Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Oaklands for a Business Development Manager to provide strategic leadership in employer engagement and apprenticeship growth across priority sectors.

About Oaklands

The Oaklands Education group is a vibrant and diverse learning-centred community, providing transformational education for over 100 years. Oaklands is more than just a College and is well positioned to be internationally known, nationally recognised, regionally relevant, and locally significant.

Oaklands is ambitious at reaching a greater number of individuals, businesses and stakeholders through its diverse group, to grow our portfolio and offer, to meet global economic and social needs in a transformational way.

About the Role

We are looking for a commercially astute Business Development Manager to join our team and play a crucial role in driving new business, building employer partnerships, and expanding our apprenticeship provision. In this position, you will generate new business opportunities, manage employer relationships, and align apprenticeship solutions with industry needs. You will also be responsible for supporting marketing campaigns and ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development and Sales

• Proactively create and develop business opportunities with new and existing clients across our apprenticeship suite.
• Maintain a strategic, consistent approach to managing employer engagement and partnerships.
• Identify new markets, trends, and partnerships to expand apprenticeship offerings.
• Generate leads, conduct presentations, and secure new business to meet sales targets.

Relationship Management

• Develop strong employer relationships to support apprenticeship growth and retention.
• Provide account management and serve as the first point of contact for employers.
• Collaborate with delivery teams and internal stakeholders to align programmes with employer needs.
• Align apprenticeship solutions with employers' ESG, sustainability, and social value goals.
• Contribute to the preparation of bids and tenders for government contracts and employer frameworks.
• Stay informed on apprenticeship funding policy, including co-investment rules, levy usage, and LSIP priorities, to support employer engagement.
• Develop account growth and retention plans to ensure repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Provide specialist insight into priority sectors such as Health, Digital, Professional Services, Construction and Engineering, and Green Skills.
• Promote inclusive apprenticeship opportunities and advise employers on EDI best practices.

Marketing and Promotion

• Support the Marketing Team with campaigns and promotional activity.
• Represent and promote college services at external events and presentations.

Quality and Administration

• Ensure compliance with quality standards in sales and learner enrolments.
• Provide accurate advice to employers and maintain CRM records.
• Monitor performance against KPIs and report on activity.
• Supervise the business development team as directed.
• Utilise CRM systems and data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Salesforce) to drive targeted employer campaigns and sales performance.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional experience (3+ years in similar roles)
• Level 2 English and Maths

Experience and Skills

• Proven success in strategic partnerships and business development.
• In-depth knowledge of apprenticeships, funding, and the Levy.
• Excellent sales, communication, and negotiation abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and use of CRM systems.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Sound knowledge of current funding frameworks including the Apprenticeship Levy and LSIP's.
• Ability to contribute to commercial proposals, funding bids, and tender responses.
• Proven experience in client retention, customer success strategies, and employer lifecycle management.
• Understanding of employer ESG goals and the integration of apprenticeships into sustainability agendas.
• Sector-specific knowledge in at least one growth area (Examples - Construction, Engineering, Professional Services).
• Proactive in promoting EDI and widening participation in apprenticeships.
• Experience in educational settings (desirable).

Attributes

• Commercially astute with a strong understanding of employer needs and ROI.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Influential communicator with excellent negotiation and presentation skills.
• Customer-centric, committed to delivering high-quality employer experiences.
• Digitally confident, using modern tools and platforms to drive performance.
• Strategic and results-focused, balancing short-term wins with long-term growth.
• Collaborative and effective in cross-functional environments.
• Professional and ethical, aligned with safeguarding and compliance standards.
• Agile and adaptable in a fast-changing education and skills landscape.
• Committed to inclusivity, equality, and promoting diversity in apprenticeships.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance – 30 days plus bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions.
• Ongoing CPD and free access to Adult Community Learning courses.
• Free onsite permit parking.
• Access to onsite gym and wellness treatments at discounted rates.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel through UNO Bus Scheme.
• Eye care vouchers and employee assistance programme.
• Mental health and wellbeing support, including peer supporters.
• Staff development days and annual awards celebrating your achievements.

Additional Information

Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and stakeholders to share this commitment.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive high interest.