Business Development Officer (London)

University of Staffordshire Business Engagement; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffordshire University London is seeking a proactive Business Development Officer to join the Apprenticeships and Business Engagement team. You will drive new employer partnerships, generate apprenticeship growth, and convert high-quality leads into enrolments while coordinating with the Account Management team.

You will identify opportunities, onboard employers, stay informed on sector developments, and maintain an accurate CRM pipeline to support sustainable revenue and learner outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven business development success.
• Experience in account management with targets.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship sector, funding mechanisms, and learner recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Identify new apprenticeship sales aligned with business strategy and targets.
• Acquire and onboard new employer partners, ensuring smooth handover to Account Management.
• Engage and expand employer engagement through market insights and events.
• Negotiate and close deals to convert leads into learner enrolments.
• Maintain an accurate apprenticeship pipeline and CRM reporting.

Skills

Business development

Account management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Travel flexibility

Education

Degree level or equivalent

Tools

CRM tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Staffordshire University London
Salary: Up to £42,000 Per Annum - Full Time Permanent
Release Date: Monday 26 October 2026
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Reference: B2M69-26-R2

Are you a results-driven, commercially minded professional with a passion for education and skills?

We are looking for an ambitious Business Development Officer to join our Apprenticeships and Business Engagement team. This is a key role where you will drive new employer partnerships and generate apprenticeship growth, contributing directly to the University’s strategic ambitions.

You will be responsible for identifying and securing new employer opportunities, converting high-quality leads into apprenticeship enrolments, and working closely with our Account Management team to build lasting relationships. Your work will deliver sustainable revenue growth while creating meaningful opportunities for learners and employers.

Main Responsibilities

Identify New Opportunities

Proactively generate and secure new apprenticeship sales in line with the business strategy, consistently delivering against targets and KPIs.

New Employer Acquisition

Engage, secure and onboard new employer partners, ensuring a smooth transition to the Account Management team for long-term relationship development.

Market Insight & Engagement

Stay informed about developments within the apprenticeship sector. Represent the University at networking events, roadshows and industry forums to promote our offer and expand employer engagement.

Negotiate and Close Deals

Use a consultative sales approach to convert leads into confirmed learner enrolments, building value-led solutions for employers.

Pipeline and Reporting Management

Maintain an accurate and robust pipeline of apprenticeship starts, ensuring all CRM systems and reporting tools are kept up to date.

Collaborate for Success

Work closely with internal teams, particularly Apprenticeship Account Managers, as well as external partners, to achieve shared business development goals.

What We're Looking For

Essential experience and skills:

We are seeking a motivated and proactive individual who can build strong relationships and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Proven business development success

Demonstrable experience in business development or account management, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.

Apprenticeship & funding knowledge

A solid understanding of the apprenticeship sector, work-based learning models and funding mechanisms.

Strong communication & negotiation skills

Confident in building relationships with employer stakeholders and influencing outcomes.

Stakeholder management

Experience working with a wide range of organisations to build and maintain effective partnerships.

Commercial & strategic thinking

Ability to identify opportunities, think strategically and deliver practical solutions.

Highly organised & self-motivated

Comfortable managing competing priorities independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.

Digital & IT capability

Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM / sales reporting tools.

Flexibility & travel

Willingness to travel regionally as required, with a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Qualification requirement:

Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification or relevant experience.

Application Information

The University reserves the right to close this vacancy early once we are in receipt of a sufficient number of applications. Early submission is encouraged.

Contact For Informal Discussion

Lisa Davies, Head of Business Engagement: 07443 752125

Staffordshire University is committed to promoting and enabling a positive culture where staff, students and visitors are confident to be their authentic selves. We focus on inclusion as a way to ensure equality of opportunity for all our people and to demonstrate our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Human Rights.

We promote applications from all sections of the community, regardless of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits a diverse organisation can bring for the University.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people, who are currently under-represented in the University workforce.