Business Development Manager (Assessment Organisation). in Harwell

Location: Explosive Learning Solutions, Harwell Innovation and Science Campus

Type: Full-time

Reports to: ELS Managing Director

Main purpose of the job

Explosive Learning Solutions is a leading apprenticeship assessment organisation committed to quality, integrity and excellence in apprenticeship assessment.

As part of our ambitious growth strategy, we are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to support the continued growth of our Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation (AO).

This senior role will be responsible for shaping and delivering our commercial assessment strategy, building strong relationships with employers, training providers, partners and industry stakeholders, and positioning ELS as a trusted, high-quality and responsive assessment organisation.

The successful candidate will lead sales and business development activity across our apprenticeship assessment services, identify new opportunities, secure long-term partnerships and help expand our market presence.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation at the forefront of apprenticeship assessment and make a direct impact on how we grow, innovate and deliver exceptional service to apprentices, employers and training providers.

The role involves regular UK travel to attend meetings, events, conferences and networking opportunities. The successful candidate must hold a driving licence and have access to a reliable vehicle.

Main duties and key responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of a clear sales and business development strategy for the ELS Awarding Organisation, aligned with organisational growth objectives.
• Identify new opportunities across apprenticeship standards and emerging markets to expand our apprenticeship assessment portfolio.
• Establish, build and maintain strong relationships with employers, training providers, industry bodies and key stakeholders.
• Lead on securing new apprenticeship assessment contracts and partnerships.
• Oversee the full apprenticeship assessment sales cycle, from lead generation through to contract negotiation and customer onboarding.
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and support long-term client retention.
• Represent ELS at sector and industry events, conferences and networking forums across the UK.
• Develop and monitor sales pipelines, forecasts and performance metrics to achieve revenue and growth targets.
• Design and maintain clear recording and reporting systems to ensure senior leaders are kept up to date on progress.
• Ensure pricing models and commercial offers are competitive, sustainable and compliant with Department for Education, Skills England and Ofqual requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Apprenticeship Assessment Delivery Team, Quality Team, ELS operations and support teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Provide market insight and competitor intelligence to inform organisational strategy.
• Contribute to senior leadership decision-making.
• Deliver presentations to potential and existing customers, including employers, training providers, industry stakeholders and apprentices.
• Provide regular updates at Managers’ Meetings and Quarterly Directors’ Meetings.
• Work with the ELS Digital Learning Team and Multi-Channel Marketer to ensure marketing materials are innovative, accurate, up to date and available for meetings, virtual communications and events.
• Support the onboarding, training and management of new apprenticeship assessment sales and business development staff, where required.
• Undertake any additional duties requested by the ELS Directors to support organisational needs and objectives.

Qualifications and experienceEssential

• Proven experience in sales, business development or commercial growth at management level.
• Experience working with apprenticeship standards, Apprenticeship Assessment, End-Point Assessment, Awarding Bodies or related education and training sectors.
• Experience working in a regulated environment, such as Ofqual.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent commercial awareness, with the ability to support, design and deliver sustainable growth strategies.
• Demonstrable leadership skills and the ability to motivate teams and work collaboratively across functions.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• A data-driven approach, with strong analytical, forecasting and reporting skills.
• Full driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
• A strong track record of driving growth.
• An established network within the apprenticeship, further education or wider skills sector.
• Knowledge of digital solutions and platforms that improve customer engagement and sales performance.
• A degree or professional qualification in business, sales or a related discipline.

Skills and attributes

• Strategic and commercially focused.
• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Excellent networking and relationship-management skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Able to identify and develop new business opportunities.
• Highly organised, proactive and self-motivated.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Able to analyse data, monitor performance and produce accurate reports.
• Strong understanding of customer needs and commercial drivers.
• Able to work collaboratively with operational, delivery, quality and marketing teams.
• Confident representing the organisation at events and industry forums.
• Flexible and willing to travel throughout the UK.
• Passionate about apprenticeships, skills development and high-quality assessment.

Package

Holidays: 22 days, plus all public holidays and three days’ paid Christmas shutdown

Pension: 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution

Additional benefits

• Reward Gateway employee discount platform
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Equality, inclusion and safeguarding

Explosive Learning Solutions is committed to equality of opportunity, safeguarding and creating a respectful, inclusive and supportive working environment for all employees.