Business Development Manager

Job Details

• Job Role: Business Development Manager
• Reports to: Divisional Managing Director / Head of Work Based Learning
• Location: East Midlands & Yorkshire (Field-based/Head Office as required)
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: 40,000 to 45,000 per annum

Purpose of the Role

• Responsible for driving growth by securing employer partnerships and contracts across funded and commercial streams, ensuring compliance with DfE and Ofsted standards, and delivering a high-quality learner journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and engage employers in priority sectors (logistics, food manufacturing, construction, green skills).
• Secure employer contracts for funded programs and commercial MHE & LMS subscriptions, through our LearningPlus platform.
• Represent the company at industry forums and employer networks.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to create employer-focused campaigns and case studies.
• Act as primary contact for employer partners, ensuring high standards of service.
• Conduct Training Needs Analyses and design tailored upskilling strategies.
• Liaise with curriculum teams to adapt training programs to client needs.
• Provide accurate pipeline reports and market insights to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with funding rules and maintain audit readiness.
• Work with internal teams on health & safety and ILR data accuracy.

Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in employer engagement or business development within training/education sector.
• Strong understanding of Adult Skills Funding and compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver against KPIs in a fast-paced environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achieve a minimum of 90% against recruitment targets.
• Maintain a 95% success rate for eligibility and TNA audits.
• Meet monthly and quarterly targets for commercial training and LMS sales.
• Ensure high employer satisfaction and retention rates.

Company Benefits

• Access to Wagestream for early wage access and financial advice.
• Life Assurance, virtual GP service, and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Flexible working arrangements within a national, award-winning group.

Vision & Values

• Improving Lives, Building Futures, and Enhancing Business.
• Delivering employer-focused, learner-centric courses.
• Providing quality training that meets the needs of learners and employers.
• Celebrate Success, Respect & Integrity, Inspire Creativity, Strive for Excellence.

Person Specification

• Dynamic, results-driven professional with strong interpersonal skills and commitment to compliance and quality.

Selection Criteria:
A= Application Form
I = Interview
T = Test/Personality Profile
P = Practical exercise

Essential or Desirable

Method of Candidate Assessment

A, I, T or P

Experience and Skills

1. Experience of skills and vocational training management within an FE and Skills Provider

Essential

A, I

2. Working knowledge of application of Safeguarding, Prevent and Fundamental British Values policies.

Essential

A, I

3. Experience of supporting and managing learners aged 16+ to achieve positive outcomes.

Essential

A, I, P

4. Experience of working within an FE and Skills environment during OFSTED audits and inspections.

Essential

I, P

5. Experience of creating, managing and auditing clear, concise and effective processes and SOP's.

Essential

A, I, P

6. Experience of managing diverse teams against core KPI's to achieve results.

Essential

A, I, P

7. Effective planning, time management and organisational skills

Essential

A, I, P

8. Experience of successfully managing complex and high value projects through to a timely completion.

Essential

A, I, P

9. Ability to prioritise based on business need, with an awareness of the impact on the 'wider business'

Essential

A, I, P

10. Strong written and verbal communication skills to colleagues and stakeholders at all levels up to and including Board level.

Essential

A, I, P

11. Attention to detail with a right first-time mentality

Essential

A, I

12. Knowledge of each of the components of a learner's journey and what 'good' in each of these stages looks like.

Essential

A, I

13. Able to confidently and competently influence and manage change.

Essential

A, I

14. Works well under pressure to remain focused and respond flexibly and quickly to the demands of the role

Essential

A, I

15. A relentless commitment to excellence and quality. With a strong focus on continuous improvement.

Essential

A, I

16. Demonstrates best practice with regards to confidentiality and accountability whilst working in a fast-paced environment.

Essential

A, I

17. 11. Flexible approach to working hours due to some evening and weekend work on an ad-hoc basis

Essential

A, I

18. Able to analyse and present data.

Essential

A, I, P

19. Qualified and experienced Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Desirable

A, I

ctrg limited is acting as an employment business in relation to this vacancy.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) in all our employment practices to all employees, temporary workers, and applicants for employment without regard to age, gender reassignment, married or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity leave, disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.