Business Development Officer

About the Role

Are you a results-driven, commercially minded professional with a passion for education and skills? We are looking for an ambitious Business Development Officer to join our Apprenticeships and Business Engagement team. This is a key role where you will drive new employer partnerships and generate apprenticeship growth, contributing directly to the University’s strategic ambitions. You will be responsible for identifying and securing new employer opportunities, converting high‑quality leads into apprenticeship enrolments, and working closely with our Account Management team to build lasting relationships. Your work will deliver sustainable revenue growth while creating meaningful opportunities for learners and employers.

Main Responsibilities

• Identify new opportunities: proactively generate and secure new apprenticeship sales in line with the business strategy, consistently delivering against targets and KPIs.
• New employer acquisition: engage, secure and onboard new employer partners, ensuring a smooth transition to the Account Management team for long‑term relationship development.
• Market insight & engagement: stay informed about developments within the apprenticeship sector and represent the University at networking events, roadshows and industry forums to promote our offer and expand employer engagement.
• Negotiate and close deals: use a consultative sales approach to convert leads into confirmed learner enrolments, building value‑led solutions for employers.
• Pipeline and reporting management: maintain an accurate and robust pipeline of apprenticeship starts, ensuring all CRM systems and reporting tools are kept up to date.
• Collaborate for success: work closely with internal teams, particularly Apprenticeship Account Managers, as well as external partners, to achieve shared business development goals.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Proven business development success: demonstrable experience in business development or account management, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.
• Apprenticeship and funding knowledge: a solid understanding of the apprenticeship sector, work‑based learning models and funding mechanisms.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills: confident in building relationships with employer stakeholders and influencing outcomes.
• Stakeholder management experience: working with a wide range of organisations to build and maintain effective partnerships.
• Commercial and strategic thinking: ability to identify opportunities, think strategically and deliver practical solutions.
• Highly organised and self‑motivated: comfortable managing competing priorities independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
• Digital and IT capability: proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM/sales reporting tools.
• Flexibility and travel: willingness to travel regionally as required, with a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Qualification: educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification or relevant experience.