Business Development Manager
GIST Research Ltd
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Remote
Location: United Kingdom
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About the role
- Support the continuous improvement of the BD strategy.
- Streamline and implement BD plans across practices.
- Monitor market trends and client priorities to inform BD positioning.
- Maintain and expand relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders.
- Systematically track tender platforms and intelligence feeds for new opportunities.
- Lead go/no-go decision processes, ensuring strategic alignment and resource feasibility.
- Maintain accurate records in BD pipeline and customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
- Oversee end-to-end proposal development, including technical and commercial components.
- Coordinate bid teams, schedule kick-off meetings, and manage timelines.
- Ensure compliance with client requirements and internal quality standards.
- Liaise with internal contributors (technical leads, finance, knowledge management) and external partners.
- Identify and cultivate partnerships with organisations that complement GIST’s capabilities.
- Represent GIST in external forums, conferences, and networking events.
- Contribute to refining BD tools, templates, and workflows.
- Support capacity-building initiatives for BD contributors.
Requirements
- Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Affairs, Security Studies, International Development, or related field; alternatively, bachelor’s degree in similar areas with additional relevant experience.
- Experience: Minimum 7 years in BD roles within consulting organisations for government, public sector and international organisation clients. Established network with bilateral and multilateral public sector and international organisations and implementing partners.
- Excellent knowledge of industry frameworks when working with at least 3 of the following bodies: UK Government, US Government, United Nations, European Union.
- Technical expertise: Strong understanding of international cooperation projects, proposal writing, and pricing strategies.
- Tools: Proficiency in CRM systems, MS Office Suite, and collaborative platforms (SharePoint, Teams). Experience with digital transformation and BD automation tools.
- Languages: Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages desirable.
- Familiarity with thematic areas such as governance, peacebuilding, security, humanitarian response, or private sector development.
- Established network with private sector clients, organisations, and implementing partners.
- Client focus: Builds strong relationships and anticipates client needs.
- Strategic thinking: Aligns BD efforts with organisational priorities.
- Proactive drive: Proactively finds and develops new opportunities.
- Proposal development and production: Demonstrated ability to develop and write high-quality proposals to win high-value, competitive projects.
- Collaboration: Works effectively across teams and geographies.
- Innovation: Identifies and implements process improvements.
- KPIs include pipeline growth, proposal win rate, and contribution to strategic partnerships.
- Bi-annual performance reviews aligned with GIST’s Performance Management Plan.
Benefits
- Work From Home
- Pension Plans
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
business developmentproposal writingpricing strategiesinternational cooperation projectspipeline managementclient relationship managementmarket trend analysistender trackingstrategic alignmentcapacity building
Soft Skills
client focusstrategic thinkingproactive drivecollaborationinnovationrelationship buildingcommunicationleadershiporganizational skillsteam management
Certifications
Master’s degree in Business AdministrationMaster’s degree in Public AffairsMaster’s degree in Security StudiesMaster’s degree in International DevelopmentBachelor’s degree in related field