At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development in the Higher Education sector, driving technology integration projects.
- Company: Disruptive Challenger Systems Integrator with a focus on elite technical solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-based compensation, and autonomy in your role.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and lead a dedicated division with significant career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of technology in UK universities.
- 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 to
Director of Business Development in England employer: Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment
As a leading Challenger Systems Integrator, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and autonomy, particularly for the Director of Business Development role in the Higher Education sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide access to a heavyweight portfolio of clients and the opportunity to establish and lead a full UK Division, all while working alongside elite technical experts in a culture that values trust, integrity, and equality.
Contact Details:
Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Business Development in England
✨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 Directors of IT you know. They might just have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the latest trends in higher education funding and technology. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who understands their pain points and can offer tailored solutions. Bring your A-game and be ready to discuss how you can add value!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate how your experience translates into business value for universities. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your messaging. The clearer you are, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Business Development in England
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 explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for the Higher Education sector and how your background aligns with our client's mission. Let us see your personality!
Showcase Your Network:Since this role requires leveraging existing relationships, make sure to mention your connections with Vice-Chancellors, CIOs, and other key stakeholders. We want to know how you can hit the ground running with your established network!
Follow Application Instructions:When applying, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Email your CV as specified and ensure all documents are polished and professional. We appreciate attention to detail, so let’s see that in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment
✨Know Your Network
Before the interview, take some time to map out your existing connections within the higher education sector. Be ready to discuss how your relationships with Vice-Chancellors, CIOs, and other key stakeholders can help the company win high-value projects.
✨Master the Sales Cycle
Brush up on the full sales cycle specific to the higher education landscape. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex procurement frameworks and developed university-specific penetration plans in your previous roles.
✨Translate Tech into Value
Be prepared to explain how you can translate complex integration engineering into clear business value for institutional leaders. Think about specific instances where you've demonstrated this skill, especially around data analytics and cybersecurity.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Expect to discuss your negotiation strategies during the interview. Have examples ready that highlight your ability to manage complex tender responses and build consensus among diverse university stakeholder groups.
