Business Development Manager (BDM)

Company: WS Training part of Brightpeak Group

Position: Business Development Manager
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working pattern: Monday to Friday - Hybrid (Will be required to work from office Locations as per business requirements)

About us:

We are an independent training provider based in Suffolk with Training Centres in Bury St.Edmunds, Ipswich, Lowestoft & Haverhill.

We offer training across government-funded provisions, including study programmes (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and apprenticeships, as well as providing an extensive range of commercial training courses.

We understand the importance of high-quality training, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of courses designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

Learning is always at the heart of what we do, and our team with their passion & expertise ensure each learner is supported

Job Overview

You’ll be responsible for sourcing and securing new business opportunities and developing strategic partnerships. Your expertise in the education sector, combined with your strong commercial acumen, will help to support our growth strategy across our apprenticeship provision.

As a Business Development Manager, you’ll be an expert in relationship building, making new connections, whilst nurturing existing relationships to deliver excellent customer satisfaction. As the face of our brand, you’ll take time to understand what matters to our customers, identify their challenges, and work with them to find practical, tailored solutions.

This is a hands-on role offering daily variety, where no two days are the same. You’ll need to be flexible, able to manage shifting priorities like a pro and confidently lead daily client meetings in person and remotely. You’ll be comfortable in conversing with prospective customers and partners from a range of backgrounds, and sectors and with different interests and motivations.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively own the customer sales journey to identify, pursue and win new business acquisition and existing business growth opportunities
• Proactively identify key stakeholders, including educational institutions and government bodies, to establish strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives
• Consistently achieve and surpass individual and team sales targets to align with business growth objectives
• Prospect and book your own sales opportunities, as well as convert inbound leads
• Analyse data to make informed and targeted decisions
• Ensure the employer & learner onboarding process is completed & compliant in accordance with DfE funding guidance
• Identify and act upon customer requirements, maximising opportunities for further growth through WS Training’s & Bright Peak Group’s range of products and services
• Expertly utilise a consultative sales approach to engage with customers, understand their requirements, and propose tailored solutions
• Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on business development activities, progress, and results
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive records of all activities within the CRM system

Other Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining an understanding of WS Training’s internal processes, especially those related to the customer journey
• Maintaining in-depth knowledge of WS Training’s products & services
• Maintaining an in-depth understanding of regulatory requirements associated with own area of work across funding rules & guidance
• Undertaking other duties considered within your skill and competence to assist the smooth running of the business as required
• Championing the organisation's values at all times to model behaviours to wider team staff
• Work with the marketing team to support development of effective promotional campaigns and materials targeted at key customer segments

Key Requirements

• Minimum 2 years experience within a Sales role ideally in the apprenticeship sector
• Proven track record of success in new business development, preferably within the education or training provider industry
• Experience in working under pressure and comfortable working against and exceeding defined targets and KPIs
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships quickly with key stakeholders
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills
• Accurate pipeline management
• Have an analytical mindset, with the ability to gather and interpret market data and trends to define strategic direction and growth
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and multitask effectively
• Proficient in using document management software, collaboration tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Key Characteristics

· Excellent organisation skills

• Attention to detail
• Confident, energetic, hungry and ambitious with a can do, will do attitude!
• Motivated, enthusiastic and able to work on your own initiative
• Results-driven individual with a strong focus on targets and achievement
• Team player
• Strategic
• Skilled communicator and ability to negotiate if required
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Adaptability and resilience to evolving landscapes and dynamic environments

For more information, please visit our website www.brightpeakgroup.com

Benefits

• Annual pay review
• Company pension scheme
• Free on‑site parking
• Hybrid working (office and remote)
• Health & wellbeing programme

Application Process

Should you be shortlisted, an application form will be issued, as completion of this form forms part of our recruitment requirements.

Schools and colleges should only accept copies of a CV alongside an application form. A CV on its own will not provide adequate information. As a provider of education, we therefore have to adhere to the KCSiE legislation and guidance.

Due to the nature of the work and our commitment to safer recruitment, you will undergo a thorough background check and will require an enhanced DBS and the Right to Work and remain in the UK. You're required to fully disclose spent, unspent and protected convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.

If you do not hear from us then please assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £32,000.00-£36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Application question(s):

• Please briefly describe your experience in generating new commercial business and leading a team to achieve sales or revenue targets.”
• Do you have previous experience managing a business development or sales team against monthly targets?”

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bury St. Edmunds IP31 2QR