Business Development Manager – SME Team

Business Development Manager – SME Team

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

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive business growth by uncovering new opportunities in the SME market.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading apprenticeship provider.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, and career progression opportunities.
  • Other info: Remote work with occasional travel to London for team events.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills and career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in telesales or business development is essential.

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.

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.

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 to discuss the role and alignment with 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 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. KnowledgeBrief is an Equal Opportunities employer. All qualified candidates will be considered.

Business Development Manager – SME Team employer: KnowledgeBrief

KnowledgeBrief is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification and clear career progression opportunities within the SME team. With a supportive remote/hybrid work culture, generous annual leave, and a commitment to work-life balance, employees can thrive while contributing to meaningful engagements with clients. The company also fosters a collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to connect and share insights, making it an ideal place for driven individuals looking to make a significant impact.

KnowledgeBrief

Contact Details:

KnowledgeBrief Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn and let them know you're on the hunt for a Business Development Manager role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, especially how they align with your passion for leadership and helping others grow. Tailor your responses to showcase your experience in telesales and business development.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Whether it's a cold call or a casual chat, being able to confidently communicate your value is key. Role-play with a friend or record yourself to refine your delivery.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the SME market.

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

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 helping others grow and your customer-focused mindset. Don’t forget to mention how you can adapt your approach to meet the unique needs of different clients.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be engaging with senior stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application, and consider including examples of how you've successfully built relationships in the past.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.

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. Research potential clients and their needs, so you can discuss how your skills align with their goals. This shows you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Business Development Manager, you'll need to connect with senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing with a friend to simulate the interview environment and refine your communication style.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like overcoming objections or building rapport with a difficult client. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Highlight Your Achievements

Be ready to discuss your previous successes in telesales or business development. Use metrics to quantify your achievements, such as sales targets met or new clients acquired. This will help you stand out as a results-driven candidate.