Overview:
We are looking for a Programme Markets Development Manager. This is an exciting new opportunity to join our Team.
We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.
What you will be doing?:
In addition to large-scale contracted services, Forward also provides a range of revenue-generating programmes that organisations in our core sectors (e.g. local authorities and substance misuse service providers) can access to further support their service users and to develop their staff. These include:
- Licenced programmes (customer organisations pay for licences and training to deliver manualised programmes, e.g. Moving Parents and Children Together, M-PACT)
- Online group programmes (customers pay to refer clients to centrally-run group programme, e.g. Recovery Online)
- Workforce Development Programmes (customers pay for licenced training materials or to receive bespoke training packages directly).
Working as part of a dynamic Business Development team, which supports all Forward service areas, this new role will:
- Drive sales of these current programmes (and those in development) through promotion campaigns and direct marketing to current and prospective customers, including follow up meetings and discussions with ‘warm’ prospects
- Develop new programme ideas and proposals based on market research, customer feedback and business modelling
- Develop and execute marketing plans for new programmes that prove viable
- Explore new markets for our range of programmes, spanning statutory sectors (employability, criminal justice, etc.) and also other corporate employers including private companies
- Manage a programme of direct communication with our customer and prospect base to raise awareness of our full range of programmes and their effectiveness, and also our broader service areas, spotlighting innovation and good news stories
This role will also flexibly undertake a range of other tasks and activities to support our business growth strategy, based on a sound understanding of our service areas and operational delivery organisation-wide. In addition, the Market Development Manager will need to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments including Communications, Finance and Research. The post holder will be supported to learn new skills in areas of interest, identify self-development goals, and pursue avenues for career progression.
What we are looking for?:
- Ability to assimilate complex information from multiple sources and present it in a clear and concise manner.
- Ability to build and sustain relationships with a range of stakeholders both statutory and non-statutory including internal departments
- Ability to develop and lead on pricing strategy and to undertake business modelling
- Excellent problem solving and negotiation skills
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to explain products and services in an understandable and approachable manner.
- Copy writing skills and producing compelling presentations
- Experience of using social media to attract new customers
- Experience of market research and the ability to identify gaps and new business opportunities
- Experienced in developing and managing databases
What we offer:
- Training and development opportunities
- Flexible working
- Simply Health Cashback Scheme (Optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
Diversity at Forward Trust
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
Please note the closing date for this role is 14th February 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Person specification:
Programmes Market Development Manager JD