B2M69-26-R2 - Business Development Officer (London)

University of Staffordshire Business Engagement; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Staffordshire Business Engagement in London is seeking a proactive Business Development Officer to drive apprenticeship growth and build strong employer partnerships. You will identify opportunities, convert leads into enrolments, and collaborate with the Apprenticeship Account Managers to ensure sustainable revenue and learner impact.

The role requires degree-level education or equivalent, strong communication, and the ability to travel regionally with a UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Experience in business development or account management with a track record of meeting targets.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship sector and funding mechanisms.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage stakeholder relationships.
• Strategic thinking and opportunity identification.
• Excellent organisation and self-motivation.

Responsibilities

• Identify new apprenticeship opportunities and proactively generate and secure deals against targets.
• Acquire and onboard new employer partners, transitioning to Account Management for relationship development.
• Stay informed on apprenticeship sector developments and represent the University at events to grow engagement.
• Convert leads into learner enrolments using value-led solutions.
• Maintain a robust apprenticeship starts pipeline and keep CRM reporting up to date.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to meet business development goals.

Skills

Business development

Apprenticeships knowledge

Communication & negotiation

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Organised & self-motivated

Digital IT capability

Travel willingness

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Business Development Officer (London)

Location: Staffordshire University London

Salary: Up to £42,000 Per Annum - Full Time Permanent

Release Date: Monday 26 October 2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Reference: B2M69-26-R2

About The Role

Are you a results-driven, commercially minded professional with a passion for education and skills?

We are looking for an ambitious Business Development Officer to join our Apprenticeships and Business Engagement team. This is a key role where you will drive new employer partnerships and generate apprenticeship growth, contributing directly to the University’s strategic ambitions.

You will be responsible for identifying and securing new employer opportunities, converting high-quality leads into apprenticeship enrolments, and working closely with our Account Management team to build lasting relationships. Your work will deliver sustainable revenue growth while creating meaningful opportunities for learners and employers.

Main Responsibilities

• Identify New Opportunities Proactively generate and secure new apprenticeship sales in line with the business strategy, consistently delivering against targets and KPIs.
• New Employer Acquisition Engage, secure and onboard new employer partners, ensuring a smooth transition to the Account Management team for long-term relationship development.
• Market Insight & Engagement Stay informed about developments within the apprenticeship sector. Represent the University at networking events, roadshows and industry forums to promote our offer and expand employer engagement.
• Negotiate and Close Deals Use a consultative sales approach to convert leads into confirmed learner enrolments, building value-led solutions for employers.
• Pipeline and Reporting Management Maintain an accurate and robust pipeline of apprenticeship starts, ensuring all CRM systems and reporting tools are kept up to date.
• Collaborate for Success Work closely with internal teams, particularly Apprenticeship Account Managers, as well as external partners, to achieve shared business development goals.

What We're Looking For

Essential experience and skills:

We are seeking a motivated and proactive individual who can build strong relationships and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

• Proven business development success Demonstrable experience in business development or account management, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.
• Apprenticeship & funding knowledge A solid understanding of the apprenticeship sector, work-based learning models and funding mechanisms.
• Strong Communication & Negotiation Skills Confident in building relationships with employer stakeholders and influencing outcomes.
• Stakeholder management Experience working with a wide range of organisations to build and maintain effective partnerships.
• Commercial & strategic thinking Ability to identify opportunities, think strategically and deliver practical solutions.
• Highly organised & self-motivated Comfortable managing competing priorities independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
• Digital & IT capability Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM / sales reporting tools.
• Flexibility & travel Willingness to travel regionally as required, with a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Qualification Requirement Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification or relevant experience.

Application Information

The University reserves the right to close this vacancy early once we are in receipt of a sufficient number of applications. Early submission is encouraged.

Contact For Informal Discussion

Lisa Davies, Head of Business Engagement: 07443 752125

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Benefits

In return for your contributions to the work of our University, you'll be based from one of our industry leading campuses, enjoying a range of benefits exclusive to members of our community and contributing to our vision, value and culture. Before you apply, take an opportunity to learn more about us by visiting the links above.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Staffordshire University is committed to promoting and enabling a positive culture where staff, students and visitors are confident to be their authentic selves. We focus on inclusion as a way to ensure equality of opportunity for all our people and to demonstrate our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Human Rights.

We promote applications from all sections of the community, regardless of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits a diverse organisation can bring for the University.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people, who are currently under-represented in the University workforce.