Business Development Manager

Make UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Free parking

Flexible hours

Health cover

Pension contributions up to 8%

Life assurance

Life assurance

Job summary

An apprenticeship and skills training organization in Birmingham is seeking a Business Development Manager to expand its client base focusing on the manufacturing sector. The successful candidate will implement sales strategies, build client relationships, and deliver growth targets. Ideal candidates will have a proven sales background, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. This role offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package that includes flexible hours and health cover.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development, especially in Apprenticeships or Skills sector.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills are essential.
• Ability to identify market trends and growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on financial objectives for Make UK’s Apprentices & Skills business.
• Develop and implement local and national sales and marketing plans to drive growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and educational partners.
• Generate substantial new business through targeted sales activity, networking and lead generation.
• Research and identify new market opportunities and customer needs.
• Prepare and submit professional sales proposals and presentations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to maximise business opportunities.
• Monitor and report on sales pipeline, KPIs and performance targets.
• Support matching of apprentices to vacancies in line with client needs.

Skills

Business development

Sales strategies

Client relationship management

Market analysis

Communication

Leadership

Presentation skills

Team leadership

Job description

Business Development Manager - Apprenticeships

Aston, Birmingham

Permanent

Competitive salaries and excellent benefits including up to one day's paid leave each year to undertake volunteering opportunities

About Make UK

At Make UK, we champion and celebrate British manufacturing and engineering. We support over 20,000 businesses across the UK, helping them to innovate, compete, and grow. As part of our continued commitment to developing the next generation of talent, we deliver high-quality Apprenticeships and Skills Training that shape the future of the manufacturing workforce.

We’re expanding our Apprentices & Skills commercial team with a new Business Development Manager role, a fantastic opportunity for a proven sales and business development professional who is passionate about skills, training, and the UK manufacturing sector.

The Opportunity

You’ll play a key role in expanding Make UK’s client base and driving revenue growth from both new and existing customers.

You’ll develop and deliver a robust sales plan to support the organisation’s strategic objectives, ensuring our Apprentices & Skills division continues to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver on financial objectives for Make UK’s Apprentices & Skills business.
• Develop and implement local and national sales and marketing plans to drive growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, industry bodies, and educational partners.
• Generate substantial new business through targeted sales activity, networking, and lead generation.
• Research and identify new market opportunities and customer needs.
• Prepare and submit professional sales proposals and presentations.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams across Make UK to maximise business opportunities.
• Monitor and report on sales pipeline, KPIs, and performance targets.
• Support the effective matching of apprentices to vacancies in line with client needs.

About You

You’re a confident, motivated, and strategic sales professional with a proven track record in business development, ideally within the Apprenticeships, Skills, or Training sector. You understand the needs of employers in manufacturing and engineering and can communicate effectively at all levels, from operational staff to senior leaders.

You will also bring:

• An understanding of UK training and apprenticeship programmes or industrial manufacturing
• Ability to identify market trends and growth opportunities.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills.
• A collaborative, consultative approach with a commercial mindset.
• Leadership qualities, with the ability to motivate others and drive continuous improvement.

Why Join Us

At Make UK, you’ll be part of a respected organisation shaping the future of UK industry. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals dedicated to supporting employers and developing skilled talent. We offer:

• A dynamic and supportive environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• The chance to make a tangible impact in the UK manufacturing and skills landscape.

With over 125 years of experience, Make UK is a leading provider of essential business support and a champion for manufacturing industry in the UK. Make UK has the close ear of Government and is a trusted provider of essential services for world leading manufacturing companies across the country. Everything we do is designed to inspire British manufacturers to compete, innovate and grow.

Make UK staff enjoy a good benefits package and values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Benefits to include, but not limited to: Free parking, meal service on site, no bank holiday/weekend work, flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions up to 8%, and life assurance.

We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and we recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation and have pledged to support this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Our Values at Make UK: Inclusivity & Diversity, Integrity, Innovation, & Collaboration