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- Tasks: Lead business development for UK Government, focusing on partnerships and learning solutions.
- Company: Pearson is transforming workforce development across the UK with innovative learning solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexibility, and the chance to make a national impact.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team shaping the future of employability and skills in the public sector.
- Qualifications: Proven B2G sales success, experience with UK Government, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a company that values growth, autonomy, and making a real difference.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About the role
Are you an experienced sales professional with a passion for public sector transformation? Do you thrive in consultative sales, solution design, and relationship-building at the highest levels? At Pearson, we’re on a mission to transform workforce development across the UK—and we’re looking for a Senior Business Development Manager to help us make it happen. Joining our Enterprise Learning & Skills division, you'll play a key role in shaping how we engage with UK Government clients, such as the Cabinet Office, DWP, and the Home Office. Your focus will be on driving partnerships that address national priorities around upskilling, employability, apprenticeships, and managed learning services. You’ll be part of a team that’s at the forefront of equipping the UK workforce with the skills needed for the future—and you’ll help ensure Pearson is the trusted partner for government-led talent transformation.
Your key responsibilities:
- Lead and own business development for our UK Government portfolio, working with central government departments to offer scalable, high-impact learning and skilling solutions.
- Drive growth by identifying, pursuing and securing strategic opportunities, with a particular focus on apprenticeships, digital learning, and workforce development initiatives.
- Develop lasting relationships with senior stakeholders in government, including C-suite, HR leaders, L&D and procurement heads.
- Navigate public sector procurement processes, including frameworks, tenders, and bid submissions, ensuring commercial and contractual excellence.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product, marketing, and operational teams to tailor and deliver effective client solutions.
- Stay on the pulse of policy changes, funding mechanisms, and national priorities that impact the UK’s skills agenda.
About you
You’re a consultative, strategic seller who knows how to navigate complex stakeholder environments. You’re energised by purpose and driven by results. And most importantly, you want to be part of a company that’s leading the way in employability, digital credentials and verified skills. You’ll bring:
- A proven track record of B2G (business-to-government) sales success.
- Experience working with the UK Government and a strong grasp of public procurement processes.
- Background in education, training, apprenticeships or learning tech.
- Commercial acumen with the ability to build partnerships, shape solutions and close deals.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Why Pearson?
At Pearson, learning is not just what we do—it’s who we are. Our Enterprise Learning & Skills division supports over 200 employers and governments globally to futureproof their workforces and close critical skills gaps. We’re transforming how organisations recruit, train, assess and upskill their people—with purpose, insight, and innovation.
Additional info:
- Hybrid working aligned to London, 80 Strand, with flexibility to attend client and internal meetings as required.
- A mission-led company where your work drives national impact.
- Growth, autonomy and the chance to make a real difference in public sector skills strategy.
Ready to shape the future of UK workforce development? Apply now or get in touch to find out more.
Senior Manager Business Development - UK Government employer: Pearson - UK
Contact Detail:
Pearson - UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager Business Development - UK Government
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current UK Government initiatives and policies related to workforce development. Understanding these will not only help you in conversations but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working within the public sector, especially those involved in procurement and learning initiatives. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully navigated public sector procurement processes in the past. This will showcase your expertise and reassure the hiring team of your capability to handle similar challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in digital learning and apprenticeships. Being knowledgeable about innovative solutions will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can contribute to Pearson's mission effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager Business Development - UK Government
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in B2G sales and your understanding of public procurement processes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in building relationships with government stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for public sector transformation and how your skills align with Pearson's mission. Mention your experience with apprenticeships and workforce development initiatives to show you understand the role's focus.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: When detailing your work history, emphasise achievements that relate to consultative sales and solution design. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact, such as revenue growth or successful partnerships formed.
Research Pearson and the Role: Familiarise yourself with Pearson's Enterprise Learning & Skills division and their approach to workforce development. Understanding their goals will help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission during the application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson - UK
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the UK public sector, especially regarding workforce development. Being able to discuss recent policy changes or government initiatives will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Consultative Selling Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build relationships and tailor solutions to meet specific client needs, particularly in a government context.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with public procurement processes, including frameworks and tenders. Show how your commercial insight has led to successful partnerships and deals in the past, particularly in education or training sectors.
✨Engage with Key Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach building relationships with senior stakeholders in government. Prepare to discuss strategies for engaging C-suite executives and HR leaders, and how you can effectively communicate the value of your solutions.
