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- Tasks: Drive business growth by building relationships and securing new opportunities in education.
- Company: Join the University of Portsmouth, a leader in education and skills development.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners and organisations while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales or business development, preferably in education or apprenticeships.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for networking and events.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially driven relationship-builder with a passion for education and skills development? The University of Portsmouth is seeking a Business Development Consultant to support the growth of our Apprenticeships and our Flexible & Professional Learning portfolio. This is a key front-facing role focused on generating new business, developing employer partnerships, and converting opportunities into learner starts that deliver impact for individuals, organisations and society.
Working as part of a collaborative business development team within the Institute for Professional and Flexible Learning, you will play a critical role in meeting ambitious recruitment and income targets while ensuring a high-quality, coordinated experience for employers and learners.
What you’ll be doing:
- Proactively identifying and securing new business opportunities across Apprenticeships and our Professional and Flexible Learning provision.
- Generating leads, engaging employers and prospective learners, and driving enrolments across a defined course portfolio.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with employers, faculty colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Representing the University at employer events, trade forums and networking activities.
- Working closely with academic teams, marketing and research colleagues to ensure a coordinated approach to business development.
- Maintaining accurate records of employer engagement and pipeline activity using the University’s CRM system.
- Identifying opportunities for collaboration, funding and market growth, sharing intelligence across the University.
- Supporting the organisation and delivery of events and seminars that promote professional and flexible learning.
What we’re looking for:
- Extensive sales or business development experience, ideally within education, apprenticeships or skills.
- Experience of working in a large, complex organisation.
- Strong knowledge of apprenticeships and work-based learning, including funding rules and regulatory requirements.
- A proven track record of meeting or exceeding growth or income targets.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to develop long-term strategic partnerships.
- The ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.
Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role. The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 10 February 2026. If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Alice Gray at Alice.Gray@port.ac.uk.
Business Development Consultant in Portsmouth employer: UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
Contact Detail:
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Consultant in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade forums, and networking activities to meet potential employers and build those all-important relationships. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; go out there and identify new business prospects. Engage with employers and prospective learners directly to drive enrolments and showcase your passion for education.
✨Tip Number 3
Keep your records straight! Use the University’s CRM system to maintain accurate records of your employer engagement and pipeline activity. This will help you stay organised and demonstrate your effectiveness in generating leads.
✨Tip Number 4
Collaborate with your team! Work closely with academic teams, marketing, and research colleagues to ensure a coordinated approach to business development. Teamwork makes the dream work, and it’ll help you hit those ambitious targets!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Consultant in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Development Consultant. Highlight your experience in sales, education, and relationship-building, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for education and skills development. Share specific examples of how you've successfully generated new business or built strong partnerships in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and demonstrate your ability to engage and influence stakeholders through your writing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at the University of Portsmouth!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of apprenticeships and work-based learning. Understand the funding rules and regulatory requirements, as this will show that you're serious about the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Build Your Story
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your success in business development. Highlight how you've generated leads, built relationships, and met targets. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with others in the past. Show that you can communicate effectively and build trust with both internal colleagues and external partners.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the University’s goals for their Apprenticeships and Professional Learning portfolio. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their success.
