[Hiring] Placement Manager @Swanton Care

Role Description

The Business Development Manager is responsible for supporting the delivery of the Company's growth strategy across residential and supported living services for people with learning disabilities. Covering Surrey, North Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, East Anglia, the role focuses on:

• Strengthening existing partnerships
• Increasing occupancy
• Identifying opportunities for strategic expansion into neighbouring counties

The postholder will work closely with operational teams, commissioners, property partners, and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and the successful conversion of referrals into placements. The role plays a key part in ensuring growth is aligned with service quality, commercial viability, and person-centred care.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development & Growth
  • Support the delivery of the Company's business development plan and growth objectives.
  • Identify opportunities for service expansion, new developments, and increased occupancy.
  • Assist in the mobilisation of new services, including residential homes and supported living schemes.
  • Conduct market research and gather intelligence on commissioning priorities, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain a pipeline of growth opportunities across assigned regions.
• Referrals & Pipeline Management
  • Manage referral enquiries through the assessment and placement process.
  • Develop and maintain strong referral pipelines across residential and supported living services.
  • Work with operational colleagues to identify suitable placements and service options.
  • Monitor referral activity, conversion rates, and occupancy trends.
  • Ensure accurate and timely recording of referral and pipeline activity within company systems.
• Commissioner & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with local authority commissioners, placement teams, Integrated Care Boards, and other stakeholders.
  • Attend commissioner meetings, provider forums, and networking events.
  • Act as a professional ambassador for the Company.
  • Support commissioner engagement activities and relationship-management plans.
• Tenders, Proposals & Service Development
  • Support the preparation of tender submissions, presentations, and proposals.
  • Assist in the development of business cases and growth opportunities.
  • Contribute to service development projects by providing market and commissioner intelligence.
  • Work with colleagues to ensure proposals meet commissioner requirements and organisational objectives.
• Property & Development Partnerships
  • Support the development of relationships with property developers and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).
  • Assist in identifying property opportunities that support growth plans and commissioner demand.
  • Participate in discussions relating to potential new developments, property acquisitions, and lease arrangements.
  • Support feasibility assessments and information gathering for new service opportunities.
• Commercial Awareness
  • Support discussions regarding fee rates and placement funding arrangements.
  • Ensure referrals are assessed with consideration to service suitability and commercial viability.
  • Contribute to business cases and financial assessments for new opportunities.
  • Understand local funding arrangements and commissioning models.
• Collaboration with Operations
  • Work closely with Operational Managing Directors and service leaders to understand capacity and service capability.
  • Support the successful transition of new placements into services.
  • Ensure effective communication between business development and operational teams.
  • Promote a collaborative approach to achieving occupancy and growth targets.

Qualifications

• Experience in business development, referrals, commissioning, account management, or occupancy-focused roles within health and social care.
• Knowledge of residential and/or supported living services for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, or complex care requirements.
• Experience building relationships with commissioners, placement teams, or health and social care stakeholders.
• Experience managing opportunities through a pipeline or referral process.

Requirements

• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of social care funding models.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to analyse information and identify growth opportunities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM/databases.

Benefits

• Competitive pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Salary sacrifice annual leave purchase scheme
• Electric Company Car Scheme
• Ongoing investment in your professional development, leadership training, and career progression
• Refer a friend scheme
• Long service awards
• Employee benefits app
• Cycle to work scheme
• Pension auto-enrolment
• Life cover
• Funded qualifications
• Career pathways
• Swanton Educates training qualification center
• Trained mental health first aiders
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Employee Voice events