Business Development Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Oaklands for a Business Development Manager to provide strategic leadership in employer engagement and apprenticeship growth across priority sectors.

The Oaklands Education group is a vibrant and diverse learning-centred community, providing transformational education for over 100 years. Oaklands is more than just a College and is well positioned to be internationally known, nationally recognised, regionally relevant, and locally significant.

Oaklands is ambitious at reaching a greater number of individuals, businesses and stakeholders through its diverse group, to grow our portfolio and offer, to meet global economic and social needs in a transformational way and we are seeking a Business Development Manager to play a vital role in our journey.

We are looking for a commercially astute Business Development Manager to join our team and play a crucial role in driving new business, building employer partnerships, and expanding our apprenticeship provision. In this position, you will generate new business opportunities, manage employer relationships, and align apprenticeship solutions with industry needs. You will also be responsible for supporting marketing campaigns and ensuring compliance with quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have excellent sales and communication skills, strong organisational and project management abilities, and a deep understanding of apprenticeship funding and employer engagement. You should be proficient in Microsoft Office and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively. Previous experience in strategic partnerships, CRM systems, and apprenticeship frameworks is essential, along with a commitment to providing a high-quality employer and stakeholder experience.

We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That's why we've developed a benefits package with you in mind. We have fantastic benefits like a free on-site gym in St Albans, private healthcare options, a cycle to work scheme and financial wellbeing support. We take care of what's important to you.

If you like what you see, why not start your application now? We consider applications as we receive them and reserve the right to close adverts early (for example, where we have received an unprecedented high volume of applications). So, it's a good idea to apply right away to ensure you're considered for this role.

Oaklands is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.

KeyResponsibilities:

Business Development and Sales

• Proactively create and develop business opportunities with new and existing clients across our apprenticeship suite.
• Maintain a strategic, consistent approach to managing employer engagement and partnerships.
• Identify new markets, trends, and partnerships to expand apprenticeship offerings.
• Generate leads, conduct presentations, and secure new business to meet sales targets.
• Relationship Management
• Develop strong employer relationships to support apprenticeship growth and retention.
• Provide account management and serve as the first point of contact for employers.
• Collaborate with delivery teams and internal stakeholders to align programmes with employer needs.
• Align apprenticeship solutions with employers’ ESG, sustainability, and social value goals.
• Contribute to the preparation of bids and tenders for government contracts and employer frameworks.
• Stay informed on apprenticeship funding policy, including co-investment rules, levy usage, and LSIP priorities, to support employer engagement.
• Develop account growth and retention plans to ensure repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Provide specialist insight into priority sectors such as Health, Digital, Professional Services, Construction and Engineering, and Green Skills.
• Promote inclusive apprenticeship opportunities and advise employers on EDI best practices.

Marketing and Promotion

• Support the Marketing Team with campaigns and promotional activity.
• Represent and promote college services at external events and presentations.

Quality and Administration

• Ensure compliance with quality standards in sales and learner…