Job Description

Are you a commercially-minded professional eager to bring strategic client-facing leadership to an organisation with a strategic mission to find ecological solutions for a planet under threat? 

The British Ecological Society is the world’s oldest ecological society. From the field and lab to the heart of government, the BES convenes expert voices, collates the evidence and makes clear recommendations to influence change through science.

We’re recruiting a Client Partnerships Manager to spearhead BES’s work with businesses, transforming ecological insight into impactful consultancy, partnerships and advertising. This role offers a rare chance to lead an entirely new revenue stream - owning the end-to-end business development pipeline, shaping key accounts, and delivering client projects that advance both impact and income.

About the role

This is a client-facing role wherebusiness development and sales will be your priority. You will take the lead in identifying new consultancy opportunities and corporate partnerships, building a healthy pipeline of prospects, and converting them through compelling proposals and winning pitches. You’ll also manage and grow our sponsorship and advertising income, developing creative packages that connect businesses with our audiences.

Alongside new business, you’ll act as account manager for our consultancy clients and partners, nurturing long-term relationships and ensuring that every project delivers value for clients while showcasing BES’s ecological expertise. You’ll oversee delivery - coordinating colleagues across the organisation, managing contracts and budgets, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and to a high standard.

This is a new, high-profile fixed term contract for the BES, and you will play a key part in shaping how we build commercial relationships that are financially sustainable, impactful, and aligned with our strategic goals.

About you

We’re looking for someone with:

• A proven track record in business development, sales or partnerships, ideally from an agency, consultancy or other commercial environment.

• Excellent skills in pitching, presenting and closing deals, with creativity in developing tailored proposals that bring in exciting projects and partnerships.

• Strong relationship management skills and the confidence to engage and influence senior stakeholders.

• Commercial awareness, with experience negotiating contracts, overseeing budgets and delivering profitable outcomes.

• Solid project management skills to ensure consultancy and partnership projects run smoothly.

Just as importantly, you’ll bring energy, creativity and the desire to use your commercial skills in a role with real meaning — helping to connect business and ecology to tackle the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

For more information on application, or for the full job description and person specification, please visit our website through the link.

Closing Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025, 09:00 GMT
Interview: Tuesday 25 November 2025