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- Tasks: Lead business growth strategy and mentor a high-performing team in the apprenticeships sector.
- Company: Respected provider in skills and apprenticeships, known for quality programmes and employer partnerships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, autonomy, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking company with ambitious growth plans.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and drive impactful growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business development and leading successful teams.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: £50,000 – £55,000
Location: East Midlands / West Midlands
Contract: Full-time | Permanent
Are you a strategic and commercially astute leader ready to take ownership of business growth at a senior level? This is a standout opportunity to shape and drive a high-performing business development function within the apprenticeships sector across the Midlands.
The Company
This organisation is a well-established and respected provider within the skills and apprenticeships landscape, recognised for delivering high-quality programmes and building long-term employer partnerships. They are on an exciting growth journey, with ambitious plans to expand their reach and impact. You’ll be joining a forward-thinking, supportive business that values innovation, collaboration, and leadership. With a strong reputation in the market, a clear strategic vision, and a people-first culture, this is an environment where your ideas and expertise will be valued. In return, you’ll benefit from excellent career progression, autonomy in your role, and the opportunity to build and shape your own team.
The Role
As Head of Business Development, you will lead the organisation’s growth strategy across the Midlands, with a strong focus on apprenticeships. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role where you will both develop strategy and actively contribute to winning new business. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing a regional business development strategy to drive sustainable growth
- Leading, mentoring, and developing a high-performing business development team
- Identifying and securing new business opportunities with employers across multiple sectors
- Building and maintaining senior stakeholder relationships
- Overseeing the full sales lifecycle, including bids, tenders, and contract negotiations
- Collaborating with internal teams to ensure successful delivery and client satisfaction
- Monitoring market trends, funding changes, and competitor activity to inform strategy
This role is ideal for someone who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and thrives in a target-driven environment.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be an experienced business development leader with a strong background in apprenticeships and a proven ability to drive growth at scale. You will have:
- Significant experience in a senior business development role within the apprenticeships sector
- A strong track record of winning new business and developing long-term employer partnerships
- Proven experience leading and developing successful BD teams
- Excellent commercial awareness and strategic planning skills
- Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities
- A proactive, results-driven mindset and the ability to operate as a true all-rounder
If you’re ready to step into a senior leadership role where you can shape strategy, lead a team, and drive real growth, we want to hear from you. Apply today to be considered for this exciting opportunity in the Midlands.
Head of Business Development employer: S Knights Recruitment
Contact Detail:
S Knights Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand online by sharing insights and engaging in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn. This will help you stand out as a thought leader in the business development space.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their challenges and come ready with ideas on how you can contribute to their growth. This shows you're serious and proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals who can drive growth and innovation. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Business Development role. Highlight your achievements in business growth, especially in the apprenticeships sector, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and secured new business opportunities.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic mindset. We want to see how you’ve developed and executed successful business strategies in the past, particularly in a target-driven environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at S Knights Recruitment
✨Know Your Business Development Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the company's current business development strategy and how it aligns with their growth plans. Be ready to discuss your own strategic ideas and how they can contribute to driving sustainable growth in the apprenticeships sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed high-performing teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership directly contributed to winning new business or improving team performance, as this role requires a hands-on approach to mentoring and developing others.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since building and maintaining senior stakeholder relationships is key, think about how you can demonstrate your communication and negotiation skills during the interview. Prepare to share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with various stakeholders and secure long-term partnerships.
✨Stay Informed on Market Trends
Research the latest trends in the apprenticeships sector and be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact the company's strategy. Showing that you're proactive and knowledgeable about market changes will demonstrate your commercial awareness and strategic planning skills.