Business Development Manager - Digital Skills Apprenticeship

To drive the growth and success of Acorn Training’s contracts in Greater Manchester. This involves building and maintaining strategic partnerships with new and existing employers, serving as a representative at key forums, effectively managing new business opportunities, and fostering local connections to secure support which ensures the sustained growth, achievement, and profitability of the designated contracts.

Key Responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators

• Actively promote Acorn Training's services and training programmes effectively.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute effective marketing campaigns.
• Identify and develop productive and sustainable relationships with potential employers, partners, and wider stakeholders.
• Actively prospect to maintain a strong pipeline of potential and future learners, employers, and referral partners relevant to the contract requirements.
• Be responsible for your pipeline of opportunities, including lead generation, meetings, and closing sales against the contract to grow its value.
• Manage your pipeline of data effectively and efficiently to maximise conversion rates and continuously strive to enhance it.
• Keep your knowledge up to date in all sectors to provide personalised, passionate, and ethical information, advice and guidance to potential employers and customers at all given opportunities.
• Use CRM and other systems accurately and consistently to document your progress with your pipeline, demonstrations, and meetings for daily forecasting.
• Work with your team to ensure a smooth transition from sale through onboarding to delivery.
• Attend networking events and exhibitions in your region to become familiar with your target audience and their needs.
• Share knowledge and best practices with your colleagues and peers to enhance the experience of potential customers.
• Contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the business, offering new suggestions and ideas wherever possible.
• Achieve the KPIs set on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Ensure consistently high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of Apprenticeship sales and revenue targets.
• Growth in employer, learner, and stakeholder base.
• Achievement of specific contract requirements.
• Development of key partnerships.
• Market share increase across region.
• Positive brand image and recognition across region.
• Timely and accurate reporting.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Qualifications and specific training:
• Level 3 Customer service, business development, sales management, or equivalent qualification (essential).
• GCSE grade A*-C (or equivalent) in English and Maths (essential).
• Full driving licence and access to vehicle with business use insurance (essential).
• Level 4 Management qualification (desirable).
• IOSH Health and Safety qualification (desirable).

• Experience:
• Minimum of three years of business development experience, with a track record of meeting or exceeding apprenticeship sales targets (essential).
• Experience in the private training or education sector (essential).
• Prior experience in developing partnerships with other education providers (essential).
• Demonstrated success in building and managing a sales team (desirable).

• Knowledge:
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of current business development and sales strategies (essential).
• Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance (essential).
• Commitment to income generation and commercial activity (essential).
• Understanding of adult learning principles and educational methodologies (desirable).

• Skills:
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (essential).
• Customer-focused and client-centric mindset (essential).
• Strong negotiation and relationship building abilities (essential).
• Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision-making (essential).
• Effective project management and time management skills (essential).
• Proactive and results oriented (essential).
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic industry (essential).
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm for the training sector (essential).
• Committed to continuous learning and self-improvement (essential).
• Proficient in using sales and CRM software (desirable).
• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking (desirable).

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, ethnic or social origin, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, reasonable adjustments can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please get in contact with recruitment@acorntraining.co.uk to discuss alternative options you may require, or alternative application methods.