Director of Business Development

Organisation: Manchester United
Salary: Competitive
Location: Manchester
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 10 August 2026
Job Description: Director of Business Development
Location: Old Trafford

The Manchester United Foundation (MUF) is a registered charity, set up to channel the worldwide passion for Manchester United to influence positive change within communities by developing unique and relevant partnerships, empowering young people through the delivery of innovative and educational programmes and developing greater understanding of social issues through education. The Foundation wholly owns a trading subsidiary – Manchester United Foundation (Trading) Ltd

OUR VISION
A future where all young people are empowered to achieve their goals.

OUR MISSION
We use the power of football and Manchester United to help young people make positive choices in their lives.

The Role:

The Director of Business Development will join the Executive Leadership Team (EMT) at Manchester United Foundation with a core focus on modernising and diversifying income streams that the charity accesses, whilst supporting the effective existing team in charity fundraising development and delivery.
The postholder will support with the development of a new strategy and capitalise on its focuses to identify and access funding streams to deliver the objectives set in this new plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities
Support the Development of new MUF Strategy: Using local data and understanding local need and opportunity, support the development of the new Manchester United Foundation Strategy.
Investigate new areas of work: Following a data and local needs analysis review and development of new strategy, the postholder will use this information to shape and develop new areas of work for the Foundation, to allow for a more strategic and sustainable approach for the charity.
Income Diversification: Moving the charity beyond traditional fundraising by securing statutory funding, NHS or local authority contracts, and charity funding opportunities, linked to charity strategy and local need.
Bid Management & Procurement: Overseeing the development of high-value funding applications, tenders, and proposals.
Relationship Building: Acting as an ambassador to negotiate, cultivate, and manage lucrative partnerships and stakeholder networks.
Market Insight: Horizon-scanning for emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and commercial opportunities
Charity Fundraising: Support the existing team with developing and delivering fundraising activity throughout the year, whilst looking for new ways to increase fundraising opportunities.
Philanthropy Development: Identify and develop philanthropic opportunities to support raising funds for the Foundation.
Business Partner Development: Working alongside current team develop a well-rounded business partner scheme.

The Person:

Essential Experience

• Proven experience operating at a senior level in a charity, foundation, or complex mission-driven organisation.
• Strong track record of strategic development, organisational or project growth, and impact delivery.
• Demonstrable success in stakeholder management, partnership development, and fundraising.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development and risk management.
• Experience within sport, football, youth development, education, health, or community sectors.

Desirable Experience

• Understanding of the Premier League / Football Charity / Elite football ecosystem and its social impact potential.
• Experience managing large, complex funding portfolios.

Skills & Attributes

• Outgoing, inspirational individual with strong core values that partners and stakeholders will resonate with
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute at pace.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
• Resilient, credible, and values-led.

Values & Commitment

• Passion for social impact and belief in the power of football to change lives.
• Commitment to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• Alignment with the ethical standards and values expected of Manchester United Foundation, including:

• Integrity – acting with honesty and transparency.
• Inclusion – promoting equality and diversity in all programmes.
• Excellence – striving for the highest standards in delivery and governance.
• Impact – ensuring meaningful, measurable outcomes for communities.

Our Values:

Unite: Recognise the power of football across the world.
Nurture: Growing the potential of every young person.
Invest: Sustained financial investment aligning to our charitable objectives.
Together: Working as a team with our stakeholders.
Excellence: Delivering programmes to the highest standard.
Diversity: What makes us different, makes us stronger.

What We Offer:
At Manchester United Foundation, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:
Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work
25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies
Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

Our Commitment to You:
We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Ready to Join Us?

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Monday 10th August

Manchester United Foundation is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.
How to apply: https://www.candidatemanager.net/cm/p/pJobDetails.aspx?mid=YFDU&sid=BBUU&jid=BAZBFDWGT&a=4hUUmwcebGI%253d

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Director of Business Development