Business Development Manager

We are looking for a Business Development Manager to join our team.

Role Summary

The primary focus of the Business Development Manager is to identify growth opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and drive revenue for the organisation. This role involves market research, lead generation, client relationship management, and developing tailored proposals to win new business. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial acumen, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of achieving targets in a fast-paced environment.

• Proactively source and engage prospective clients through outbound activity (calls, email, LinkedIn, events)
• Manage and convert inbound leads generated through marketing campaigns, events, and content engagement
• Qualify employer needs and align them to the right solutions—apprenticeships, short courses, or bespoke training
• Lead end-to-end sales cycle including scoping calls, proposal writing, stakeholder engagement, pricing, and contract negotiation
• Build strong relationships with decision-makers in HR, L&D, Digital Transformation, and technical functions
• Accurately forecast revenue and maintain CRM hygiene to support reporting and decision-making

What you’ll bring to the role

This is a role that will suit a candidate who has strong communication and interpersonal skills and is looking to apply their skills and develop their experience in a market leading company:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with a range of stakeholders
• Motivated, resilient, and target-driven, with a genuine interest in business development and skills training
• Professional work ethic and a proactive approach to learning and personal development
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team
• Strong written communication skills, particularly in emails, proposals, and presentations
• Comfortable presenting to individuals and small groups, both online and in person

What we do

Kaplan Professional is a leading provider of apprenticeships, accountancy / tax / finance & banking courses, and professional assessments. For almost 80 years, we've helped shape the development and careers of finance professionals. We are part of the Kaplan group, one of the world’s largest and most diverse education and assessment providers. We operate in over 30 countries and maintain relationships and partnerships with more than 1,000 school districts, colleges and universities, professional bodies and over 10,000 businesses. Our vast breadth and scope in terms of both capabilities and assets sets us apart.

What we believe in

Our goal is for Kaplan to be a great place to work where everybody can succeed, so we truly live and breathe our values: act with integrity, grow knowledge, empower & support, create opportunity, drive results together. Kaplan is a global organisation whose mission is rooted in providing equal access to education and opportunities for advancement to people of all backgrounds. We believe diversity, equity and inclusion - of culture, experiences, perspectives - are paramount to creating success and opportunity in an ever-changing world. As an educator, partner and employer, Kaplan is committed to promoting an equitable world in which diverse talent can develop, advance and thrive.

Our Values

• Act with integrity
• Empower and support
• Create opportunity
• Grow knowledge
• Drive results together

What we offer

As well as a competitive salary, transparent pay structures, hybrid/home working where possible, and paths for career progression, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 28 days annual leave + option to purchase more
• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Big discounts on Kaplan courses for you and your family
• Private medical, income protection, and life insurance
• 24/7 confidential helpline providing counselling and other support services
• Company pension contributions
• Maternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Paternity/Partner pay which is well above statutory levels

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit a CV along with a Cover Letter detailing how you meet the requirements of the role no later than 11pm on Wednesday 20th May 2026. Note, we recommend that you apply at the earliest as we reserve the right to close the role before the closing date if we have gathered a suitable shortlist.

Application Support

If you require support completing your application or wish to talk to someone about the role before applying please email the Recruitment Team at kaplanstaff.recruitment@kaplan.com.

Disability Confident Scheme

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role as per the job description and any screening or testing stages. Details of how to request your application be considered under the Disability Confident scheme will be shared with all applicants upon submission of an application. Furthermore, all applicants invited to attend interview will be given information on how to request reasonable adjustments to attend.