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Join RCOT as a Head of Business Development

Turn commercial ambition into lasting impact.

Turn commercial opportunities into sustainable impact

Location: London Bridge, with hybrid working and a minimum of one office day a week
Contract: Permanent, full-time, 35 hours a week. Part-time applicants are welcome to apply
Salary: Circa £69,000 per annum
Closing date: Saturday 14 November 2026

 

We’re looking for a commercially astute business development leader who can turn bold ideas into sustainable income - and create lasting value for our members and the profession.

At the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), we champion and advocate for the professional standing of occupational therapists and position the profession to have maximum impact in improving people’s health, wellbeing, participation through occupations, and quality of life now and for future generations.  As the Head of Business Development, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for RCOT’s long-term income growth.

 

What you’ll make happen

You will:

  • shape and continually improve RCOT’s Business Development Strategic Plan to grow sustainable, diversified income, aligned with our purpose, strategy, values and financial plans.
  • design, position and sell a compelling sponsorship portfolio across events, content, education and other opportunities aligned with RCOT’s purpose, generating income and value for members.
  • understand that this role is all about high value, long term partnerships that enable RCOT to make a step-change in the non-member-derived income it can generate, but also about understanding the value RCOT can bring to our partners, working together for mutually beneficial outcomes.
  • own and actively manage the grant and tender pipeline, prioritising opportunities by strategic fit, value, deliverability, likelihood of success and full-cost recovery.
  • build new strategic relationships and strengthen our existing connection with sponsors and partners to create lasting commercial value.
  • ensure business development activity meets legal and regulatory requirements.
  • turn the Business Development Strategic Plan into coordinated delivery, bringing colleagues and external partners together to take ideas through to implementation, fulfil RCOT’s commitments and maximise commercial opportunities.
  • embed a business development culture across RCOT, helping colleagues identify opportunities, test propositions and assess their commercial potential and value for members.

You bring:

  • long-term thinking with a practical, hands-on approach to planning, implementation, performance monitoring and measurable outcomes.
  • a strong track record of developing, negotiating and growing commercial relationships, sponsorship opportunities, bids, grants, partnerships or other income-generating activity.
  • sound judgement, attention to detail and governance to protect quality, compliance, reputation and member trust.
  • an ability to see the value we bring to partners, and a capacity to leverage that value for long term, positive outcomes for the profession of Occupational Therapy.
  • an enthusiasm to live and model the RCOT values across all areas of work.

Why this role?

This is commercial leadership with a clear purpose. You’ll shape how we generate income, turn promising ideas into viable opportunities and build partnerships that strengthen our future. Your success won’t just show up in the numbers: it will help us deliver more for our members and the profession.

Location: London Bridge, with hybrid working and a minimum of one office day a week

Contract: Permanent, full-time, 35 hours a week. Part-time applicants are welcome to apply

Salary: Circa £69,000 per annum

 

Ready to turn opportunity into impact?

Explore the full  Head of Business Development Role Profile (PDF, 311KB) to find out more about the role and what you’ll bring.

Apply using the link below. Please attach your CV and cover letter in the ‘Statement of Suitability’ section, showing how your experience matches the role.

Head of Business Development Application form

Closing date: Saturday 14 November 2026

First Interviews:  23 and 25 November 2026

 

If you have any questions, get in touch with us at [email protected].

Full details of this vacancy can be found on our website: www.rcot.co.uk/current-vacancies