At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive apprenticeship opportunities and build relationships in the Early Years and Childcare sector.
- Company: Join a mission-driven company with a focus on professional growth and satisfaction.
- Benefits: Generous leave, paid volunteering days, and access to wellness tools.
- Other info: Remote work with a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while achieving your career goals.
- Qualifications: Sales experience in apprenticeships and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Remote-based, supporting clients in North of England
Hours: 36.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday)
Salary: up to £35,000 per annum plus bonus
Our mission is driven by five core values: Purpose, Positioning, Values, Personality, and Proposition. We are proud to say that 91% of our apprentices report satisfaction with their learning experience and the professional growth they've achieved with us.
In this role, you will be a key member of our growing Business Development team, using a solution-focused approach to identify apprenticeship opportunities and drive learner starts across your region or sales vertical—particularly within the Early Years and Childcare sector. As a confident and experienced sales professional, you will leverage your communication skills and commercial insight to secure new business, build lasting relationships, and tailor solutions that reflect our values and strategic goals. Your consultative approach will position Shaping Lives as the provider of choice for both new and existing partners.
Key Responsibilities- Achieve KPIs and apprenticeship targets through new business and account management
- Identify and engage SME clients, especially in Education
- Provide expert guidance on the Apprenticeship Levy and ROI for clients
- Design tailored apprenticeship solutions and build lasting client relationships
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding and delivery
- Proven success in apprenticeship sales, ideally in Early Years and childcare/education
- Strong commercial acumen and consultative sales approach
- Confident communicator with experience presenting to decision-makers
- Self-motivated, organised, and target-driven
- Passionate about apprenticeships and making a difference
- Proficient in MS Office; CRM experience a plus
- Willingness to travel nationally with a business-insured vehicle
- Generous Annual Leave: 20 days, increasing with length of service, plus a holiday purchase scheme
- Holiday Benefits: 3 Paragon Days for our operational December closure and 8 Public Bank Holidays
- Extra Day Off: Enjoy an additional day off to celebrate your birthday
- Paid Volunteering Leave: Up to 3 days of paid leave for volunteering opportunities and corporate conscience initiatives
- Perkbox: Access to a wide range of lifestyle benefits and wellness tools
- Recognition and Long Service Awards: Celebrating the milestones and contributions of our colleagues
We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a guaranteed interview scheme in place to ensure that nobody is overlooked or discriminated against because of their disability. If you meet the minimum criteria when you apply and you have informed us in your application that you have a disability, you will be guaranteed an interview for that role.
To promote and maintain an inclusive working environment, as part of your application process we will ask you to share data on certain characteristics. These answers will not form part of the selection and recruitment process and will not be shared with anyone outside of the People Team.
Shaping Lives is committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of our learners and colleagues and we implement robust safer recruitment practices to support this. Dependant on the role you are applying for, we may undertake a number of necessary checks to confirm you are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service check. We are also committed to promoting equality and inclusion throughout our colleague and learner populations.
Business Development Manager - North in Manchester employer: Shaping Lives
Shaping Lives is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering flexible hours to accommodate a healthy work-life balance. With a supportive work culture that values innovation in teaching methods, employees are encouraged to utilise digital tools to enhance learner engagement. Located in Bournemouth, this role not only provides meaningful employment but also the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of learners pursuing their safeguarding qualifications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - North in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and childcare sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Business Development Manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values and mission, especially around apprenticeships. This will help you tailor your answers and show them you’re genuinely interested in making a difference with Shaping Lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! As a confident communicator, you’ll need to present your ideas clearly. Role-play with a friend or record yourself to refine your delivery. Make sure you can articulate how your experience aligns with their needs in the Early Years and Childcare sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of shaping lives through quality apprenticeships.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - North in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for apprenticeships and how you can make a difference. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to the sector, especially in Early Years and Childcare.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect our core values and the specific requirements of the Business Development Manager role. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your achievements and qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaping Lives
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the apprenticeship landscape, especially in Early Years and Childcare. Familiarise yourself with the Apprenticeship Levy and how it can benefit clients. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When discussing your experience, focus on examples that highlight your consultative sales approach. Think about specific instances where you've successfully identified client needs and tailored solutions accordingly. This will showcase your ability to build lasting relationships and align with the company's values.
✨Practice Your Pitch
As a confident communicator, you'll need to present your ideas clearly. Practice articulating your thoughts on how you can achieve KPIs and drive learner starts. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as both knowledgeable and personable.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for apprenticeships shine through during the interview. Share why you believe in the value of apprenticeships and how they can shape lives. This passion will resonate with the interviewers and reinforce your fit for the role and the company culture.
