Business Development Manager

Job Introduction

Shape the Future of Education with Sodexo

Location: No Fixed Place of Work - Travel to sites required
Days/Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday
Working Hours: 40hours per week
Salary: Circa £60,000 plus £1,300 flexible benefit fund and Car allowance

Are you a strategic thinker with the expertise to win business and build lasting client relationships? Sodexo is looking for a Business Development Manager to help us grow and retain our portfolio across the Schools & Universities segment. In this high-profile role, you’ll support bids, craft compelling proposals, and influence decision makers at the highest level, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping Sodexo’s future growth in the education sector.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional, whether you are already in business development or looking to step up from a bid and tender-focused role, and keen to make an impact in a global organisation. With a competitive package, flexibility to work from home, and the chance to engage directly with a diverse range of schools and universities, you’ll enjoy autonomy, variety and the support of a world-class team. Importantly, this role also offers clear career progression, opening the door to broader opportunities across Sodexo’s extensive facilities management portfolio.

If you are commercially savvy, thrive on challenge and want to be at the forefront of driving Sodexo’s market presence in education while building a long term career in facilities management, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll do:

• Build, manage and convert a strong pipeline of opportunities across the Schools & Universities segment
• Lead bids and tenders, creating compelling proposals that win new business and retain existing contracts
• Develop senior-level relationships with clients and consultants, influencing decision-makers and shaping requirements
• Support major re-tenders and organic growth within existing accounts, working closely with the Bid Solutioning team
• Provide market intelligence to inform segment sales strategy and future proposition development
• Partner with internal teams to deliver best-in-class solutions that balance client needs with commercial outcomes
• Represent Sodexo at client sites, meetings and sector conferences, with regular UK travel as required

What we’re looking for:

• Strong market awareness and positive recognition within the business sector
• Experience working with senior management to align sales strategies and solutions
• Proven success in negotiation, pitching, and winning new business, with a track record of increasing revenue through lead generation
• Excellent written, communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at a senior level
• Commercially astute, with solid business development and financial management expertise
• Confident, ambitious and energetic, with a persuasive manner and the initiative to drive results
• Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in business development, including CRM systems and processes
• Highly organised, able to coordinate complex teams, manage shifting priorities and deliver against tight deadlines

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
• Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
• The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
• Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan
• A death in Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including apprenticeships and a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
• Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment
• Competitive compensation
• Full training and full protective uniform supplied

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland)