Business Development Manager – SME Team in Birmingham

Business Development Manager – SME Team in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 30000 - 40000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
KnowledgeBrief

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive business growth by uncovering opportunities in the SME market and engaging with clients.
  • Company: Join KnowledgeBrief, a leader in innovative leadership training and development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, uncapped commission, and career progression opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible remote work with travel to London for team events and training.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on leadership development while advancing your own career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in telesales or business development; passion for leadership is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.

We are hiring for multiple vacancies due to high growth. Successful candidates can start from July 2026.

Full-time, Remote/Hybrid - While the role is advertised in a specific area, it is remote and we operate on a home-working model. The candidate must be able to travel to London a minimum of 6 times per year for operational meet-ups, training days and company away days. Travel to London for team days is reimbursed in full.

Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 per annum basic salary, dependent on experience. (At this stage, the higher end of the salary banding will be considered for candidates with considerable experience selling within the apprenticeship or training sector.)

Commission: Uncapped commission on all apprenticeship starts once monthly target is met.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 31st May 2026

Ready to Shape the Future of Leadership and Business Management? Want to help redefine how Leadership professionals learn, lead, and succeed across the UK? At KnowledgeBrief, we partner with organisations across industries to elevate leadership through emotionally intelligent, evidence-based learning. Apprenticeships are at the heart of our delivery, providing high-impact, on-the-job development that upskills leaders, inspires the next generation, and helps businesses embed inclusive, values-driven cultures at scale.

Business Development Manager – What You’ll Be Doing

As part of the SME team, you’ll collaborate with a close-knit group of four experienced Business Development Managers. You’ll proactively uncover new opportunities within the SME market through confident, data-driven market research. The team leverages a range of outreach strategies including cold calls, email, LinkedIn, and marketing initiatives to connect with potential clients and drive meaningful engagement.

Given the dynamic nature of the role, you’ll need to adapt your approach to each client’s unique needs and quickly build rapport with senior stakeholders, including C-level executives, directors, and senior managers.

Business Development Manager – What’s On Offer

  • Full-time role, 37.5 hours per week
  • Salary: £30,000–£40,000 per annum, dependent on experience
  • Uncapped commission on all apprenticeship starts once monthly target is met
  • Opportunity to undertake a fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification
  • Career progression to Senior Business Development Manager based on performance and length of service
  • 5.6 weeks annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
  • Paid company closure over the winter holidays
  • 2 weeks full sick pay per year

Ideal Candidates Will Showcase Some or All of the Following

  • Proven success in telesales or business development (essential)
  • Experience in selling apprenticeships and training (desirable, but not essential)
  • Target-focused, driven, and motivated by success
  • Warm, able to connect with a variety of stakeholders and build strong relationships
  • Confident and effective communicator, particularly with senior stakeholders
  • Customer-focused mindset across diverse industries
  • Passion for leadership, learning, and helping others grow
  • Self-motivated, resilient, and adaptable
  • Organised, enthusiastic, and goal-oriented

Recruitment Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 45-minute teams call with myself to discuss the role and alignment to the requirements. Successful candidates will be invited to an interview with the Sales Manager. We have a designated interview date of Wednesday 3rd June, though we may be flexible with this if slots get filled up.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re excited by the idea of helping leaders grow, and growing your own career in the process, send us your CV and we will be in touch.

Nathan
People Partner
KnowledgeBrief

KnowledgeBrief is an Equal Opportunities employer. All qualified candidates will be considered.

Business Development Manager – SME Team in Birmingham employer: KnowledgeBrief

At KnowledgeBrief, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions professional growth and a supportive work culture. Our remote and hybrid working model allows for flexibility while fostering collaboration through regular team meet-ups in London, ensuring you feel connected and valued. With uncapped commission opportunities, generous annual leave, and the chance to gain a fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification, we are dedicated to empowering our employees to thrive both personally and professionally.

KnowledgeBrief

Contact Detail:

KnowledgeBrief Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager – SME Team in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Before your interview, dive into KnowledgeBrief's values and vision. This will help you connect your experience with what they stand for, making you a standout candidate.

Tip Number 2

Practice your pitch! You’ll need to showcase your ability to build rapport with senior stakeholders. Role-play with a friend or in front of the mirror to nail that confident communication style.

Tip Number 3

Leverage LinkedIn! Use it to research potential clients and their needs. A well-informed approach can set you apart when discussing how you can help them grow through apprenticeships.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team at KnowledgeBrief.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager – SME Team in Birmingham

Business Development
Telesales
Market Research
Client Engagement
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Business Development Manager role. Highlight any relevant experience in telesales or business development, especially if you've worked in the apprenticeship or training sector.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for leadership and learning, and explain why you're the perfect fit for our SME team. Don't forget to mention how you can help us redefine how professionals learn and succeed.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Business Development Manager, you'll need to connect with senior stakeholders. Make sure your written application demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and build relationships. Use clear, concise language and a friendly tone!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our careers page. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company values there!

How to prepare for a job interview at KnowledgeBrief

Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the SME market and understand the current trends. Familiarise yourself with how apprenticeships are shaping leadership development. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate your expertise.

Showcase Your Sales Success

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous sales achievements, especially in telesales or business development. Highlight any experience you have in selling apprenticeships or training, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Build Rapport Quickly

Practice your communication skills to ensure you can connect with senior stakeholders effortlessly. Think about how you can adapt your approach based on their unique needs. A warm, personable attitude can make a significant difference in building relationships.

Be Ready for Role-Play Scenarios

Expect to engage in role-play during the interview, where you might need to demonstrate your outreach strategies. Prepare by practising cold calls or email pitches, focusing on how you would approach potential clients in the SME sector.