At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new employer partnerships and generate apprenticeship growth for the University.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on education and skills development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for travel and networking.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of apprenticeships and learner opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you a results‑driven, commercially minded professional with a passion for education and skills? We are looking for an ambitious Business Development Officer to join our Apprenticeships and Business Engagement team. This is a key role where you will drive new employer partnerships and generate apprenticeship growth, contributing directly to the University's strategic ambitions. You will be responsible for identifying and securing new employer opportunities, converting high‑quality leads into apprenticeship enrolments, and working closely with our Account Management team to build lasting relationships. Your work will deliver sustainable revenue growth while creating meaningful opportunities for learners and employers.
Main Responsibilities
- Identify New Opportunities: Proactively generate and secure new apprenticeship sales in line with the business strategy, consistently delivering against targets and KPIs.
- New Employer Acquisition: Engage, secure and onboard new employer partners, ensuring a smooth transition to the Account Management team for long‑term relationship development.
- Market Insight & Engagement: Stay informed about developments within the apprenticeship sector and represent the University at networking events, roadshows and industry forums to promote our offer and expand employer engagement.
- Negotiate and Close Deals: Use a consultative sales approach to convert leads into confirmed learner enrolments, building value‑led solutions for employers.
- Pipeline and Reporting Management: Maintain an accurate and robust pipeline of apprenticeship starts, ensuring all CRM systems and reporting tools are kept up to date.
- Collaborate for Success: Work closely with internal teams, particularly Apprenticeship Account Managers, as well as external partners, to achieve shared business development goals.
Qualifications
- Proven business‑development success: Demonstrable experience in business development or account management, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.
- Apprenticeship & funding knowledge: A solid understanding of the apprenticeship sector, work‑based learning models and funding mechanisms.
- Strong communication & negotiation skills: Confident in building relationships with employer stakeholders and influencing outcomes.
- Stakeholder management: Experience working with a wide range of organisations to build and maintain effective partnerships.
- Commercial & strategic thinking: Ability to identify opportunities, think strategically and deliver practical solutions.
- Highly organised & self‑motivated: Comfortable managing competing priorities independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
- Digital & IT capability: Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM / sales reporting tools.
- Flexibility & travel: Willingness to travel regionally as required, with a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Qualification requirement: Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification or relevant experience.
Business Development Officer employer: Staffordshire University
Join a forward-thinking university that prioritises professional growth and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Business Development Officer, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages innovation and offers extensive opportunities for career advancement within the education sector. Located in a vibrant community, our institution is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on learners and employers alike, ensuring your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, roadshows, and forums to meet potential employer partners. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing those apprenticeship deals.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; go out and find them! Research companies that align with our goals and reach out to them directly.
✨Tip Number 3
Master the art of negotiation. When you get a lead, focus on building value-led solutions that meet the needs of employers. This will help us convert leads into confirmed enrolments.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your pipeline organised. Use CRM tools effectively to track your progress and ensure you're always on top of your targets. A well-managed pipeline is key to hitting those KPIs!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and skills shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at StudySmarter, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in this sector.
Highlight Your Business Development Success:Make sure to showcase your proven track record in business development or account management. We’re looking for results-driven individuals, so include specific examples of how you've met or exceeded targets in previous roles to grab our attention.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the role of Business Development Officer. Mention how your skills and experiences directly relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around employer partnerships and apprenticeship growth.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the apprenticeship sector and the specific role of a Business Development Officer. Brush up on current trends, funding mechanisms, and the University’s offerings. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for education.
✨Showcase Your Success
Prepare to discuss your previous business development successes in detail. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've met or exceeded targets. Use metrics to quantify your achievements, as this will make your experience more compelling.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use your strong communication skills to engage them in conversation. Ask insightful questions about their goals and challenges, showing that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Be Organised
Demonstrate your organisational skills by being well-prepared. Bring copies of your CV, a list of references, and any relevant documents. Also, be ready to discuss how you manage your pipeline and reporting effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
