Sales Development Representative

AQA; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a Sales Development Representative on a fixed-term contract in Manchester. You'll play a vital role in engaging with schools and introducing them to innovative educational tools. With extensive training and a supportive environment, this position is ideal for someone ready to make a difference in the education sector.

Benefits

Extensive product knowledge training

Training on CRM systems

Career progression opportunities

Work-life balance with hybrid model

Access to refurbished office facilities

25 days annual leave plus holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in outbound sales or customer engagement.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build rapport.
• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Microsoft Dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Actively develop new sales and customer relationships.
• Follow up on warm leads and guide customers through the onboarding process.
• Coordinate with teams to ensure a smooth customer experience.

Skills

Communication

Relationship Building

Customer Engagement

Education

Degree (or equivalent experience)

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK , we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Sales Development Representative

12 months Fixed Term Contract

Manchester: £24,730 - £26,670

Hybrid Working

Do you want a sales role which will help teachers and students to target their learning in an impactful and fulfilling way?

Are you customer focused and can build rapport quickly?

Imagine a role where every conversation you have helps shape the way learners engage with their education. At AQA, we’re enabling a more targeted approach to education through our innovative Maths Digital platform—and we need your help to spread the word.

As a Sales Development Representative, you’ll be the first point of contact for schools across the UK, introducing them to our new online assessment tool. You will follow up on warm leads, build relationships with educators, and guide them through the benefits of our platform. Working closely with internal teams, you will ensure a smooth and supportive customer journey from first contact to onboarding. This is a great opportunity for someone with sales experience—or a graduate looking to start their career—who wants to make a tangible impact in the education sector.

What’s in it for me?

• Extensive product knowledge training in innovative Education Technology products.

• Training on CRM systems and MS Dynamics.

• Feedback into continuous improvement projects

• Almost 50% of our roles are recruited from within the company so this could be just the start of your career with AQA.

• 35 hour working week with 2 days onsite and 3 days at home.

• 25 days annual leave with Bank Holidays and extra closure days at Christmas on top

• Access to a newly refurbished office with a gym, games room and yoga studio

What do I need to be successful?

• Experience in outbound sales or customer engagement

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Confidence using Microsoft Teams/Zoom for product demonstrations and client meetings.

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics)

• Ability to understand customer needs and manage expectations

What next?

Every year we make results happen for millions of learners across the UK. To explore how you can be a part of that, apply through the link and upload your most recent CV.

You could wait until applications close at 23:59 on Monday 9th June to apply but we will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve the right to close the advert early should we find the right person, so apply today if this sounds like the role for you.

Interviews will be held face to face in the Manchester office week beginning 23rd June.

Every application will receive a response.

#CRE23

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and supported to thrive

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

AQA is much more than just an awarding organisation, our purpose is to advance education by enabling teachers and students to realise their potential. Our purpose is the reason AQA exists - we are here to make a positive difference in the world by bringing out the best in teachers and students.

As a Sales Development Representative you will play a critical role in driving business growth by generating new leads and driving customer acquisition for our innovative educational assessment services, leveraging an innovative technology platform.In this role you will collaborate with teams across AQA as a supportive partner to ensure customers receive industry leading support at every stage of their customers journey. This is a critical role that requires the ability to gain an understanding of customer needs, educational technology and the education system.

To be successful in this role, you will need to be highly self-motivated and have a passion for delivering the best possible customer experience. You will demonstrate a customer centric mindset and a track record of delivering results in a dynamic environment. You will be organised, a strong communicator and possess excellent stakeholder skills which support you to engage and influence at multiple levels seniority.

Activities
You will be responsible for actively developing new sales, through proactive outbound customer contact; building relationships and engaging with prospective customers.

Primary duties include:
Identifying new opportunities to secure additional business with current customers.
Selling products and services via online (Microsoft Teams or Zoom) meetings, or via the phone and working with customers to ensure a smooth sale
Coordination with internal stakeholders to create a seamless customer experience across the sales, demonstration and onboarding.
Understanding the customers’ needs, identifying and resolving any issues.
Managing customer expectations
The post-holder will also be responsible for coordinating and actioning follow up activity such sending resources to the customers.

The role involves close collaboration with AQA Account Management and Subject Support teams, mainly through information sharing and following-up on leads generated or sharing leads.



Need to know – to be successful in this role you will need .
In-depth understanding of the EdTech market and the competitive landscape an advantage, but not essential. Training will be provided
Sound grasp of sales strategies, processes, and methodologies.
Demonstrable digital communication skills such as Teams/Zoom for product demonstrations and client meetings.
Proficiency in using CRM software, such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM .
Comprehensive understanding of the customer journey from acquisition to onboarding. Training will be provided.
Personal specification
Prior experience in a sales development role, EdTech or Assessment Services sector experience an advantage.
Demonstrated ability in achieving sales quotas and objectives.
Excellent listening, communication and negotiation skills.
Self-motivated & ambitious with a strong drive to succeed.
Exceptional remote people skills, capable of connecting and establishing rapport with clients and team members.
Commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-growth environment.