At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage employers to create apprenticeship opportunities and build strong partnerships.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on training and employability with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Pension, health cash plan, flexible working, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy fun family days and employee recognition awards!
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting employers with talented apprentices.
- Qualifications: Experience in B2B sales or employer engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Newton Aycliffe, HO plus travel throughout the Northeast where needed.
Reports to: Senior Sales Manager.
We are seeking a driven and commercially focused Business Development Executive to lead on employer engagement and securing of apprenticeship opportunities. You will be responsible for building employer partnerships, generating high‑quality apprenticeship vacancies, and ensuring employers commit to recruiting and training apprentices through funded programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and engage new employers to create apprenticeship opportunities aligned to funding, standards and our company values.
- Generate a minimum of 12 quality apprenticeship opportunities per month that align with programme and funding criteria.
- Create and deliver tailored proposals that match employer workforce needs with appropriate apprenticeship standards.
- Negotiate and finalise proposals ensuring contractual compliance and sustainability.
- Maintain a live employer pipeline, capturing leads, conversions, and pipeline progression using CRM tools.
- Promote additional opportunities to employers, including cross‑selling Skills Bootcamps, Short Courses and Commercial training.
- Monitor employer satisfaction and respond to feedback, continuously improving the employer experience.
Essential Qualifications
- Proven experience in B2B sales, account management, or employer engagement—ideally in training, employability, or apprenticeships.
- Strong relationship management and negotiation skills.
- Results‑driven, with the ability to meet KPIs and outcome targets in a high‑paced environment.
- Proficient in CRM systems and MS Office.
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge of Apprenticeship Levy, Skills Bootcamps, and ASF‑funded programmes.
- Experience with government‑funded programmes and ESFA compliance.
- Understanding of learner journey and employability metrics.
Company Benefits
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On‑site parking
- Work from home
- Health Cash Plan: Get up to 100% money back on everyday healthcare costs. Claim on dental, optical, chiropody, health screening, physiotherapy and more.
- Wellbeing Package: 24/7 counselling and support helpline. Direct line to a doctor via phone or video chat. Online health and lifestyle analysis. Deals and discounts from high‑quality brands including Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys, Adidas, Puregym, Currys, Boots, Just Eat and many more!
- Career progression opportunities.
- Funded training available to all employees.
- Birthday off after 1 year of service.
- Flexi Time.
- Family Fun Days.
- Employee of the month recognition awards.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
As an equal opportunity employer, we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Learners are at the centre of everything we do so we are committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, provide satisfactory references and prove their eligibility to work in the UK.
Job Types: Full‑time, Permanent
Business Development Executive in Newton Aycliffe employer: Optimum Skills Limited
Join a dynamic team in Newton Aycliffe, where we prioritise employee growth and well-being. As a Business Development Executive, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that values your contributions, offers flexible working arrangements, and provides comprehensive health and wellness programmes. With ample opportunities for career progression and a commitment to fostering strong employer partnerships, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive in Newton Aycliffe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Executive role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you’ll get a chance to impress someone. Prepare a short, engaging summary of your experience and what you can bring to the table. Tailor it to highlight your skills in B2B sales and employer engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings or networking events. A quick email thanking someone for their time can keep you fresh in their mind. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in building those employer partnerships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check our website for job openings! We’re always looking for driven individuals like you to join our team. Applying directly through our site gives you a better chance to stand out and show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive in Newton Aycliffe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Executive role. Highlight your experience in B2B sales and employer engagement, and show how you align with our company values and the apprenticeship opportunities we offer.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to generate high-quality apprenticeship vacancies. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've met KPIs and driven results in previous positions.
Be Personable and Professional:We love a friendly approach! While maintaining professionalism, let your personality shine through in your application. This will help us see how you'd fit into our team and engage with employers effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimum Skills Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the apprenticeship landscape and the specific programmes the company offers. Familiarise yourself with the Apprenticeship Levy and Skills Bootcamps, as this knowledge will show your commitment and readiness to engage with employers effectively.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your B2B sales and account management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully built relationships and negotiated deals, as these are crucial for the Business Development Executive role.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Think about how you can create tailored proposals for potential employers. During the interview, share ideas on how you would align apprenticeship opportunities with employer needs, demonstrating your ability to think strategically and creatively.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since maintaining a live employer pipeline is key, come prepared to discuss how you’ve used CRM tools in the past. Highlight your experience in tracking leads and conversions, and be ready to explain how you measure success against KPIs in a fast-paced environment.
