At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development and build strong relationships with key corporate clients.
- Company: Join Kaplan Professional, a global leader in education and training.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to empowering success for all.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving growth and shaping the future of corporate learning.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior sales roles and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Business Development Director to join our team. We are seeking a senior, entrepreneurial commercial leader to act as the primary owner of our most critical corporate client relationships. As a key commercial leader within Kaplan Professional Education, you will drive revenue growth and expand our strategic footprint within Kaplan’s largest existing and target corporate accounts. Moving beyond transactional sales, you will act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, embedding Kaplan’s full suite of learning solutions—encompassing both apprenticeships and commercial training—to solve complex skills challenges. You will serve as the champion for our commercial engagements, setting the tone for professionalism, trust, and deep, sustainable partnership in our most high-value client verticals.
What you’ll bring to the role
- Essential
- Senior Commercial Leadership: Demonstrable success in senior sales or business development roles, with a track record of managing high-value enterprise accounts (FTSE 250 preferred) in the UK skills/training market.
- Consultative Sales Approach: Deep experience in solution selling and "skills-led" conversations. Comfortable discussing C-suite priorities (digital transformation, skills gaps, ROI) rather than just product features.
- Strategic Stakeholder Management: Ability to engage and influence at the C-suite and director levels, establishing "technical trust" with internal account teams and external client stakeholders.
- Commercial Acumen: Extensive experience in developing complex revenue models, navigating tender processes, and leading large-scale bids.
- Full-Portfolio Fluency: Ability to articulate the value of diverse learning products (apprenticeships vs. commercial training) and align them to a client’s long-term digital/tech roadmap.
- Communication: Exceptional written and presentation skills; comfortable presenting to large audiences and drafting high-stakes proposals.
- Desirable
- Sector Specialism: Experience in specific verticals (e.g., Technology, Financial Services, or Public Sector).
- Leadership Experience: Prior experience in formally leading or managing high-performing sales teams.
- Technical/AI Literacy: Demonstrable knowledge of AI and digital transformation trends, and how these affect the future of work and corporate learning requirements.
What we offer
- 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 Monday 27th July 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.
Business Development Director in Manchester employer: KP UK
Kaplan Professional is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a supportive work culture where integrity and collaboration thrive. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to succeed while contributing to a mission of providing equal access to education. Joining Kaplan means being part of a diverse global organisation that values creativity and fosters meaningful career progression in the finance and education sectors.
