Business Development Manager in Luton

At Make UK, we champion and celebrate British manufacturing and engineering. We support over 20,000 businesses across the UK, helping them to innovate, compete, and grow. As part of our continued commitment to developing the next generation of talent, we deliver high-quality Apprenticeships and Skills Training that shape the future of the manufacturing workforce.

You’ll play a key role in expanding Make UK’s client base and driving revenue growth from both new and existing customers. You’ll develop and deliver a robust sales plan to support the organisation’s strategic objectives, ensuring our Apprentices & Skills division continues to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

• Deliver on financial objectives for Make UK’s Apprentices & Skills business.
• Develop and implement local and national sales and marketing plans to drive growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, industry bodies, and educational partners.
• Generate substantial new business through targeted sales activity, networking, and lead generation.
• Research and identify new market opportunities and customer needs.
• Prepare and submit professional sales proposals and presentations.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams across Make UK to maximise business opportunities.
• Monitor and report on sales pipeline, KPIs, and performance targets.
• Support the effective matching of apprentices to vacancies in line with client needs.

You’re a confident, motivated, and strategic sales professional with a proven track record in business development, ideally within the Apprenticeships, Skills, or Training sector. You understand the needs of employers in manufacturing and engineering and can communicate effectively at all levels, from operational staff to senior leaders.

You will also bring:

• Strong B2B sales / Account Management experience.
• An understanding of UK training and apprenticeship programmes or industrial manufacturing.
• Ability to identify market trends and growth opportunities.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills.
• A collaborative, consultative approach with a commercial mindset.
• Leadership qualities, with the ability to motivate others and drive continuous improvement.

At Make UK, you’ll be part of a respected organisation shaping the future of UK industry. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals dedicated to supporting employers and developing skilled talent. We offer:

• A dynamic and supportive environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• The chance to make a tangible impact in the UK manufacturing and skills landscape.

With over 125 years of experience, Make UK is a leading provider of essential business support and a champion for manufacturing industry in the UK. Make UK has the close ear of Government and is a trusted provider of essential services for world leading manufacturing companies across the country. Everything we do is designed to inspire British manufacturers to compete, innovate and grow.

Make UK staff enjoy a good benefits package and values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Benefits to include, but not limited to: Free parking, meal service on site, no bank holiday/weekend work, flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions up to 8%, and life assurance.

We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and we recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation and have pledged to support this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Our Values at Make UK: Inclusivity & Diversity, Integrity, Innovation, & Collaboration.