Business Development Manager

Job Title: Business Development Manager

Location: London
Salary: 40,000 - 45,000 per annum
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Role & Client Overview:

Are you a highly motivated and results-driven sales professional with experience in apprenticeships and skills training? We are seeking a Business Development Manager to drive apprenticeship starts, employer engagement, and revenue growth across London.

This role is responsible for establishing, securing, and nurturing long-term business relationships with new and existing clients, ensuring maximum levy utilisation and expanding our employer base. You will manage a sales pipeline, generate leads, and attend networking events to promote our full range of training solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Sales:

• Consult with levy-paying and non-levy-paying employers to maximise their apprenticeship funding.
• Develop and maintain strong employer relationships, promoting all available training solutions.
• Manage an active and structured sales pipeline, ensuring accurate updates in Salesforce (CRM).
• Plan and execute strategic business development activities aligned with company objectives.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities through targeted outreach and networking.
• Attend industry events, exhibitions, and business forums to increase employer engagement.
• Work closely with internal teams to optimise employer partnerships and apprenticeship starts.

General Duties:

• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, including safeguarding and data protection.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, challenging discrimination and bias.
• Follow Health & Safety policies to maintain a safe working environment.
• Take an ownership mindset, demonstrating accountability and reliability in achieving KPIs and targets.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to enhance processes and improve employer experiences.

Essential/Desirable Criteria:

Essential:

• Proven experience in selling apprenticeship programmes to levy-paying organisations.
• Strong background in business development and employer engagement within the apprenticeship sector.
• Experience in a target-driven, commercial environment.
• Excellent sales, networking, and negotiation skills.
• Strong presentation and report-writing skills.
• Experience in client relationship management, customer service, or sales.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Confident in using LinkedIn and cold calling for employer outreach.
• Consultative and solution-oriented sales approach.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-organised, structured, and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Ability to work to deadlines and targets in a fast-paced environment.
• IT literate, with experience in using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of marketing principles and employer engagement strategies.
• Understanding of the local labour market and business landscape in London.
• Awareness of Safeguarding & Prevent policies in education and training.

Benefits:

Competitive salary of 40,000 - 45,000 per annum.

Performance-based incentives and career progression opportunities.

Work with a leading training provider delivering impactful apprenticeship programmes.

Flexible working opportunities to support work-life balance.

Ongoing professional development and training.