Business Development Senior Manager - Higher Education

TN United Kingdom; Norwich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager focused on Higher Education to drive growth and enhance client relationships. This pivotal role involves leading market strategies, managing sales pipelines, and fostering connections with universities. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive knowledge of the UK Higher Education landscape to deliver innovative solutions and build a strong client base. Join a dynamic team that values collaboration and creativity, and play a key role in shaping the future of educational consultancy. If you are passionate about making a difference in the education sector, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in sales or client-facing roles, ideally in higher education.
• Strong relationship-building skills and networks in the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead Go-To-Market strategy in Higher Education and manage pipeline.
• Develop relationships with universities and expand client contacts.

Skills

Sales Management

Client Relationship Management

Public Sector Knowledge

Higher Education Sector Knowledge

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Degree in Business or related field

Tools

CRM Tools

Job description

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Business Development Senior Manager - Higher Education, Norwich

Client:

KPMG

Location:

Norwich

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

603be347cbbe

Job Views:

3

Posted:

10.05.2025

Expiry Date:

24.06.2025

Job Description:

KPMG operates on a multi-disciplinary market approach, leveraging insights to offer a broad range of solutions and services to help clients meet their business objectives and overcome significant challenges.

Our Business Development (BDM) roles are focused on specific client groups to build and maintain relationships, generate opportunities, and secure profitable work. BDMs utilize and exemplify good sales practices through the wider BD community and various CRM tools and guidance.

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

The ESP team is a part of KPMG’s Public Sector practice, covering all educational levels from schools to higher education, as well as government and skills development sectors. Building on our strong presence in audit and tax, we have expanded our advisory services and aim to continue this growth, especially in Higher Education.

We are seeking a Senior Business Development Manager with a focus on Higher Education to accelerate pipeline development and conversion, leveraging our longstanding sector relationships and understanding.

Role and Responsibilities

You will be part of the ESP leadership team, working closely with the Head of Education, Skills and Productivity, sales executives, and other partners to translate national market strategies into regional growth plans, considering local client issues and public sector policies.

The role includes:

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. Launching new advisory products and building sales pipelines.
4. Enhancing our profile through conferences, speaking opportunities, and relationship building.
5. Maintaining CRM and pipeline management best practices.
6. Supporting regional client service meetings and broader strategic planning.
7. Qualifying and pursuing opportunities, including leading proposals.
8. Coaching teams on sales best practices to ensure profitable growth.

The ideal candidate will proactively manage and grow target areas, demonstrating strong leadership, influence, attention to detail, and follow-through. Success will be measured by revenue growth, brand enhancement, client relationships, and internal feedback.

This is a high-profile role within KPMG, playing a key part in driving business growth and participating in a supportive, networked team environment.

Your main internal contacts will include the Sector head, ESP leadership, Office Senior Partners, Client Lead Partners, Sales Partners, and Heads of adjacent sectors.

Client Relationships

• Develop relationships with a diverse portfolio of targets, focusing 80% of time on sales activities.
• Identify and understand client issues through face-to-face meetings.
• Expand points of contact and develop peer relationships within client organizations.
• Organize client relationship events and measure ROI through deeper relationships and increased opportunities.
• Attend events, host internal meetings, and support client service teams to raise profile externally.
• Manage sales pipeline and ensure adherence to sales processes.
• Act as a role model for business development across the region.

Knowledge, Communication, and Coaching

• Encourage cross-functional involvement and internal talent utilization.
• Facilitate communication within teams and develop client knowledge.
• Share sales and relationship management best practices and mentor colleagues.
• Bring innovative ideas and ensure best practices are shared across accounts.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of broader sector trends and KPMG’s offerings.

Proposals

• Coordinate tenders and pitches, ensuring strong client knowledge representation and high scoring responses.

Key Measures

Metrics include individual and account sales, pipeline health, client engagement, feedback, and contribution to the sales community.

Qualifications and Skills

• In-depth knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector, gained through experience at a UK HEI, consultancy, or sales in a related sector.
• Minimum of 6 years in sales or client-facing roles, with experience in professional services a plus.
• Strong relationship-building skills at senior levels, with excellent networks in the public sector.
• Ability to drive growth, organize workload, and manage priorities under pressure.
• Understanding of the UK higher education landscape and technology sector.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and networking skills.

Skills

• Interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to speak confidently to large groups and create a multidisciplinary approach.