewing or expanding WFD’s non-regional portfolio.

About You

• Track record of engaging with, developing and delivering business development strategies.
• At least 4 years’ experience managing end-to-end bid processes.
• Experience writing convincing bids for both grants and commercial contracts.
• Evidence of winning institutional funding.
• Strong understanding of donor landscapes.
• Experience working with global cross-functional teams.
• Strong proposal writing and budgeting skills.
• Proficient in business development systems and operations procedures including designing and implementing.
• Experience in consortium development and strong negotiation skills.
• Strategic and commercially aware.
• Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities.
• A confident communicator and collaborator
• Self-motivated and proactive.

About Us

WFD is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy and governance around the world. We collaborate with partners in over 50 countries and territories, supporting democracies to evolve, become more resilient and address the most urgent challenges societies face. Recognised as an expert, trusted partner and an influential voice, we are an organisation that shows how strong democracies are critical for sustainable outcomes for people and our planet. Our work with parliaments, political parties, electoral institutions, civil society and others helps encourage growth, respond to climate change, end corruption, protect elections, tackle disinformation, challenge barriers to women's participation, and protect and uphold the rights young people, people with disabilities, and LGBT+ people.

Our Offer

With staff in the UK and in-country teams around the world that lead our work, we are a diverse, global organisation.

Everything we do depends on our teams being able to thrive, so we pride ourselves in our supportive environment and benefits. As well as WFD's warm and welcoming culture, we offer flexible, hybrid, and remote working, generous leave, 4 wellbeing days per year, performance-related pay, and more.

Find out more about our offer in our candidate information pack

For more information, please download the Job Profile.

Application Submission

Applications are via CV and Cover Letter, which are received via our online application system. We also welcome applications in various formats, please contact our careers team at recruitment@wfd.org to discuss this.

Please only apply if you have a work permit to work in the UK.

This vacancy will close on 25th May 2026.

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