BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR

East Sussex College Group; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

East Sussex College Group is seeking a commercially focused Business Development Advisor to drive growth, create new income streams and build strategic partnerships across Sussex. You will identify workforce development needs, tailor solutions and secure opportunities in apprenticeships, training and employer services.

You’ll manage key accounts while generating new business through networking and strategic development.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to generate new business and exceed targets.
• Experience in B2B sales, account management or business development.
• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and business leaders.
• Able to identify opportunities, nurture relationships and close deals.

Responsibilities

• Win new business and generate commercial opportunities.
• Build and manage relationships with senior decision-makers.
• Develop strategic partnerships across Sussex.
• Manage a strong sales pipeline through CRM systems.
• Deliver against income and growth targets.
• Identify opportunities for apprenticeships, training and workforce development solutions.
• Represent the College at networking events, business forums and employer meetings.
• Mentor and support colleagues within the Business Development team.
• Collaborate with curriculum and operational teams to deliver customer-focused solutions.

Skills

Proven in generating new business

B2B sales experience

Account management

Relationship building

Job description

Are you a high-performing sales professional looking for your next challenge?

Do you thrive on building relationships, opening doors, closing deals and exceeding targets?

East Sussex College Group is looking for an ambitious, commercially focused Business Development Advisor to drive business growth, generate new income streams and develop strategic partnerships across Sussex.

This is not a traditional education sales role. We want someone with a proven sales background who can identify opportunities, nurture relationships and convert conversations into commercial outcomes. Whether your background is in B2B sales, account management, business development, recruitment, training, professional services or another fast-moving commercial environment, we would love to hear from you.

Experience in education, apprenticeships or skills provision is beneficial, but not essential. We are more interested in your ability to sell, influence and build strong commercial relationships.

About the Role

As a Business Development Advisor, you will play a leading role in growing the College's employer engagement and commercial offer.

Working with senior business leaders across the region, you will identify workforce development needs, develop tailored solutions and secure new opportunities across apprenticeships, commercial training, adult skills programmes, industry placements and other business services.

You’ll manage a portfolio of key accounts while proactively generating new business through networking, referrals, relationship building and strategic account development.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're an energetic, target-driven sales professional who enjoys building relationships, creating opportunities and delivering results, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join East Sussex College Group?

• Be part of a growing and ambitious Business Development team
• Opportunity to shape employer engagement across the region
• Work with a diverse range of businesses and industries
• Competitive salary and attractive benefits package
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Make a genuine impact on local businesses, employers and communities

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're an energetic, target-driven sales professional who enjoys building relationships, creating opportunities and delivering results, we'd love to hear from you.

This exciting role will include:

• Winning new business and generating commercial opportunities
• Building and managing relationships with senior decision-makers
• Developing strategic partnerships across Sussex
• Managing a strong sales pipeline through CRM systems
• Delivering against income and growth targets
• Identifying opportunities for apprenticeships, training and workforce development solutions
• Representing the College at networking events, business forums and employer meetings
• Mentoring and supporting colleagues within the Business Development team
• Working collaboratively with curriculum and operational teams to deliver customer-focused solutions

We're seeking an experienced sales professional who is:

• Proven in generating new business and exceeding targets
• Experienced in B2B sales, account management or business development
• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and business leaders
• A natural relationship builder with excellent communication skills
• Commercially astute and opportunity focused
• Organised, proactive and comfortable managing a busy pipeline
• Resilient, self-motivated and driven to succeed in a fast-paced environment

Closing date: 1st November2026 with interviewsprovisionally w/c 9th November2026.

Locations: Eastbourne, Hastings & Lewes with travel across Sussex

Annual salary: circa £31,500 per annum

Hours: full time, 37 hours per week, full year, permanent contract

A competitive FE salary, generous annual leave & pension, access to funded teaching qualifications, apprenticeships and a range of other training courses to support career development, as well as many other benefits.

OTHER INFORMATION:

East Sussex College is a values-driven Further Education college with over 1,300 colleagues and 5,500 students across campuses in Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, and Newhaven. We offer a wide range of programmes including A Levels, T Levels, vocational courses, higher education, and adult learning.

Our ESC PROUD Values: Positivity – Respect – Opportunity – Unity – Diversity

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles require enhanced DBS checks and eligibility to work in the UK.

We are also committed to making our recruitment process accessible for all candidates. If you require adjustments or support to fully engage with any aspect of the process, please contact People Services at [e-mail] and we will be happy to facilitate reasonable adaptations.

At East Sussex College, we celebrate individuality and strive for an inclusive, equitable workplace. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including Black and minority ethnic communities, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Please note: Applications may be shortlisted on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed.