Business Development Manager (Independent schools) in Exeter

Job title : Business Development Manager

Location : Remote

Reporting to: Head of Sales

Salary: £50,000 base + OTE

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 Independent School 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 Independent 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.

• Self-generate leads to work alongside inbound opportunities, leverage tools like LinkedIn.

• Build strong relationships with Bursars, Principals, and senior leadership teams across Independent Schools & Groups.

• Develop and present compelling, tailored proposals that speak to the specific challenges of Independent finance operations.

• Negotiate commercial terms and close deals at or above target.

• Manage your own target and maintain honest and accurate forecasting

Product Demonstrations

• 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.

Tenders & Procurement

• Respond to formal tender processes and procurement frameworks relevant to the Independent 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.

Sector Presence

• Represent IMP at Independent sector events, conferences, and CPD forums.

• Build a network and a profile within the Independent 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.

• Confident running a full sales cycle independently.

• Ability to write compelling tender and proposal responses.

• Strong commercial acumen and natural ability to qualify hard.

• Startup mentality

• AI Native

Desirable

• Background in EdTech or education software.

• Experience selling finance, ERP, or MIS systems.

• Knowledge of Independent School finance and funding structures.

• Familiarity with public sector procurement frameworks.