We are seeking a hands-on business development professional to activate and grow ICF’s technology-enabled work applying data science and the use of AI across the UK Public Policy consulting market, spanning commissioned research, implementation and evaluation.
This role will focus on building relationships, identifying and shaping opportunities emerging from existing frameworks, and working closely with technical and delivery teams to translate ICF’s established capabilities into live projects. In the UK, this work spans technology-enabled research, data, and digital consulting, including the practical application of data science and AI within complex public sector programmes.
The role sits within the UK and India Consulting Division and works closely with team leads, subject matter experts, delivery teams, and external partners. It is well suited to someone who enjoys being close to clients and opportunities, understands how public sector frameworks work in practice, and is motivated to win work by turning capability into delivery leading large strategic bids end-to-end.
Key responsibilities:
Opportunity identification and activation (technology-enabled work)
Identify, qualify, and win new opportunities across UK public sector contracts and activate existing frameworks to further technology enabled research, data and digital consulting work.
Monitor upcoming call-offs, market engagement activity, and client intelligence to inform opportunity prioritisation and early positioning (capture).
Support early-stage opportunity shaping by working with sector and subject matter experts to align emerging client needs with ICF’s technology and delivery capabilities.
Help determine the most appropriate route to market (framework call-off, competitive bid, pilot, or partnership-based approach).
Client and partner engagement
Build and maintain trusted relationships with client stakeholders, framework owners, and delivery partners.
Engage with clients to understand evolving priorities, translating these into actionable opportunity concepts.
Work with existing and new partners to shape joint propositions that meet framework requirements and support broader technology-enabled delivery.
Position ICF as a credible, delivery-focused technology partner well ahead of formal procurement activity.
Technology enabled solution and bid development
Contribute to the design of technology-enabled solutions within bids and call-offs, working closely with technical leads, researchers, and delivery teams.
Support the articulation of value propositions, case studies, and implementation approaches to ensure proposals are credible, achievable, and client focused.
Provide early-stage bid input and constructive challenge, ensuring the proposed solution reflects genuine capability and delivery experience.
Lead and manage selected technology enabled proposals end-to-end, coordinating inputs from technical, sector, and business development teams.
Internal coordination, governance, and growth support
Act as a bridge between business development, technical specialists, and delivery teams to ensure consistency between capability, proposition, and delivery.
Support coordination across sectors (e.g. energy, climate, environment, employment, health, education, justice, equality) where technology augments research, evaluation, and programme delivery.
Promote reuse of proven approaches, assets, and delivery models across the wider digital and technology community within ICF.
Use CRM systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics) to track opportunities, manage pipeline information, and support reporting.
Support marketing and growth activity, including briefing materials, market-facing content, events, and post-decision reviews.
Qualifications:
Business development:
Experience of winning work in a business development, partnerships, or client facing role within a consulting, technology, or digital services environment.
Extensive knowledge with UK public sector procurement and framework-based delivery, with experience supporting or contributing to successful bids or call-offs.
An understanding of how opportunities progress from early client engagement through to funded work.
Technology literacy:
Broad familiarity with digital and technology solutions such as cloud platforms, data and analytics, AI-enabled tools, and digital delivery approaches.
Ability to engage credibly with technical specialists and clients without needing to be a technology expert.
Experience working alongside multidisciplinary teams spanning technology, research, evaluation, communications, or programme delivery.
Ways of working:
Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, with confidence engaging a range of stakeholders.
Practical, organised, and proactive approach to managing multiple opportunities in parallel.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate client needs into clear internal actions.
Experience in capture, bid management, proposals, and broader business development
Strong strategic planning and communication skills.
Ability to work cross-functionally with marketing, technical, and sales teams.
Comfort operating in early stage, ambiguous opportunities, helping shape ideas before formal procurement or scope is defined.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Right to Work, Location & Sponsorship (UK)
While we welcome applications from candidates internationally, this role is located in the United Kingdom, and successful candidates must:
Have the legal right to work in the UK (or be eligible for sponsorship where applicable on a case-by-case basis); and
Be physically located in the UK on Day 1 of employment (or shortly before your start date).
Please ensure you can meet the right-to-work and location requirements or would qualify for sponsorship where applicable.
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About us:
Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are committed to creating a culture where we embrace our differences in ideas and identities. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals.
Learn more about what we do and our commitment to inclusion.
The benefits of joining ICF:
Our people at ICF are our most important asset, so we invest in them from the moment they arrive. When you join our team, you’ll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well.
We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role.
To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support.
We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called ‘You Matter’, which awards points as a ‘thank you’ for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.
ICF also offers a range of competitive benefits, which include:
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.