At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales in the FE sector, converting leads into revenue and building strong relationships.
- Company: Join IMP Software, a fast-growing, award-winning company transforming education finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, health insurance, home office stipend, and funded professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a greenfield opportunity and make a real impact in the education sector.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B sales experience, especially in the FE sector, with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Flexible remote work environment with a culture of respect, collaboration, and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Remote
Reporting to: Head of Sales
About IMP Software
At IMP we help Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) take control of their finances. Our MAT-first software is built by people who know the sector inside out. Former trust professionals, finance experts and product specialists are all part of our team. More than half of all MATs in the UK already use IMP to plan with confidence, simplify complex processes and make smarter decisions.
We’re proud to be independent, founder-led and growing fast. Alongside our award-winning products, we’ve built a culture we’re equally proud of. We are ranked as one of the UK’s Top 25 Great Places to Work for mid-sized companies. Respect, collaboration and personal growth sit at the heart of how we work. You’ll find flexibility, support and opportunities to develop here, alongside regular team socials and funded CPD.
The Opportunity
This is a newly created role and a genuine greenfield opportunity. The FE college market represents a significant and underserved growth segment for IMP, and we are looking for a driven new business salesperson to own it. You will be responsible for converting inbound pipeline into revenue, running your own sales cycle end to end, and building a reputation for IMP in the FE sector. Marketing will generate the leads. Your job is to qualify, progress, and close them. This is a role for someone who is energised by consultative selling, comfortable navigating complex procurement, and motivated by meaningful commission.
What You’ll Do
- Core Selling
- Own the full sales cycle from qualified inbound lead through to signed contract.
- Qualify prospects rigorously, understanding business impact, decision-making processes, and timelines.
- Build strong relationships with Finance Directors, Principals, and senior leadership teams across FE colleges.
- Develop and present compelling, tailored proposals that speak to the specific challenges of FE finance operations.
- Negotiate commercial terms and close deals at or above target.
- Lead discovery and demo calls, supported by a product specialist for technical depth.
- Translate customer challenges into a clear product narrative, focusing on business outcomes over feature lists.
- Respond to formal tender processes and procurement frameworks relevant to the FE sector.
- Prepare high-quality written responses that demonstrate IMP’s capability, value, and sector fit.
- Navigate public procurement requirements, including frameworks and direct award routes where applicable.
- Represent IMP at FE sector events, conferences, and CPD forums.
- Build a network and a profile within the FE finance community.
- Feed market intelligence back into product and marketing to sharpen IMP’s positioning.
What We’re Looking For
We are open on background and level. What matters most is a track record of closing complex B2B deals and the hunger to build something in a new market.
Essential
- Proven track record in B2B SaaS new business sales.
- Experience selling into FE.
- Confident running a full sales cycle independently.
- Ability to write compelling tender and proposal responses.
- Strong commercial acumen and natural ability to qualify hard.
Desirable
- Background in EdTech or education software.
- Experience selling finance, ERP, or MIS systems.
- Knowledge of FE college finance and funding structures.
- Familiarity with public sector procurement frameworks.
- Existing network within FE leadership or finance teams.
Benefits
- 27 days of holiday per year plus bank holidays (with a buy option up to an additional 5 days).
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave.
- AXA Health insurance including dental, optical and mental health.
- Broadband allowance.
- Home office stipend.
- Life assurance (4 x basic salary).
- Encouraged and funded CPD.
Business Development Manager- Further Education in Exeter employer: IMP Software
Contact Detail:
IMP Software Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager- Further Education in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research IMP Software, their products, and the FE sector. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with people in the FE finance community. Building relationships can open doors and give you insights that might just give you the edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to IMP's growth in the FE market. Highlight your experience in B2B sales and how you can navigate complex procurement processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at IMP.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager- Further Education in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in B2B sales and any relevant work in the FE sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at IMP!
Showcase Your Sales Skills: In your application, don’t just list your past roles; tell us about your achievements! Share specific examples of how you've successfully closed deals or navigated complex sales cycles. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your success, even better!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Sector: We’re looking for someone who knows the FE landscape. Use your application to show us that you understand the challenges faced by finance teams in colleges. This will help us see how you can bring value to our team and the clients we serve.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our awesome team at IMP!
How to prepare for a job interview at IMP Software
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into IMP Software and its offerings. Understand their MAT-first software and how it benefits Multi-Academy Trusts. Being able to discuss specific features and how they solve challenges in the FE sector will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous B2B sales experiences, especially in the education sector. Have examples ready that highlight your ability to run a full sales cycle independently, qualify leads, and close deals. This is your chance to demonstrate your consultative selling approach.
✨Tailor Your Proposals
Think about how you would present tailored proposals for potential clients in the FE sector. Be ready to explain how you would address their specific challenges and needs. This will illustrate your understanding of the market and your strategic thinking.
✨Network Like a Pro
If you have connections within the FE finance community, mention them during the interview. Discussing your existing network can show your potential to build relationships and represent IMP effectively at sector events. It’s all about making those connections work for you!