At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development and sales to create life-changing opportunities for diverse young talent.
- Company: Join Ada, a pioneering college transforming the tech sector with a focus on diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with state-of-the-art campuses in London and Manchester.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting young people with exciting career opportunities in tech.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and passion for empowering diverse talent in the tech industry.
Welcome to Ada! At Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of diverse digital talent. Through the quality of education we deliver, the depth of our industry partnerships and focus on diversity, we are changing the face of the tech sector, expanding the talent pipeline and transforming lives.
We are a specialist Further Education college, where every 16-19 student takes Computer Science and all of our diverse Higher Level and Degree Apprentices work in skills shortage disciplines in innovative, blue-chip companies. The digital skills gap is costing the UK economy an estimated £63 billion a year in lost GDP. Ada seeks to fill this skills gap by equipping young people with the skills industry actually needs.
Ada was announced by the Prime Minister in December 2014; England’s first new FE College since 1993 and since then we’ve gone from strength to strength including a Good with Outstanding features in our first Ofsted Inspection.
16-19 Provision: As of 2024, we have 187 16-19 students enrolled. Our most recent results are outstanding; 39% of A level results at A B and 74% achieving at least one Distinction or better in their externally assessed Computing BTEC. This makes us the best education institution in the country for this BTEC.
Degree Apprenticeships: Across our London Victoria and Manchester Ancoats campus, we have 363 apprentices currently enrolled on our Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships. We specialise in five disciplines at present: software development, data analytics, tech consultancy, cyber security and business analysis, working with a wide range of SMEs and corporate organisations such as PwC, Bank of America, Deloitte, Clearscore, Just Eat, Capita, MHRA, Booking.com and Salesforce.
At present 38% of our learners are female, 51% are from ethnic minority backgrounds and 50% come from low-income households compared to national averages of approximately 20%. This is an exciting time to join Ada with our new state-of-the-art campuses in Victoria, London and Ancoats, Manchester. We’re passionate about building a supportive, values driven environment for both our students and staff.
Nature of the Role: 0.6 or 0.8 FTE. Hybrid working
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for: Apprenticeship and T-level Business Development & Sales
Direct Reports: 4
Annual Salary: £60,000 (pro rata)
Pension: Stakeholder pension scheme (10% employer contribution)
Holidays: 30 days per annum (Pro rata)
Location: Manchester (Ancoats) with regular travel to our London office expected
About You
- You will enjoy identifying, cultivating and closing new employer partnerships that transform the life chances of diverse young people through employment or work experience opportunities.
- You will enjoy being the most capable member of a team and thrive on leading them to new heights.
- You will be able to demonstrate your track record in driving sales growth as well as articulate your personal alignment to our mission.
- You will also be able to demonstrate you are comfortable cultivating C-suite relationships at large corporates as you are engaging the CTO of a fast growing start-up.
- Your role will be prominent within Ada and our wider ecosystem and you will enjoy the opportunity to represent the College in a wide variety of forums though always keeping an entrepreneurial eye out for an opportunity.
We'd really like to hear from you, if:
- You get a real kick out of identifying and cultivating new employer relationships that lead to the creation of life-changing employment opportunities for diverse young people.
- You believe higher level and degree apprenticeships, especially in the tech sector, offer diverse young people a fantastic opportunity to launch their careers.
- You love talking to people and are passionate about evangelising Ada's mission to employer partners and wider stakeholders.
- You are curious, data-oriented and proactive, always searching for, and following up on, leads and possible opportunities.
- You enjoy leading and managing a small team to achieve ambitious sales targets.
- You are as adept at cultivating existing employer relationships as pitching for new business.
- You are a meticulous record keeper who loves a good quality CRM database.
- You will feel a strong sense of ownership for the Business Development function at Ada and clearly understand its vital purpose in serving young people and driving forward Ada's social impact and revenue growth.
Safeguarding
The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post.
Equal Opportunities
Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:
- To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
- To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
- To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
- To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation.
Applicants with Disabilities
Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post.
Sponsorship
Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.
Thank you for your interest in Ada, the National College for Digital Skills.
Closing Date: 12th June 2026 (Candidates' applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, early applications are advised.) Good Luck with your application!
Head of Business Development & Sales employer: Ada, National College for Digital Skills
At Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering diverse digital talent. Our supportive and values-driven work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while our commitment to employee growth is evident through opportunities for professional development and leadership roles. With state-of-the-art campuses in Manchester and London, we offer a unique environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people and contribute to closing the digital skills gap in the UK.
Contact Detail:
Ada, National College for Digital Skills Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development & Sales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Ada's mission! When you get the chance to chat with employers or during interviews, make sure to express how much you believe in empowering diverse talent. Your enthusiasm can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tough questions! Think about how you can demonstrate your track record in driving sales growth and cultivating relationships. Have specific examples ready to showcase your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After meetings or interviews, send a quick thank-you note. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development & Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Ada's mission shine through. We want to see how much you care about empowering diverse young talent and transforming lives in the tech sector.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in business development and sales. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a track record of driving growth and building strong employer partnerships, so be specific!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you. Share your unique perspective on how you can contribute to our mission and culture at Ada.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ada, National College for Digital Skills
✨Know Ada's Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand Ada's mission to empower diverse digital talent. Familiarise yourself with their achievements and how they are addressing the digital skills gap in the UK. This will help you articulate your alignment with their goals and demonstrate your passion for their cause.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of your past sales achievements, especially those related to business development in education or tech sectors. Be ready to discuss how you've cultivated relationships with C-suite executives and how those partnerships have led to tangible results. This will highlight your capability and experience in driving growth.
✨Engage with Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about Ada’s current partnerships and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge how you can contribute to their mission. It also demonstrates your proactive nature, which is key for this position.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and achieving ambitious targets. Share examples of how you've motivated your team and managed performance. Highlighting your leadership style will reassure them that you can effectively guide your direct reports towards success at Ada.
