Senior Business Development Manager in Manchester

We are recruiting for a training provider that provides a wide range of training solutions ranging from classroom, digital learning, through to training simulators to provide real life training experience in a safe and controlled environment. The culture here is straightforward, collaborative, and encourages innovation.

The role will drive revenue growth within the Utilities and Net Zero sector by developing and securing new business opportunities across power network, energy and utilities environments.

Scope: Primarily UK-focused, with responsibility to support and contribute to global opportunities where required. Energy and utilities organisations including electricity network operators (DNOs/IDNOs), transmission operators, power generation companies, and infrastructure delivery partners (e.g. Tier 1 contractors, ICPs) operating across distribution and transmission networks.

Accountable for achieving individual sales targets and contributing to overall business unit revenue growth through the generation, management, and conversion of a strong pipeline of opportunities. Operates with a high degree of autonomy in identifying, developing, and progressing opportunities, with responsibility for sales strategy execution, customer engagement, and commercial positioning within agreed frameworks.

Works collaboratively with internal sales, technical, product, and operations teams to develop customer-centric solutions, ensuring alignment between client requirements, delivery capability, and commercial objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop relationships with organisations operating within power networks (DNO, IDNO, ICP) and major framework contractors delivering electricity infrastructure projects.
• Identify opportunities aligned to regulated frameworks and capital delivery programmes (e.g. network upgrades, EV infrastructure, HV/LV connections, and grid reinforcement).
• Engage with stakeholders involved in overhead lines, substations, and HV/EHV project delivery to position workforce development and competency solutions.
• Leverage knowledge of industry accreditation schemes (e.g. EUSR / EU Skills) and compliance requirements to shape relevant customer solutions.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Proven track record of successfully selling complex B2B services, preferably within the utilities, energy, or power networks sector (including exposure to electricity distribution, transmission, or multi-utility environments).
• Demonstrable understanding of power network operations or infrastructure delivery, including HV/LV systems, overhead lines (OHL), substations, or connection projects.
• Knowledge of regulated utility frameworks (e.g. DNO frameworks, ICP models, or Tier 1 contractor environments).
• Awareness of power sector project lifecycles, from design and connection through construction and commissioning.
• Familiarity with EUSR (EU Skills) schemes, CSCS/SHEA authorisations, or equivalent competency frameworks within utilities and energy sectors.
• Understanding of emerging power infrastructure trends, including electrification, EV charging networks, and grid capacity upgrades.
• Solutions orientated sales mindset, listening to customer challenges and pain points and tailoring solutions appropriate to meet needs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish credibility with senior-level executives.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to innovate and develop new approaches to results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving and exceeding sales targets.
• Demonstrates a clear commitment to providing first class customer care / services.
• Highly organised / Meets deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm and be assertive during busy periods or when dealing with challenging situations.
• Discreet with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in using CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and other sales and productivity tools.
• Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Desirable Criteria:

• Develop strategic relationships with EU Skills (EUSR) and industry bodies to align my client's offerings with evolving competency frameworks, accreditation standards, and workforce compliance requirements across the utilities sector.
• Position them as a workforce partner across critical trade disciplines including cable jointing, overhead lines (OHL), and substation operations, supporting clients in building scalable, competent, and compliant field teams.
• Strong understanding of utility workforce competency pathways, including skilled trades such as cable jointing, OHL construction, and substation fitting, and their associated authorisation and certification requirements.
• Experience engaging with operational and engineering stakeholders (e.g. project managers, network operations, training managers) within DNOs, IDNOs, or Tier 1 contractors.

Pay range and compensation package: Salary is up to £75k, plus bonus structure and car allowance of £7500.