Business Development Manager – Apprenticeship Programmes

National Skills Agency; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

National Skills Agency Ltd is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive apprenticeship programmes UK-wide in a hybrid/remote setup. You will build a robust pipeline, tailor proposals, and work cross-functionally to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

The role offers a competitive base (£40k–£50k) with uncapped commission and an OTE of £60k–£70k, rewarding high performers who generate new business and navigate apprenticeship funding across sectors.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience within apprenticeship sales or business development.
• Strong understanding of apprenticeship funding and levy solutions.
• Proven ability to generate and convert new business opportunities.
• Consultative, solution‑focused sales approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Established professional network across LinkedIn and relevant business communities.

Responsibilities

• Generate new business opportunities and convert employer enquiries into apprenticeship starts.
• Advise organisations on apprenticeship levy funding and available training solutions.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline through outbound sales activity, networking, referrals, and LinkedIn engagement.
• Develop long‑term client relationships that drive repeat business and account growth.
• Prepare tailored proposals and commercial agreements that meet client objectives.
• Cross‑sell and upsell a range of learning and development solutions.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Learning & Development, and Finance teams to ensure exceptional client outcomes.
• Maintain accurate sales records, forecasts, and pipeline reporting.
• Attend networking events and stay ahead of apprenticeship and workforce development trends.

Skills

Apprenticeship sales

Funding knowledge

New business development

Consultative selling

Communication skills

Self-motivation

LinkedIn network

Job description

Job Title: Business Development Manager – Apprenticeship Programmes

Location: Hybrid / Remote – UK Wide

Salary: £40,000–£50,000 Base Salary + Uncapped Commission (OTE: £60,000–£70,000)

About Our Client

Our client is one of the UK's leading development and training providers, trusted by global brands to deliver the skills needed for tomorrow's workforce.Working with some of the UK's most recognised organisations, they deliver innovative apprenticeship programmes across high-growth sectors including AI & Automation, Project Management, Leadership, and Business Improvement. They are also one of the UK's leading speaker bureaus, providing access to more than 900 world‑class experts.

The Opportunity

The Business Development Manager is a high-impact sales role offering genuine autonomy, strong earning potential, and the chance to shape your own success.

• Generate new business opportunities and convert employer enquiries into apprenticeship starts
• Advise organisations on apprenticeship levy funding and available training solutions
• Build and manage a strong pipeline through outbound sales activity, networking, referrals, and LinkedIn engagement
• Develop long‑term client relationships that drive repeat business and account growth
• Prepare tailored proposals and commercial agreements that meet client objectives
• Cross‑sell and upsell a range of learning and development solutions
• Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, Learning & Development, and Finance teams to ensure exceptional client outcomes
• Maintain accurate sales records, forecasts, and pipeline reporting
• Attend networking events and stay ahead of apprenticeship and workforce development trends

What They Are Looking For

Essential

• Minimum 2 years' experience within apprenticeship sales or business development
• Strong understanding of apprenticeship funding and levy solutions
• Proven ability to generate and convert new business opportunities
• Consultative, solution‑focused sales approach
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Established professional network across LinkedIn and relevant business communities

You’ll Thrive If You Are

• Driven by targets and earning potential
• Confident in outbound sales environments
• Commercially minded and relationship‑focused
• Passionate about helping organisations develop their people

Why Join

• Work with world‑class experts and industry‑leading content
• Sell highly relevant apprenticeship programmes in growth sectors
• Enjoy genuine autonomy and ownership of your sales success
• Be part of a culture built on excellence, integrity, and impact
• Access ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• Join a supportive, high‑performance team that rewards achievement

National Skills Agency Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy and is an Equal Opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.