BDM

BLUE LION TRAINING ACADEMY; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

BLUE LION TRAINING ACADEMY, a specialist training provider, seeks a Business Development Manager for the Greater Derby Area. This contract, on-site role involves identifying employer partners, promoting apprenticeships, and expanding the academy’s presence with regular travel to employer locations and local networking events.

Responsibilities include prospecting, delivering presentations, managing existing relationships, onboarding learners with internal teams, and reporting on pipeline

Qualifications

• Experience in business development, sales or account management, preferably in education or apprenticeship services.
• Strong relationship-building, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to conduct market research, identify opportunities, and develop outreach strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Comfort working to commercial targets, managing pipelines, and using CRM or similar systems.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new employer partners for apprenticeship programs.
• Promote apprenticeship programs and grow the academy’s presence in the Greater Derby Area.
• Prospect, meet potential clients, deliver presentations, and manage relationships with existing partners.
• Coordinate with internal teams to onboard learners and ensure smooth operations.
• Track performance against targets, maintain CRM records, and provide regular reports on pipeline and outcomes.

Skills

Business development

Sales

Account management

Relationship building

Negotiation

Market research

Outreach strategies

Communication

Education

Business/Marketing degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Company Description BLUE LION TRAINING ACADEMY is a specialist training provider offering apprenticeships across management, marketing, and media pathways. The academy focuses on developing practical skills and professional capabilities that align with modern business needs. Recognized as an Ofsted Grade 1 Outstanding Provider, it maintains high standards of teaching, learner support, and employer engagement. BLUE LION TRAINING ACADEMY partners with organizations to create career-focused learning experiences that help individuals and businesses grow.

Role Description The Business Development Manager (BDM) will be responsible for identifying and securing new employer partners, promoting apprenticeship programs, and growing the academy’s presence in the Greater Derby Area. Day-to-day activities include prospecting and meeting potential clients, delivering presentations, managing relationships with existing partners, and coordinating with internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding of learners. The BDM will track performance against targets, maintain accurate records in CRM systems, and provide regular reports on pipeline and outcomes. This is a contract, on-site role based in the Greater Derby Area, requiring regular travel to employer locations and local networking events.

Qualifications

• Experience in business development, sales, or account management, ideally within education, training, or apprenticeship services.
• Strong relationship-building, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to conduct market research, identify opportunities, and develop effective outreach strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Comfort working to commercial targets, managing pipelines, and using CRM or similar systems.
• Organized and self-directed, with strong time management and the ability to work effectively on-site and in the field.
• Understanding of apprenticeships, vocational training, or workforce development is highly beneficial.
• Relevant qualification in business, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.