Business Development Manager

Next Level is the Business Development arm of Reflections Training Academy. We deliver apprenticeships in Administration, Customer Service, Management and Marketing, and our learners achieve well above national benchmarks.

We're looking for a confident, personable Business Development Manager to build new employer partnerships and look after the employers we already work with.

The role

The role has three parts:

• New business: building relationships with new employers and generating apprenticeship vacancies
• Client management: looking after existing employers so they're well supported, getting value from their apprentices and keen to recruit again
• Work experience: working with employers to create quality work experience placements for our full-time learners

What you'll be doing

New business

• Finding new employer leads through networking, events, referrals, outreach and LinkedIn.
• Meeting prospective employers to understand their needs and explain how apprenticeships can support their business.
• Identifying recruitment opportunities and working with the internal team to support the recruitment process.
• Working towards monthly and annual recruitment targets.
• Representing Next Level at networking events, recruitment fairs and taster workshops.

Client management

• Being the main point of contact for a portfolio of existing employers, offering advice, guidance and ongoing support.
• Building long-term relationships that lead to repeat recruitment, referrals and further training opportunities.
• Supporting employers with apprenticeship service accounts, funding arrangements, onboarding documentation and Health & Safety requirements.
• Advising employers on safeguarding, Prevent, learner welfare and equality in the workplace.
• Gathering employer feedback through surveys, reviews and engagement activities, using this information to identify improvements and support Next Level's quality assurance processes.
• Running employer network groups and engagement forums, ensuring employer feedback is shared and acted upon.
• Liaising with internal teams to support apprentice recruitment, enrolment, progression and any employer-related issues.

Work experience

• Building a network of employers who can offer work experience placements to our full-time learners
• Matching learners with suitable placements and making sure employers are prepared to host them safely
• Keeping in touch with employers during placements and turning good experiences into longer-term partnerships

Across the role

• Working with Marketing to promote Next Level, support campaigns and generate employer enquiries.
• Maintaining accurate CRM records, tracking employer engagement and recruitment activity, and providing regular updates and reports to the Directors.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across Recruitment, Enrolment, Delivery and Management to ensure a positive experience for employers and learners.
• Supporting wider business activities, events and continuous improvement initiatives.

What we're looking for

• Experience in business development, account management or a client-facing sales role
• Confidence talking with business owners and building rapport quickly
• A relationship-builder who cares about keeping clients happy as much as winning new ones
• Someone who is organised, proactive and self-motivated, and comfortable managing multiple responsibilities and working to targets.
• Good administrative skills, attention to detail and confidence using CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Experience in apprenticeships, further education, work placements or recruitment would be an advantage, but full training is provided
• A full UK driving licence

What we offer

• Competitive salary and bonus structure (depending on experience)
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus:
• 3 additional days at Christmas
• 2 achievable reward days each year
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Company Award Events and Achievement Days
• Company Christmas Party
• Free Hairdressing / Barbering Services
• A varied role with real influence and direct access to the Directors
• Meaningful work: every partnership you build helps a learner take their next step into a career