Business Development Manager

About the Client
Simon Acres recruitment is working with an established education and training provider with a strong regional presence and a reputation for delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes and commercial training solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growth-focused organisation that works closely with employers to develop workforce capability and support long-term business success.

About the Role
This role offers the successful candidate the opportunity to drive growth across apprenticeship and commercial training portfolios by developing new business opportunities, building long-term client relationships, and expanding existing accounts. Working remotely with regular regional travel, you will play a key role in generating revenue, securing new partnerships, and contributing to continued organisational growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive business growth by achieving monthly learner start and commercial performance targets
• Build new client relationships and grow existing accounts through proactive business development activity
• Identify and develop revenue-generating opportunities across new and existing markets
• Research and analyse market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to inform sales strategies
• Develop and manage a profitable sales pipeline using a variety of lead generation methods including networking, events, cold outreach, social media, webinars, email campaigns, and presentations
• Negotiate contracts and delivery programmes to achieve commercially beneficial outcomes
• Support the creation and use of marketing collateral including brochures, digital campaigns, website content, and social media activity
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure programmes and services meet client and stakeholder requirements
• Plan and deliver regional campaigns aligned to commercial objectives and growth targets
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, intermediary organisations, and external stakeholders
• Manage existing customer accounts to drive repeat business, cross-selling, and upselling opportunities
• Represent the organisation at employer-facing and stakeholder events across agreed geographical regions
• Contribute to bids and tenders including costings, proposal content, presentations, and opportunity assessments
• Produce regular sales reports, pipeline forecasts, and performance updates
• Support colleagues through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing

Requirements / Skills:

• Proven experience in business development, account management, or sales
• Experience working within apprenticeships, training, education, or commercially focused service environments
• Demonstrated ability to achieve and exceed performance targets
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Commercial awareness with strong negotiation and influencing abilities
• Experience creating and managing sales pipelines and lead generation activity
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to analyse market data and identify growth opportunities
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a remote environment
• Willingness to travel regularly across the region and customer locations

What’s on Offer:

• Salary: £38,000
• Full-time, permanent position
• Remote working with regional travel
• 37.5 hours per week
• Opportunity to join a growing and commercially focused organisation
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative working environment