Business Development Manager – Early Years

Role Overview

• To drive the growth and success of Acorn Training’s contracts in your allocated region.
• This involves building and maintaining strategic partnerships with new and existing employers.
• Serving as a representative at key forums.
• Effectively managing new business opportunities.
• Fostering local connections to secure support which ensures the sustained growth, achievement, and profitability of the designated contracts.
• Actively promote Acorn Training's services and training programmes effectively.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute effective marketing campaigns.
• Identify and develop productive and sustainable relationships with potential employers, partners, and wider stakeholders.
• Actively prospect to maintain a strong pipeline of potential and future learners, employers, and referral partners relevant to the contract requirements.
• Be responsible for your pipeline of opportunities, including lead generation, meetings, and closing sales against the contract to grow its value.
• Manage your pipeline of data effectively and efficiently to maximise conversion rates and continuously strive to enhance it.
• Keep your knowledge up to date in all sectors to provide personalised, passionate, and ethical information, advice and guidance to potential employers and customers at all given opportunities.
• Use CRM and other systems accurately and consistently to document your progress with your pipeline, demonstrations, and meetings for daily forecasting.
• Work with your team to ensure a smooth transition from sale through onboarding to delivery.
• Attend networking events and exhibitions in your region to become familiar with your target audience and their needs.
• Share knowledge and best practices with your colleagues and peers to enhance the experience of potential customers.
• Contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the business, offering new suggestions and ideas wherever possible.
• Achieve the KPIs set on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Ensure consistently high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Achievement of Apprenticeship sales and revenue targets within the Business skills sector.
• Growth in employer, learner, and stakeholder Base.
• Achievement of specific contract requirements.
• Development of key partnerships.
• Market share increase across region.
• Positive brand image and recognition across region.
• Timely and accurate reporting.

Requirements

• Level 3 Customer service, business development, sales management, or equivalent qualification (essential)
• GCSE grade A*-C (or equivalent) in English and Maths (essential)
• Full driving licence and access to vehicle with business use insurance (essential)
• Level 4 Management qualification (desirable)
• IOSH Health and Safety qualification (desirable)
• Minimum of three years of business development experience, with a track record of meeting or exceeding apprenticeship sales targets. (essential)
• Experience in the private training or education sector. (essential)
• Prior experience in developing partnerships with other education providers. (essential)
• Demonstrated success in building and managing a sales team. (desirable)
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of current business development and sales strategies. (essential)
• Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance. (essential)
• Commitment to income generation and commercial activity. (essential)
• Understanding of adult learning principles and educational methodologies. (desirable)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. (essential)
• Customer-focused and client-centric mindset. (essential)
• Strong negotiation and relationship building abilities. (essential)
• Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision-making. (essential)
• Effective project management and time management skills. (essential)
• Proactive and results oriented. (essential)
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic industry. (essential)
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm for the training sector. (essential)
• Committed to continuous learning and self-improvement. (essential)
• Proficient in using sales and CRM software. (desirable)
• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. (desirable)

Benefits

• Flexible working including home-based, centre-based, or hybrid job role dependant
• Up to 26 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days
• Pension scheme to support your long-term financial wellbeing
• Training and professional development, including CPD workshops and professional qualifications
• Westfield Health Scheme with benefits including 13 healthcare services, cashback towards essential health bills, counselling and therapy treatments, fast access to MRI, CT, and PET scans, and discounted shopping vouchers
• Wellbeing initiatives including Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Mental Health at Work Pledge
• Disability Confident Leader, Menopause Workplace Pledge, Armed Forces Covenant, Ban the Box Employer, and secure prayer spaces
• Annual paid volunteering day and charity initiatives
• Cash incentives for Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards
• £500 Recommend a friend scheme