Business Development Manager

Reporting to the Head of Business Development, you will play a key role in identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic employer partnerships, and driving apprenticeship enrolment growth.

This position is ideal for a commercially driven individual with experience in B2B sales who is confident engaging senior stakeholders and passionate about workforce development and education.

• Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities across the Early Years sector.
• Engage with employers to understand their operational challenges, skills gaps, and workforce planning needs, proposing tailored apprenticeship programmes to support retention and progression.
• Negotiate and secure new employer partnerships and enrolment agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Nursery Owners, Managing Directors, HR Leads, L&D Managers, and Local Authorities.
• Support employers in understanding funding models, including Levy and non-Levy routes.
• Monitor sector trends, funding reforms, and competitor activity to identify new growth opportunities.
• Represent the organisation at industry events, networking forums, and employer meetings to promote apprenticeship provision.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and provide regular reporting on pipeline health, sales performance, employer engagement, and conversion rates.
• Ensure a smooth transition from sales to onboarding by collaborating closely with compliance, enrolment, and delivery teams.

• Proven experience in sales or business development roles.
• Experience with in education, training, apprenticeships, or workforce development (desirable)
• Excellent communication and consultative selling skills.
• Ability to build relationships with senior decision-makers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a growing team.
• Strong organisational skills and CRM proficiency (e.g., Salesforce).
• Holidays: 30 days per year (including bank holidays)
• Pension Scheme
• Day off for your birthday
• 2 weeks additional leave at Christmas (discretionary)