Head of Business Development

HYBRID ROLE, 1 DAY PER WEEK IN OFFICE This is a critical leadership role responsible for delivering substantial growth in apprenticeship starts through the acquisition of new employer relationships. You will focus on developing new customers across the country in a variety of sectors. The role will also be responsible for securing national contracts with employers that have multiple sites through high level stakeholder engagement and management. Key Accountabilities * Develop and lead on the execution of a comprehensive commercial strategy for new business development and stakeholder engagement working closely with the Managing Director to increase the number of apprenticeships and ensure market share growth . * Lead and deliver the new business development strategy aligned to the companies three-year growth plan. * Target and win national apprenticeship contracts with large employers and those with multiple site locations, being responsible for successfully on-boarding them into the business unit. * Focus on driving volume and value, targeting larger apprentice cohorts with new employers and long-term partnerships. * Proactively identify, engage, and convert new employer relationships across priority sectors. * Lead the full sales cycle: prospecting, stakeholder engagement, solution pitching, and close of sale. * Establish the company as a trusted strategic partner for apprenticeship delivery through high level stakeholder engagement and effective prospecting and partnership approach * Build senior-level relationships within target organisations, including HR, L&D, Operations, and Engineering stakeholders. * Feed employer insight into the design and development of programmes and services. * Deliver an ambitious commercial strategy in line with the business plan to ensure apprenticeship growth targets and KPIs are met. * Maintain a robust pipeline, CRM reporting, and accurate forecasting of new business opportunities. * Leading product development ideas through working with the research team to conduct thorough market research and identifying opportunities where possible. * Develop proposals, presentations and pitches to potential clients and build additional competence around the team to deliver customer facing activity. * Work closely with the SLT to identify cross department opportunities and align commercial strategy with other business units and overall business strategy. Essential Knowledge Skills and Qualifications * Proven experience in account management, business development, or employer engagement roles, preferably within the education, training, or apprenticeship sectors. * Demonstrable experience in consultative selling and solution-based business development with a first-class commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and ability to close deals. * Skilled in identifying opportunities, developing relationships, managing and closing the sales cycle effectively. * Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively. * A results-driven mindset with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets. * Knowledge of apprenticeship standards and the broader skills and training landscape. Paul Feldman is the National Skills Agency Data Protection Officer. Your data will be stored until notice is given by you for it to be removed. Our Data Protection Policy will be forwarded to you on request. As we get a high number of applications we may be unable to give feedback to unsuccessful candidates. We will retain your details to keep you informed of other opportunities. National Skills Agency Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy and is an Equal Opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all backgrounds

Location: Rusholme, GB

Posted Date: 5/17/2025