Remote Business Development Lead – Apprenticeships (Early Years)

Shaping Lives; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Holiday benefits

Birthday day off

Volunteering leave

Perkbox access

Long service awards

Job summary

Shaping Lives in the United Kingdom (remote) is seeking an ambitious Business Development Manager to drive apprenticeship sales across the North of England. You will build strategic partnerships with employers in the Early Years and Childcare sector, identify skills gaps, and design tailored apprenticeship solutions while managing CRM activity and delivering measurable growth for our Commercial team.

You'll lead conversations with senior stakeholders, present compelling ROI, and help clients

Qualifications

• Proven track record in apprenticeship sales, business development or employer engagement.
• Experience securing new business and managing accounts in a consultative sales environment.
• Strong understanding of apprenticeship funding and the Apprenticeship Levy.
• Experience presenting solutions and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work towards and exceed sales targets and KPIs.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities and demonstrate value.
• Confident presenting to senior leaders, business owners and decision-makers.
• Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of labour market trends and workforce development solutions is advantageous.
• Familiarity with consultative sales methodologies such as SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Achieve and exceed apprenticeship enrolment and sales targets through a combination of new business development and account management.
• Identify, engage and develop opportunities with SME and larger employers within the Early Years, Childcare and Education sectors.
• Create and implement effective business development plans to generate new leads, partnerships and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Provide expert Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to employers on apprenticeships, funding options and the Apprenticeship Levy.
• Demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) and organisational benefits of apprenticeships to prospective and existing clients.
• Design bespoke apprenticeship solutions that align with employer objectives, workforce challenges and growth strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers at all levels.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a seamless onboarding experience and successful programme delivery.
• Accurately maintain CRM records, sales activity and learner documentation.
• Continuously review performance, market trends and sector developments to maximise opportunities and drive growth.

Skills

Apprenticeship sales

Business development

Account management

Funding knowledge

Stakeholder influence

Sales targets/KPIs

CRM systems

Communication skills

Negotiation

Relationship building

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Shaping Lives in the United Kingdom (remote) is seeking an ambitious Business Development Manager to drive apprenticeship sales across the North of England. You will build strategic partnerships with employers in the Early Years and Childcare sector, identify skills gaps, and design tailored apprenticeship solutions while managing CRM activity and delivering measurable growth for our Commercial team.

You'll lead conversations with senior stakeholders, present compelling ROI, and help clients