At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strong client relationships and drive new business growth in the education sector.
- Company: Join a leading educational charity group making a real impact on lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive bonus structure.
- Other info: Remote work with travel opportunities and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values diversity and fosters lasting partnerships.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for education are key.
Starting Salary: £29,930 per annum plus generous bonus structure
Job Type: Fixed-term (12 months)
Working pattern: 35 hours per week Monday to Friday (flexible working options will be considered)
Location: Remote (UK based), with travel required to Lancaster (UK) Head Office as required. This role involves frequent travel and overnight stays.
About us
We are proud to be one of the UK’s leading educational charity groups, encompassing an awarding organisation and a provider of dyslexia intervention software. Our enthusiastic people bring genuine passion and natural energy to everything that they do and through their infectious energy they transform the lives of thousands of people each year through the power of education.
It has never been a more exciting time to join Ascentis as we continue our journey of growth across the UK and overseas. We are market leading in the education sector and the specialist areas we operate within, maintaining the #1 provision for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) in the UK as well as being a leading Access Validating Agency. We have a national reach, with a significant customer base in London.
Job Description
Reporting to the National Commercial Manager, you will take ownership of a portfolio of regional accounts, ensuring exceptional client relationships while maximising opportunities across our full suite of products and services. You will act as an ambassador for Ascentis qualifications at a variety of internal and external events, creating new business opportunities across both existing and prospective centres.
Working closely with education providers, you will promote our qualifications, achieve sales targets, and drive new business growth through a consultative, relationship-focused approach. In this dynamic, target-driven role, you will be responsible for maintaining a 95% retention rate across Tier 2 and Tier 3 accounts, while delivering new business growth of £75,000 annually.
You’ll act as the key contact for your customers, developing strong, multi-level relationships and identifying opportunities to expand and enhance their engagement with Ascentis. A core part of the role involves actively engaging with both existing and prospective customers. You’ll deliver presentations, attend meetings, build a strong sales pipeline, and ensure consistent follow-up using CRM systems.
By leveraging market intelligence and collaborating with internal teams, you will create tailored solutions that meet the needs of colleges, training providers, employers, and adult education centres. Collaboration is key to success in this position. You will work alongside Marketing, Product Development, Customer Experience, and Quality Assurance teams to deliver seamless customer journeys, impactful campaigns, and compliant, high-quality offerings.
You’ll also contribute to events, conferences, and quarterly sales meetings, sharing best practices and driving continuous improvement. We are looking for a team player with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills. You should possess strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence through consultative sales abilities.
The ideal candidate will be ambitious and goal-oriented, but focused on fostering lasting partnerships rather than quick wins, as this is a target-driven role. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate and will be fully rewarded with a highly competitive bonus scheme. Full training on our products will be provided. Experience in selling educational products is advantageous but not essential.
Further information
To discuss this post further please contact Alexander Houghton, Head of Commercial by email at alexander.houghton@ascentis.co.uk. This job may meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for visa sponsorship.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays, birthday day off, closure days gifted during the Christmas period, increased annual leave with long service and an Annual Leave Purchase Scheme (up to a maximum of 43 days)
- Competitive pension benefits, including a salary sacrifice scheme
- Access to Informal Flexibility, allowing you to flex your working times and location where viable
- Incremental service benefits as a family-friendly employer, including enhanced Maternity, Neonatal, Paternity, Shared Parental, Adoption Leave and Pay, Sick Pay, Life Insurance, and Paid Compassionate Leave
- Access to state-of-the-art office and break facilities
- Free parking, locked bike storage shed
- Access to car electric charging points (charges payable by employee)
- Tailored learning and development opportunities
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Home and Tech Scheme
- Discounted gym membership at 3-1-5 Health Club
- 24-hour employee helpline and a proactive focus on wellbeing
- Aviva DigiCare+ health app with access to virtual GP appointments, annual health check and more
- Reward and recognition scheme, regular team building and communication activities
Do you like the sound of Ascentis, but think your skills might suit another role? We also have other vacancies available. Take a look at our website for more! www.ascentis.co.uk/jobs
Sales Executive (Client Relationship Executive) Fixed-term 12 months in Lancaster employer: The Ascentis Group
Ascentis is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and tailored development opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful educational initiatives. Located in Lancaster, the company fosters a collaborative environment where diverse talents come together to make a significant impact in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Executive (Client Relationship Executive) Fixed-term 12 months in Lancaster
✨Get Involved in Local Networking Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Sales Executive (Client Relationship Executive) Fixed-term 12 months in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sales Skills:In sales and business development, it's all about proving you can drive results. Make sure your CV highlights any previous experience in hitting targets or boosting sales. Numbers really speak — include any sales figures or goals you've smashed to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:This is your chance to shine! Talk about why you're excited about the temporary role at The Ascentis Group and how your skills can help us thrive. We want to see your motivation and how you can bring value to our team in a short period.
Highlight Your Relationship-Building Skills:Sales is all about connections. In your application, don't forget to mention your ability to build relationships with clients or colleagues. Share any examples where you've successfully nurtured partnerships or handled client objections — these stories can really help us see your potential.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary position, let us know when you're available to start and how flexible you are with hours. This clarity helps us assess how well you fit into our immediate needs at The Ascentis Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Ascentis Group
✨Know Your Numbers
In sales and business development, being numbers-savvy is crucial. Brush up on key metrics like conversion rates and sales growth percentages that are relevant to the role at The Ascentis Group. It’s all about showing you can analyse data to drive better decisions.
✨Be Prepared for Role-Play Scenarios
Expect role-play scenarios where you're asked to sell a product or handle objections. It’s a great chance to showcase your communication skills and your approach to overcoming challenges. Practice these with a friend or in front of the mirror – it can really help you feel at ease during the interview!
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary gig, emphasise your adaptability and willingness to jump in quickly. Share examples of how you've successfully adjusted to changes in previous roles or projects. The Ascentis Group will want to know you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Network and Collaborations
Temporary roles often require a strong network. Bring up any partnerships or connections you have that could benefit The Ascentis Group. Whether it’s past clients or industry contacts, showing you can leverage relationships is a big plus in sales!
