At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development in the Higher Education sector, driving tech integration projects.
- Company: Disruptive Challenger Systems Integrator with a focus on elite technical solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, high OTE, and autonomy to build a UK division.
- Other info: Opportunity to operate under your own Limited Company with significant career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in higher education technology.
- Qualifications: Proven sales success in Higher Education and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
As a disruptive Challenger Systems Integrator (SI), our client pairs elite technical expertise with a high-velocity delivery engine. They provide world-class, cyber-resilient solutions by leveraging a sophisticated labour arbitrage model that ensures Tier-1 quality at a highly competitive price point. Ready to scale their UK footprint, our client is seeking an elite, "first-on-the-ground" leader to focus entirely on the Higher Education and University sector. This is the precise vertical where their largest, most successful accounts already sit. This isn't a cold start; you'll hit the ground running with a heavyweight portfolio of referenceable success, including multiple major UK universities as longstanding clients. This is a unique, high-autonomy role. You will initially operate under your own Limited Company, fully contracted to the parent company. For the right business development leader, this is the precursor to establishing and leading a full UK Division.
Your Responsibilities
- Leverage your existing Vice-Chancellor, CIO, Director of IT, and Academic Registrar-level network to win high-value technology, software, and hardware integration projects across UK universities.
- Lead the full sales cycle from university-specific penetration plans to navigating complex institutional procurement frameworks and complex bid strategies.
- Work closely with highly qualified offshore delivery experts to design value-based integration solutions that address critical HE pain points, from student lifecycle data to research infrastructure.
- Align technical capabilities with changing trends in higher education funding, regulation, and student expectations to ensure our client's "Challenger" status remains undisputed.
What is Required to Apply
- A proven track record of enterprise-level sales success within a Systems Integrator, specifically targeting the Higher Education and University sector.
- An expert in value-based, consultative selling who understands how to build consensus among diverse, complex university stakeholder groups.
- The ability to translate complex integration engineering into clear business value for institutional leaders-specifically surrounding data analytics, business intelligence, and modern cybersecurity frameworks.
- Exceptional negotiation skills with the capability to manage complex university tender responses (including framework agreements) and high-level stakeholder relationships.
- A proactive sense of urgency, the ability to work autonomously, and a desire to thrive in a performance-based compensation structure.
- Operating with Trust, Integrity, and Equality at the heart of every deal.
To Apply
If you have the network, the sector acumen, and the drive to build a dedicated HE division from the ground up with the backing of an established international powerhouse, we want to hear from you. To apply, email your CV.
Business Development Director, IT into Higher Education Sector employer: Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment
As a leading Challenger Systems Integrator, our client offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and autonomy, particularly for the Business Development Director role in the Higher Education sector. Employees benefit from a competitive compensation structure, a strong emphasis on professional growth, and the opportunity to make a significant impact by leveraging their existing networks within prestigious UK universities. With a culture rooted in trust, integrity, and equality, this is a unique chance to be part of a dynamic team poised for expansion in a vital industry.
Contact Details:
Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Director, IT into Higher Education Sector
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Use your existing connections in the higher education sector to get introductions and insights. Don’t be shy; reach out to those Vice-Chancellors and CIOs you know and let them know you’re on the lookout for new opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the latest trends in higher education tech. Show that you understand the pain points universities face and how your experience can help solve them. Tailor your pitch to highlight your consultative selling skills and how they align with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage complex tender responses and stakeholder relationships. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job in business development.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Director, IT into Higher Education Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience in the Higher Education sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your business development skills. We want to see how you can leverage your network and expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex sales cycles and built relationships with university stakeholders.
Showcase Your Network:Since this role relies heavily on your existing connections, make sure to mention key contacts you've worked with in the Higher Education sector. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know who you know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the specific universities and institutions that the company has worked with. Understand their unique challenges and how the company's solutions can address them. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your knowledge of the sector.
✨Leverage Your Network
Since this role requires a strong network within the higher education sector, be prepared to discuss your connections with Vice-Chancellors, CIOs, and other key stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged these individuals in past roles to build credibility.
✨Showcase Your Sales Strategy
Be ready to outline your approach to the full sales cycle, especially in complex environments like universities. Discuss your experience with penetration plans and navigating procurement frameworks, highlighting any successful bids or projects you've led.
✨Emphasise Value-Based Selling
Prepare to explain how you translate technical solutions into business value for institutional leaders. Use examples that illustrate your consultative selling skills and your ability to align technical capabilities with the evolving needs of higher education.
