Senior Client Manager - Public sector

Job Title:

Senior Client Manager - Public sector

Department:
Consultancy and Research

Location:

Bristol Office with hybrid working available

Pay Scale: £60,000 - £65,000k depending on experience

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

The Workforce Development Trust (WDT) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides services that support employers to develop skilled, sustainable, and efficient work forces in the UK and abroad. We operate via our five brands;
Skills for Health, Skills for Justice, SFJ Awards, iCQ Awards and People 1st International, which deliver specialist, targeted skills interventions to support a variety of frontline public services

WDT Consulting creates lasting, measurable impact across the Public Sector. We combine consultancy expertise with public purpose to build a competent, resilient and effective workforce that delivers better outcomes for the public. We are a supportive, collaborative team that cares as much about how we work together as what we achieve – with passion, innovation, respect and integrity. Guided by our Consultancy Charter, WDT Consulting share ideas, learn from each other and celebrate success.

The Senior Client Manager will grow strategic accounts across health and care, justice, emergency services and local government. You’ll shape client strategy, develop consultancy propositions and build long‑term partnerships that drive sustainable workforce transformation.

As a respected not-for-profit organisation with a strong Sector Skills Council heritage, we offer the opportunity to combine commercial growth with meaningful public impact, supported by trusted national brands, established sector relationships and specialist expertise.

You’ll work with senior decision-makers to understand their challenges and bring together the right expertise to develop practical, commercially viable solutions. Taking ownership from initial market insight and relationship building through to proposal development, negotiation and conversion, you’ll turn opportunities into lasting client value.

Within your first 12 months, you’ll have built a well-qualified pipeline, secured new and expanded business against agreed revenue and margin targets, strengthened senior client relationships and shaped solutions that can be delivered effectively and profitably.

Disciplined forecasting, sustained market engagement and close collaboration with delivery colleagues will underpin your success.

• A track record of originating, winning and growing complex, high-value consultancy or professional services work.
• The ability to diagnose client challenges, shape bespoke solutions with subject matter experts and present compelling commercial cases.
• Strong networks and credibility in one or more public service sectors, with the confidence to open doors and build new relationships.
• Experience of meeting stretching commercial targets, supported by disciplined qualification, forecasting and CRM management.
• A proactive, resilient and curious approach, using client insight and learning to strengthen your propositions.

In return, you’ll have the scope and support to lead with confidence, transform services and create long‑term value. You’ll join a purpose‑driven team that values ambitious thinking, creative problem‑solving and measurable impact – where your ideas and contribution matter.

• Develop and deliver regional and sector business development plans aligned with strategic
• Build a self‑generated pipeline through targeted market development, senior networking, referrals, partnerships and insight‑led conversations, beyond inbound leads and published