At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth by securing partnerships and expanding apprenticeship opportunities.
- Company: Join EPNE, a leader in transforming lives through education and skills training.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that prioritises your growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales and knowledge of the Further Education sector is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Closing Date
ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 22 October 2025
Reference: 0770-25
About EPNE
About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.
Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.
We nurture our very special culture. Ourunifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make” represents the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.
Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About the Candidate
The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate an up to date understanding of employer and sector needs and have the ability to identify and respond to changing markets. They will have a sound general knowledge of Apprenticeship Standards and other workforce development related training as well as the changing landscape of Further Education. Applicants will be able to demonstrate a professional approach with good interpersonal skills and be self-motivated
About the Role
EPNE work with over 600 employers each year - supporting them to develop their workforces. Our employer partnerships are managed through our high performing Business Development Team. We are seeking to appoint an additional Business Executive to join our Business Development Team. The New Business Development Executive will lead the business development, marketing and sales activity in the sectors of engineering and AI. Key elements of the job role are working with large Apprenticeship Levy paying organisations to secure an increased market share in Apprenticeships and generate funded and commercial opportunities for the college group. The work will involve identifying new opportunities and growing existing contracts beyond their current size.
Role Responsibilities
Applicants will be able to demonstrate a professional approach with good interpersonal skills and be self-motivated. They must also be able to meet deadlines working under pressure whilst utilising excellent customer relationship and account management skills. Applicants should ideally have experience of working in post 16 education as well as experience of working in sales.
Members of the business Development Team need to be independently mobile and must be able to travel throughout the North East and in some instances further afield.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant experience in their personal statement and give practical examples of how they fulfil the person specification
Qualifications
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- Maths and English at level 2/GCSE
- Valid driving Licence
- A good understanding of the Further Education Sector
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
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Business Development Executive in Sunderland employer: Education Partnership North East
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we are dedicated to unlocking potential and transforming lives through exceptional education and training. Our supportive and inclusive work culture prioritises employee growth, offering extensive benefits such as generous holiday allowances, flexible working options, and comprehensive wellbeing support. Join our changemaking community in the North East, where your contributions will directly impact the lives of individuals and communities.
Contact Details:
Education Partnership North East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education and business development sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research EPNE’s values and mission, and think about how your skills align with their purpose of unlocking potential and transforming lives. Practice common interview questions and come armed with examples that showcase your experience in business development.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your skills and interests right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about unlocking potential and transforming lives through education.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in business development and the education sector. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with our mission at EPNE.
Be Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you!
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 Education Partnership North East
✨Know Your Purpose
Before the interview, take some time to understand EPNE's purpose of unlocking potential and transforming lives. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Sector Knowledge
Brush up on your understanding of Apprenticeship Standards and the current landscape of Further Education. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've identified and responded to changing market needs in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since the role requires excellent customer relationship management, think of instances where you've successfully built relationships or resolved conflicts. Be prepared to discuss these experiences and how they relate to the Business Development Executive position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Mobility and Flexibility
As the role involves travel throughout the North East, be prepared to talk about your willingness to travel and how you manage your time effectively. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully balanced multiple commitments under pressure.
