Head of Business Development at Creative Lives in Progress
Job Title: Head Of Business Development at Creative Lives in Progress
About Us
Creative Lives in Progress is a social enterprise and inclusive creative careers resource, on a mission to transform the way emerging talent access, understand and connect with the industry.
We encourage greater transparency and representation within the creative working world by sharing advice and insight, highlighting entry-level opportunities, as well as hosting events that bring talent and industry together.
We were founded 9 years ago by the team behind It’s Nice That; aiming to make a lasting impact on the creative industry.
The Role
This role is needed to come in, set up and lead a new business development department at Creative Lives in Progress. Business development has historically been led by the co-founder and to make the most of growth opportunities, we now want to build out a department in our business to drive commercial growth.
This person will initially work closely with the co-founder to understand and improve the current sales strategy, set up a robust CRM, drive outreach to new potential partners across the UK and US – leading the execution of a high-quality new business strategy. This person needs to be able to oversee and build structure, hire and manage another new business manager, whilst also being an on-the-ground, active driver of new leads and commercial opportunities.
We’re at a key moment in the growth of the platform, having launched in the US in 2025 and with ambitious impact goals for the years ahead, and need someone to help us realise those ambitions. You’ll lead the charge in bringing in new commercial partners, collaborating with our internal team and stimulating growth in the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Devise, develop and execute sales strategies for bringing on new commercial partners to the platform – suggesting improvements and builds on our current approach when necessary
Strategically identify, source and contact new sales leads across the UK and US markets - both through proactive outbound outreach and incoming opportunities
Set-up and manage a CRM of potential leads and opportunities day in, day out
Maintaining prospects and opportunities for CLIP in the relevant databases, and supporting the Co-Founder on company forecasting and reporting
Ensure sales collateral is always up to date and relevant
Report regularly on pipeline value and lead progress
Meet and develop relationships with potential leads
Developing and delivering partnership decks and formal client proposals
Pitching to clients and agencies
Leading our annual new business and growth strategy as part of the wider annual business plan
What We’re Looking For
Skills:
A strategic and commercial thinker - adept at devising strategies and ensuring high-quality execution
Brings a proactive and dedicated approach to finding and bringing in new opportunities for the business
Well organised and a good prioritiser; making sure outreach is beneficial and valuable for the organisation
Excellent relationship builder and communicator both orally and in writing
Good negotiator and empathic ear to our clients; understanding their needs, and desires to build suitable offers to benefit them
Adept at data and trend analysis to focus strategies and approach to new business
Good relationship manager; able to be a confident representative of Creative Lives in Progress, as well as empathic to the needs of potential clients
Good collaborator and able to work with different internal departments successfully
Experience Level:
Experience creating and executing a robust business development strategy
Management and leadership experience heading up a new business department and direct report(s)
Suitable experience driving B2B sales in a creative led organisation.
Proven track record in selling directly to creatively-led brands, creative companies and agencies is preferred
Experience managing a pipeline of UK and US leads
Deep understanding of the workings and roles in the creative industry
A black book of existing contacts to open new doors for CLIP partnerships
Behaviours and Mindsets:
Able to take and handle responsibility for a key department within a small business; handling commercial needs and reports
A growth mindset; excited to iterate and collaborate with other senior stakeholders to reach growth goals in a positive manner
Proactive with the ability to prioritise and progress work without supervision, and manage a pipeline of opportunities.
Good people skills that builds strong relationships with both clients and internal team
Ability to bring ideas forward in a collaborative team setting
Excellent written and verbal communicator
A passion for making social and community impact in the creative industry
Willingness and desire to learn, improve and develop personally and professionally
Key Details
Salary: DoE
Contract: Full Time / Permanent
Seniority Level: Head of
Reports to: Co - Founder
Application deadline: 13th March
Interviews from: mid March
Start date: ASAP
Hours: 9am to 5.30pm (flexible hours between 8am - 6pm)
Location: Hybrid - 2 days based in our London studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the rest of the week at home
Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship for this position, so candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Benefits
25 days annual leave, along with a Christmas shutdown period of 5 days and a day off for your birthday
Flexi-time hours
20 days Remote Work from Anywhere
Enhanced sick leave
Mental health support via our EAP
Health cash plan
5 week paid sabbatical after 5 years
Cycle to Work scheme
Do you want to join our team? Then we'd love to hear about you!
We encourage all candidates to apply. We know that some people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - may be less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement listed. If you're excited about this role but not sure you tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be just what we're looking for!