Business Development Manager SME Team in Manchester

Business Development Manager SME Team in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
KnowledgeBrief

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive business growth by uncovering new opportunities in the SME market.
  • Company: Join KnowledgeBrief, a leader in innovative leadership training.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, uncapped commission, and career progression.
  • Other info: Remote work with occasional travel to London for team events.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on leadership development while advancing your own 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 January 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.

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.

Travel: Travel to London for team days is reimbursed in full.

Closing date for applications: Monday 5th January 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

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 Manchester employer: KnowledgeBrief

At KnowledgeBrief, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions professional growth and a supportive work culture. Our remote 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 and the chance to gain a fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification, we empower our employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the leadership development sector.

KnowledgeBrief

Contact Details:

KnowledgeBrief Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get on LinkedIn and connect with people in the industry. Join relevant groups, engage in discussions, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential employers directly. A personal touch can make all the difference!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, especially how they align with your passion for leadership and learning. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your experience in business development.

Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.

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 at KnowledgeBrief!

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

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 tell us why you're passionate about leadership and how your background makes you a great fit for our SME team. Be sure to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your target-focused mindset.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Business Development Manager, you'll need to connect with senior stakeholders. In your application, highlight instances where you've successfully built relationships or communicated effectively with clients. This will show us you're ready for the dynamic nature of the role.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our careers page. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can explore other opportunities within KnowledgeBrief while you’re 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. Research KnowledgeBrief’s approach to apprenticeships and how they impact leadership development. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.

Showcase Your Sales Skills

Prepare specific examples of your past successes in telesales or business development. Be ready to discuss how you’ve met targets and built relationships with senior stakeholders. Use data to back up your achievements; numbers speak volumes!

Be Personable and Engaging

Since the role involves connecting with various stakeholders, practice building rapport during the interview. Show your warm personality and ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can engage effectively with C-level executives.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their strategies for engaging SMEs or how they measure success in their apprenticeship programmes. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their mission.