Business Development Manager in Manchester

Grant Thornton – At Grant Thornton we do things differently, looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. We empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance. A true alternative. With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential.

NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF. Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities to do what is right and achieve their goals. Talent Solutions is a part of our People Advisory practice, which helps companies develop the right skills in their people to execute their business strategy. We help organisations find the key skills they need, and offer customised ways to upskill talent, either through tailored courses delivered by Grant Thornton specialists, or development programmes funded by the apprenticeship levy, available to all skills levels and experience. We work with high quality universities, business schools and training specialists to create skills programmes that combine world-class theory, industry insights and practical application for immediate workplace impact. These programmes can be funded through an organisation’s apprenticeship levy, saving costs and optimising learning and development strategies. We cover various business skills, and mainly focus on leadership and management, coaching, finance and accountancy, data and sustainability skills.

A look into the role: The Business Development Manager works in the commercial sales function. This role identifies and engages new clients to the business, and also proactively introduces Grant Thornton’s wider services to support our clients. As a Business Development Manager within the Talent Solutions team, you will play a pivotal sales role, proactively identifying and engaging new clients specifically for our skills programmes. Your primary responsibility will be to drive the growth of our tailored learning and development solutions, positioning these programmes as essential tools for organisations seeking to upskill their workforce. You will approach companies that meet our suitability criteria, engage with C-suite and senior stakeholders to understand their skills needs, and present our range of skills programmes—including those funded by the apprenticeship levy—as strategic solutions. Building and managing a portfolio of clients, you will ensure ongoing satisfaction and identify further opportunities to support the client across the Firm’s wider services, always with a consultative and results-driven sales approach. You will ensure compliance with all required service-related reporting, code of conduct and Firm requirements. You will deliver exemplary levels of client satisfaction and team collaboration.

Knowing you’re right for us: Joining us as a Business Development Manager, the minimum criteria you’ll need is experience in a Business Development Sales role, working with senior stakeholders and C-suite, and to have natural, consultative selling skills. You will also need to be a self-starter and have excellent relationship and communication skills with the ability of managing with multiple clients. It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way:

• Experience of bringing in new clients and winning work
• Have a strong network of clients
• An understanding of apprenticeships (not essential)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and use of CRM
• Social media (incl. LinkedIn and Sales Navigator) and high-level marketing skills

Knowing we’re right for you: Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential. Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

Beyond the job: Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance. The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind. We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.