Business Development Senior Manager - Higher Education

TN United Kingdom; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager focused on Higher Education in Reading. The role involves developing client relationships, managing sales pipelines, and enhancing market presence. Candidates should have strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the UK Higher Education sector.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector.
• Minimum of 6 years in sales or client-facing roles.

Responsibilities

• Leading Go To Market strategy in Higher Education.
• Targeting specific universities and developing opportunities.
• Managing CRM and pipeline processes effectively.

Skills

Interpersonal

Organizational

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Education

In-depth knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector

Minimum of 6 years in sales or client-facing roles

Job description

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Business Development Senior Manager - Higher Education, Reading

Client:

KPMG

Location:

Reading, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference:

9eb36fb5b6fb

Job Views:

4

Posted:

12.05.2025

Expiry Date:

26.06.2025

Job Description:

KPMG operates on a multi-disciplinary market approach, leveraging insights to offer a broad range of solutions to meet client objectives and address key challenges.

Our Business Development roles are focused on building and maintaining client relationships, generating opportunities, and securing profitable work. BDMs utilize sales practices and CRM tools to support these activities.

This position is aligned with our Infrastructure, Government and Health (IGH) sector, specifically within the Education, Skills, and Productivity (ESP) team, focusing on Higher Education.

The ESP team, part of KPMG’s Public Sector practice, covers the education landscape, including schools, Further Education, Higher Education, and the wider skills sector. We aim to grow our advisory revenue in this area, building on our existing strengths and relationships.

We are seeking a Senior Business Development Manager with a focus on Higher Education to accelerate our market development efforts.

Role and responsibilities

The successful candidate will join the ESP leadership team, led by the Head of Education, Skills and Productivity, working alongside sales and client service teams to translate market strategy into regional growth plans, considering local client issues and policy impacts.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Leading our Go To Market strategy in Higher Education and managing pipeline development and conversion.
2. Targeting specific universities, expanding contacts, and developing opportunities.
3. Introducing new advisory products to market and developing sales pipelines.
4. Enhancing our profile through conferences, speaking engagements, and relationships with influencers.
5. Managing CRM and pipeline processes effectively.
6. Supporting regional client service meetings and strategic planning.
7. Qualifying and pursuing opportunities, including proposal development.
8. Mentoring and coaching team members in sales best practices.

The individual must proactively manage target areas, demonstrating strong leadership, management, and influencing skills, with keen attention to detail and follow-through.

Performance metrics include revenue growth, brand enhancement, client relationships, and internal feedback.

This role offers high visibility and a vital contribution to KPMG’s growth, with internal contacts across leadership and sector teams.

Client relationships

• Develop relationships with a diverse portfolio of targets.
• Allocate approximately 80% of time to sales activities.
• Identify client issues through face-to-face meetings.
• Expand points of contact and develop new relationships, leading development efforts.
• Coordinate relationship events and measure ROI.
• Engage with regional influencers and support client service teams.
• Manage sales pipeline and ensure effective use of CRM systems.
• Act as a role model for sales practices and seek opportunities for cross-selling.

Knowledge/communication/coaching

• Encourage cross-functional involvement and communication.
• Leverage internal talent and facilitate team communication.
• Share sales knowledge and mentor emerging leaders.
• Bring innovative ideas and ensure best practices are shared across teams.
• Understand sector trends and client needs to inform service offerings.

Proposals

• Coordinate tenders and pitches, ensuring client perspectives are well represented and responses are competitive.

Key measures

Metrics include individual and team sales contributions, pipeline health, client engagement, and internal feedback, aligned with reward structures.

Qualifications and skills

• In-depth knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector, gained through relevant experience.
• Minimum of 6 years in sales or client-facing roles, preferably within professional services or consultancy.
• Strong relationship-building skills at senior levels.
• Ability to develop networks quickly, especially within the public sector.
• Proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and strategic thinking skills.

Skills

• Interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Confidence in speaking to large groups and creating multidisciplinary approaches.