Reporting to the National Director, Vocational Services, Lifemark is looking for a Business Development Lead, responsible for acting as a subject matter expert, identifying opportunities for growth, contributing to the overall vocational business strategy, change management, monitoring financial and outcome performance and managing key initiatives and projects, as well as researching, writing and editing proposals in response to RFPs (Request for Proposals) from prospective clients, preferably with a strong background in the healthcare industry, career and employment services, and labour market re-entry.
The successful candidate will be responsible for working closely with our operations, sales and business development teams to develop winning proposals that secure new business opportunities within the vocational rehabilitation, employment services and related fields. As an individual, the Business Development Lead, Vocational Services will be in charge of seeking, securing and implementing new blocks of business to ensure the continued growth and stability of Lifemark Vocational Services by leading team members through the submission of new business proposals and preparing/delivering presentations to funders. This individual will also handle grants, both solicited and unsolicited bids, and other technical writing needs and presentation materials. The ideal candidate will possess a track record of finding new business opportunities and experience in all steps of submission of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) including the writing, developing vocational service delivery models, coordination, and final draft submission of documents aligned with our sales and business development team. The individual will possess a strong background in business, sales and marketing, finance and project management and strategic planning, excellent writing, research, and communication skills, as well as experience and knowledge from working in Rehabilitation (specifically Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services) serving various government, insurers, WCB's and private agencies.
Core Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with team members and subject matter experts (SMEs) across various departments to gather necessary information and relevant technical details required related to specific requests for proposals from potential clients such as methodologies, implementation plans, references, etc.
- Utilize various channels to generate leads and to seek new business.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and operations, to ensure timely submission of RFPs as well as the implementation of new programs.
- Conduct extensive research to understand client requirements and develop tailored responses that address their unique needs.
- Stay informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape to provide insights that inform Lifemark's approach to business development.
- Write clear, concise, and compelling proposal content while adhering to formatting guidelines provided by clients.
- Develop proposals and presentations to acquire new business and contracts in the Vocational and Employment Services field.
- Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for the execution and implementation of new programs.
- Create persuasive executive summaries that effectively highlight key strengths and differentiators of our organization's offerings in the vocational services sector.
- Review proposals for grammar checks, proofreading errors or inconsistencies before finalizing draft submissions.
- Manage CRM systems, track business opportunities and develop customized reports for management teams.
- Develop and deliver pitch presentations to prospective key strategic partners (Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C)).
- Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to inform business strategy, key opportunities, and positioning strategies.
- Reporting on Business Development Activities including attendance at marketing events/tradeshows and other business development opportunities, making customer contacts, maintaining customer relationships, and designated KPIs.
- Project manage initiatives to ensure successful outcomes.
- Evaluate the suitability of potential opportunities based on their alignment with Lifemark's business objectives, values, and quality standards.
- Maintain a comprehensive database of proposal content including case studies, success stories or past project descriptions applicable within the vocational services sector.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, English/Writing/Communication or relevant field preferred; equivalent experience may substitute education requirements.
- Minimum 2 years of professional experience in business development - specifically focused on writing RFIs/RFPs preferably within the vocational rehabilitation and employment services industry.
- Experience and understanding of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services industry is a strong asset.
- Proven track record of identifying and securing business opportunities within Vocational Rehabilitation (including government and private opportunities).
- Strong written and oral communication skills, bilingual an asset.
- Ability to work independently.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to gather and interpret relevant market data.
- Sound understanding of technical concepts related to vocational IT solutions/applications/digital is beneficial.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
- Experience with CRM, sales, and/or other business development software.
- Must be self-starter, be able to adapt to flexible work schedule, strong interpersonal skills.
- Time management, attention to detail, planning, and coordination skills.
Why Lifemark:
Lifemark provides a comprehensive range of vocational services throughout Canada. A guiding belief is that given the necessary skills and opportunities, an individual may participate in meaningful self-directed employment; therefore, improving their overall quality of life. Through creative and flexible programming, we have become a leader in delivering quality services and achieving superior performance outcomes. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for driving growth, building relationships, and making a lasting impact, we invite you to apply and become a vital part of Lifemark's transformative.
Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can thrive. Improving inclusion and equity is a collective responsibility. Lifemark promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including but not limited to those self-identifying as a member of the employment equity groups: Indigenous peoples, Newcomers to Canada, Women, and Visible minorities.
Accommodation
Accommodations are available on request for all candidates taking part in any aspect of the recruitment and selection process. Email us at talent at.