Business Development Manager – SME Team

KnowledgeBrief; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leadership development organization is seeking a Business Development Manager for their SME team, focusing on generating new business opportunities and nurturing client relationships. This full-time remote position requires proven success in sales, particularly in the apprenticeship sector. Competitive salary of £30,000 to £40,000 plus uncapped commission, with opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. The role offers flexibility with a supportive working environment, designed to help leaders grow and succeed.

Benefits

Fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification

5.6 weeks annual leave

Paid company closure over winter

2 weeks full sick pay

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development or telesales.
• Experience in apprenticeships or training sales is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Business Development Managers to find new opportunities.
• Conduct data-driven market research for the SME market.
• Engage with potential clients through various outreach strategies.

Skills

Proven success in telesales or business development

Customer-focused mindset across diverse industries

Confident and effective communicator with senior stakeholders

Self-motivated, resilient, and adaptable

Target-focused and motivated by success

Education

Chartered Management Institute qualification (opportunity provided)

Job description

Business Development Manager – SME Team

• Start Date: We are hiring for multiple vacancies due to high growth. Successful candidates can start from January 2026
• Full-time, Remote/Hybrid – While the role is advertised in a specific area, it is remote and we operate on a home-working model. The candidate must be able to travel to London minimum 6 times per year for operational meet-ups, training days and company away days.
• Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 per annum basic salary, dependent on experience (At this stage, the higher end of the salary banding will be considered for candidates with considerable experience selling within the apprenticeship or training sector.)
• Commission: Uncapped commission on all apprenticeship starts once monthly target is met.
• Travel: Travel to London for team days is reimbursed in full.
• Closing date for applications: Monday 5th January 2026

Ready to Shape the Future of Leadership and Business Management?

Want to help redefine how Leadership professionals learn, lead, and succeed across the UK?

At KnowledgeBrief, we partner with organisations across industries to elevate leadership through emotionally intelligent, evidence-based learning. Apprenticeships are at the heart of our delivery, providing high-impact, on-the-job development that upskills leaders, inspires the next generation, and helps businesses embed inclusive, values-driven cultures at scale.

Learn more about our values and vision at www.knowledgebrief.com.

Business Development Manager – What You’ll Be Doing

As part of the SME team, you’ll collaborate with a close-knit group of four experienced Business Development Managers. You’ll proactively uncover new opportunities within the SME market through confident, data-driven market research. The team leverages a range of outreach strategies including cold calls, email, LinkedIn, and marketing initiatives to connect with potential clients and drive meaningful engagement.

Given the dynamic nature of the role, you’ll need to adapt your approach to each client’s unique needs and quickly build rapport with senior stakeholders, including C-level executives, directors, and senior managers.

We are also hiring Business Development Managers for our Enterprise team, which you can explore on our careers page at https://knowledgebrief.bamboohr.com/careers

Business Development Manager – What’s On Offer

• Full-time role, 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: £30,000–£40,000 per annum, dependent on experience
• Uncapped commission on all apprenticeship starts once monthly target is met
• Opportunity to undertake a fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification
• Career progression to Senior Business Development Manager based on performance and length of service
• 5.6 weeks annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Paid company closure over the winter holidays
• 2 weeks full sick pay per year

Ideal Candidates Will Showcase Some or All of the Following

• Proven success in telesales or business development (essential)
• Experience in selling apprenticeships and training (desirable, but not essential)
• Target-focused, driven, and motivated by success
• Warm, able to connect with a variety of stakeholders and build strong relationships
• Confident and effective communicator, particularly with senior stakeholders
• Customer-focused mindset across diverse industries
• Passion for leadership, learning, and helping others grow
• Self-motivated, resilient, and adaptable
• Organised, enthusiastic, and goal-oriented

Ready to Apply?

If you’re excited by the idea of helping leaders grow, and growing your own career in the process, send us your CV and we will be in touch.

Nathan
People Partner
KnowledgeBrief

KnowledgeBrief is an Equal Opportunities employer. All qualified candidates will be considered.