Business Development Manager

Salary: Excellent basic with uncapped commission

Location: Flexible:
Remote or Norwich HQ

Sanctuary Graduates & Apprentices specialises in early careers and diversity recruitment. The organisation connects graduates, interns and apprentices with employers across the UK, delivering targeted recruitment (RPO) and campus marketing solutions that help employers build and diversify their future talent.

As our Business Development Manager you will have a proven track record and existing network within Early Careers, and be responsible for driving revenue growth by securing new business from firms looking to attract or hire young talent.

The post requires you to be commercially minded and provide a consultative sales approach to build long-term client partnerships and deliver solutions that meet client workforce objectives.

It is a sales only role – the delivery of the suite of services you sell is handled by our experienced operations team here in Norwich.

• Unlimited earning potential: commission on all sales with no cap
• Financial stability with base salary + upside: a guaranteed base salary plus commission earnings provides safety and growth potential.
• Incentives for over-performance: extra bonuses, higher commission rates, or tiered bonuses for surpassing targets.
• Strong brand presence in market: making it easier for you to deliver sales

Professional Growth & Development: Ongoing sales training (e.g., negotiation, closing strategies, product education) and access to industry courses

Flexibility: we work from home on Fridays

Cool office in central Norwich: with kitchen, stocked fridges, table football, darts and sunny outdoor space for working and relaxing at lunch

Regular work socials and parties: recently we’ve had Quasar, Kayaking, Pub Quizzes, Beach trips and more

• Structure and execute a business development strategy to achieve and exceed revenue targets with our suite of services. This will involve
• Targeting key potential clients on Linkedin, on the phone and at industry events
• Positioning our suite of services: RPO Early Careers Recruitment;
  Candidate Management;
  Diversity Events;
  Targeted Emails;
  Campus Brand Ambassadors
• Identify, qualify and secure new business opportunities within early careers and diversity recruitment markets.
• Lead on client pitches, tenders, presentations and proposal development.

• Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities and sharing these both internally and externally.
• Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences and networking opportunities to build brand presence.

• Achievement of monthly/quarterly and annual revenue targets.
• Understanding of market trends within early careers
• Familiarity built with all UK senior early careers professionals

• Proven track record in business development within early careers
• Cold calling and other outreach experience
• Comfortable with targets, reporting, and KPIs

• Ability to clearly explain products, value, and solutions
• Active listening to understand customer needs
• Strong presentation skills (in-person, phone, and digital)

• Ability to build trust and long-term customer relationships
• Skilled at networking and nurturing leads
• Confident in overcoming objections
• Skilled at creating win‑win outcomes
• Ability to close deals effectively

• Quickly learns product features and benefits
• Understands industry trends and competitor landscape
• Ability to tailor messaging to different customer segments

• Identifies customer pain points
• Recommends customized solutions
• Thinks creatively to remove barriers to purchase

• Manages multiple leads and follow‑ups
• Prioritizes high‑value opportunities
• Meets deadlines and sales cycles efficiently

• Care and Kindness: Act with empathy and respect towards clients, colleagues and candidates.
• Client Outcomes First: Deliver solutions that drive real results for clients and create a positive experience from start to finish.
• Accountability: Take ownership for work, both successes and challenges, and maintain high standards of professionalism, along with ensuring that clients are always given expert knowledge and guidance.