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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business growth in the skills training sector and drive strategic expansion.
- Company: Join a family-founded organisation with 40 years of empowering communities through skills initiatives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous perks, and a culture that prioritises wellbeing and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lives while thriving in a supportive, purpose-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development within the Employability and Skills sector is essential.
- Other info: This hybrid role requires 2-3 days in Birmingham and occasional travel to Leicester.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ready to Shape the Future of Skills and Employment?
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for making a difference? This is your chance to lead business growth in a role that combines commercial acumen with social impact — helping transform lives through skills and training.
Why Join This Organisation?
Join a purpose-driven, family-founded organisation with nearly four decades of experience in empowering communities through employment and skills initiatives. This values-led organisation has earned Investors in People Gold accreditation, and is proud to be an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer. With flexible working, generous benefits, and a culture that champions wellbeing and inclusion, this is a place where you can thrive — both professionally and personally.
The Role: Business Development & Growth Lead
As the Business Development & Growth Lead, you’ll play a vital role in driving the organisation’s strategic expansion across the adult skills and training sector. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the execution of the organisation’s growth strategy
- Identifying new business opportunities in areas such as Skills Bootcamps, Adult Education, and employer-led training
- Building partnerships with local authorities, awarding bodies, FE colleges, and employer networks
- Supporting the development and submission of high-quality funding bids
- Overseeing performance metrics, funding sustainability, and new revenue streams
- Representing the organisation at key sector events and forums
This is a hybrid role, with 2–3 days in the Birmingham office and occasional travel to HQ in Leicester.
The Ideal Candidate
To succeed in this role, you’ll need:
- Significant experience in business development and strategy within the Employability and Skills sector
- Proven success working with ESFA contracts, levy-paying employers, and local/combined authorities
- A deep understanding of adult education funding and training delivery requirements
- Strong stakeholder engagement and employer relationship skills
- A strategic, data-driven mindset with excellent communication and partnership-building abilities
- A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel as needed
If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level and make a measurable impact in the lives of individuals and communities, this is the opportunity for you.
Apply today and be part of a mission-led organisation that’s creating real change — one skill at a time.
Business Development & Strategy Lead - Skills Training Sector employer: S Knights Recruitment
Contact Detail:
S Knights Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development & Strategy Lead - Skills Training Sector
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the skills training sector. Attend industry events, webinars, and local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and partners. Building relationships can give you insights into the organisation's culture and values, which is crucial for tailoring your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the organisation's recent projects and initiatives in the skills training sector. Understanding their current focus areas will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals during interviews or networking conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past successes in business development and strategy. Highlight your experience with ESFA contracts and partnerships with local authorities, as these are key aspects of the role that the organisation values.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for social impact and community empowerment. Be ready to articulate why you want to work in this sector and how your personal values align with the organisation's mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development & Strategy Lead - Skills Training Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development and strategy, particularly within the Employability and Skills sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success with ESFA contracts and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for skills training and social impact. Clearly articulate how your background aligns with the organisation's mission and values, and mention any specific achievements that showcase your strategic thinking.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your understanding of adult education funding and training delivery requirements. Showcase your data-driven mindset and communication skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at S Knights Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've developed and executed business strategies in the skills training sector. Highlight your ability to identify opportunities and drive growth, as this role requires a strategic mindset.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in building partnerships with local authorities, employers, and educational institutions. Share stories that illustrate your relationship-building skills and how they have led to successful collaborations.
✨Understand Funding and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with adult education funding and ESFA contracts. Be prepared to discuss how you have navigated these areas in previous roles, as this knowledge is crucial for the position.
✨Express Your Passion for Social Impact
This organisation values social impact highly, so convey your passion for making a difference through skills training. Share your motivations and any relevant experiences that align with their mission to empower communities.
