Development Manager - Home Based (Covering Lancashire and Cumbria)

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the leading voice of 5.5 million small businesses and the self-employed across the UK. Since 1974, we've supported people to start, run and grow their own business. With market-leading benefits, local support, financial expertise, networking events and more, we provide our members with all the tools they need to succeed in business. We're also the UK's leading business campaigner, focused on delivering change on issues that matter most. With teams across the UK, we work with governments and decision-makers to make real change happen.

Taking on our role of FSB Development Manager for Lancashire and Cumbria is a fantastic opportunity to work for the UK's leading business organisation leading local activity which supports member retention and recruitment whilst also representing the voice of small businesses with local politicians, stakeholders and media.

The role is varied across four main workstreams; Commercial, Membership, Policy & Lobbying and Volunteer & Member support. The successful candidate will (but not limited to):

Identify opportunities to promote FSB membership, generate sales leads to larger audiences and retain existing members. Work closely with the commercial and regional sales team to identify and secure sponsorship and/or other commercial opportunities that lead to recruitment and/or income generation. Work closely with the Regional Sales Manager developing opportunities for sales through local partnerships, B2B exhibitions, events and other networks. Identify opportunities to generate income streams delivered through local activity. Work alongside colleagues within the commercial team to deliver local element of national projects. Develop strong relationships with locally elected politicians, local authorities and any other local political stakeholders, to ensure the needs of small businesses are considered within policy development. Identify, research, develop and promote national and local business issues as they arise, including where appropriate, representing FSB and its members at external meetings and by running policy focused events to raise FSB's local profile. Work alongside FSB volunteers who play a key role representing the FSB by providing briefings, guidance and general support to ensure they are able to represent the views of small businesses. Who are we looking for?

In this extremely diverse position, applicants should have experience in one or more of the following, but will be expected to develop in other areas also: public affairs and campaigning, social media and building networks, regional media, volunteer management, communications, event and exhibition planning, media and communications, marketing and event management. The Development Manager role requires the post holder to develop a broad range of skills across various business areas so candidates from a wide range of backgrounds will be considered but ideally they should have an understanding of the local business environment and be able to demonstrate an ability to build strong relationships

The role is home based. The successful candidate would need to be located within the Lancashire or Cumbria geographical area and will involve some travel in the surrounding geographical area.

You must have a full valid UK driving licence and appropriate road worthy vehicle suitable for business use and be willing to travel within the region to attend events and meetings.

FSB is dedicated to helping small businesses survive through these difficult times, and we value our staff enough to provide highly competitive rates of pay, benefits, and internationally recognised qualifications. We believe your work life balance is important and we provide you with all the tools, skills and support to help our members every day, and help you develop your skills through teamwork and relationship building. We believe diversity is the key to success, and we encourage people from all walks of life and backgrounds to come and join us. Our inclusive environment allows all our employees to bring their whole selves to work.

In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, you'll also benefit from:

26 days holidays per year plus bank holidays with the option to buy 3 days with your Annual Flex Pot Annual Flex Pot to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, additional life cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership . Health cash plan (Access to claim back numerous benefits, including towards dental treatment, optical, chiropody, physiotherapy, counselling, health and wellbeing). Critical illness and income protection insurance Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay. Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders. Group Personal Pension (GPP). Applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to terms

How to apply

Any applications received after this date will be held on file for a maximum of 6 months and reviewed if the first round of applicants are unsuccessful.

Additional information

All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK.

As an equal opportunities employer, FSB is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We believe there is a strong case for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda and aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees can bring their whole self to work. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply and join FSB. Candidates with a disability who require reasonable adjustments should contact the HR department.

Applicants are advised to apply early. We reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications are received. If you are successful and short listed for interview you will be contacted by email.