Are you a high-performing sales professional looking for your next challenge?
Do you thrive on building relationships, opening doors, closing deals and exceeding targets?
East Sussex College Group is looking for an ambitious, commercially focused Senior Business Development Advisor to drive business growth, generate new income streams and develop strategic partnerships across Sussex.
This is not a traditional education sales role. We want someone with a proven sales background who can identify opportunities, nurture relationships and convert conversations into commercial outcomes. Whether your background is in B2B sales, account management, business development, recruitment, training, professional services or another fast-moving commercial environment, we would love to hear from you.
Experience in education, apprenticeships or skills provision is beneficial, but not essential. We are more interested in your ability to sell, influence and build strong commercial relationships.
About the Role
As a Senior Business Development Advisor, you will play a leading role in growing the College's employer engagement and commercial offer.
Working with senior business leaders across the region, you will identify workforce development needs, develop tailored solutions and secure new opportunities across apprenticeships, commercial training, adult skills programmes, industry placements and other business services.
You’ll manage a portfolio of key accounts while proactively generating new business through networking, referrals, relationship building and strategic account development.
Key Responsibilities
- Winning new business and generating commercial opportunities
- Building and managing relationships with senior decision‑makers
- Developing strategic partnerships across Sussex
- Managing a strong sales pipeline through CRM systems
- Delivering against income and growth targets
- Identifying opportunities for apprenticeships, training and workforce development solutions
- Representing the College at networking events, business forums and employer meetings
- Mentoring and supporting colleagues within the Business Development team
- Working collaboratively with curriculum and operational teams to deliver customer‑focused solutions
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Proven in generating new business and exceeding targets
- Experience in B2B sales, account management or business development
- Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and business leaders
- Natural relationship builder with excellent communication skills
- Commercially astute and opportunity focused
- Organised, proactive and comfortable managing a busy pipeline
- Resilient, self‑motivated and driven to succeed in a fast‑paced environment
Benefits
- Be part of a growing and ambitious Business Development team
- Opportunity to shape employer engagement across the region
- Work with a diverse range of businesses and industries
- Competitive salary and attractive benefits package
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- Make a genuine impact on local businesses, employers and communities
Employment Details
- Annual salary: circa £34,600 per annum
- Hours: full time, 37 hours per week, full year, permanent contract
- Locations: Eastbourne, Hastings & Lewes with travel across Sussex
- Closing date: 2nd August 2026
- Interview date: provisionally 12th or 13th August 2026
Equal Opportunity
We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including Black and minority ethnic communities, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles require enhanced DBS checks and eligibility to work in the UK.
We are also committed to making our recruitment process accessible for all candidates. If you require adjustments or support, please let us know and we will facilitate reasonable adaptations.
SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR in Eastbourne employer: East Sussex College Group
Join our Hastings campus as a Quality Lead and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering outstanding student experiences. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, with access to funded teaching qualifications and a range of training courses to enhance your career growth. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the education sector.
