Job Description
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MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED
Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of a global network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, made up of some 58,000 people in over 135 countries. We're a team of independent thinkers who put quality, inclusion and integrity first. All around the world we bring a different experience to our clients. A better experience. One that delivers the expertise they need in a way that goes beyond. Personal, proactive, and agile. That's Grant Thornton.
NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF.
Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities to do what is right and achieve their goals.
NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF.
Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities to do what is right and achieve their goals.
Talent Solutions is a part of our People Advisory practice, which helps companies develop the right skills in their people to execute their business strategy. We help organisations find the key skills they need, and offer customised ways to upskill talent, either through tailored courses delivered by Grant Thornton specialists, or development programmes funded by the apprenticeship levy, available to all skills levels and experience.
We work with high quality universities, business schools and training specialists to create skills programmes that combine world-class theory, industry insights and practical application for immediate workplace impact. These programmes can be funded through an organisation’s apprenticeship levy, saving costs and optimising learning and development strategies.
We cover various business skills, and mainly focus on leadership and management, coaching, finance and accountancy, data and sustainability skills.
We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares, we’ll support you to balance your work and life.
A look into the role
As a Business Development Manager within our Talent Solutions team, you will play a pivotal role in driving a full 360° sales function. You will proactively identify and engage new organisations that meet our suitability criteria, build strong relationships with senior leaders and C‑suite stakeholders, and position our learning, skills and apprenticeship programmes as strategic solutions that help clients build future‑ready capability.
Your focus will be on driving growth across our tailored learning and development portfolio—ensuring organisations understand how our programmes, including commercial short courses, online on-demand learning programmes, and levy‑funded pathways, can be used to upskill, reskill and retain their workforce.
Alongside generating new business, you will build and manage an active portfolio of clients, ensuring excellent service delivery, sustained satisfaction, and opportunities for expansion across the Firm’s wider offerings. Working with a consultative, outcomes‑driven approach, you will take full ownership of both client acquisition and ongoing account management.
You will maintain high standards of compliance across reporting, CRM, and Firm policies, while consistently contributing to a collaborative, high‑performing team culture.
Business Development (New Client Acquisition)
1. Proactively source and engage prospective organisations aligned to our target markets.
2. Lead discovery conversations with senior stakeholders to understand skills needs and workforce priorities.
3. Present, position and tailor programme solutions as strategic growth enablers.
4. Drive pipeline activity through outreach, campaigns, events, social selling and targeted prospecting.
Account Management (Existing Clients)
5. Manage and grow a portfolio of Talent Solutions clients, ensuring exceptional service and measurable outcomes.
6. Build long‑term stakeholder relationships and identify opportunities to expand learner numbers or introduce wider Firm services.
7. Facilitate regular reviews, progress updates and client feedback loops.
Sales Excellence and Compliance
8. Maintain accurate CRM records, update pipeline trackers weekly, and ensure rigorous compliance with reporting standards.
9. Review MI data regularly to inform decision‑making and maximise portfolio performance.
10. Work closely with other Business Development Managers, Internal Networks,, Senior Leadership and our Training partners to deliver consistent client excellence.
Market Engagement & Collaboration
11. Maximise time spent in client‑facing and market‑facing activity.
12. Activate campaigns through email, LinkedIn, roundtables, networking and sector‑focused events.
13. Collaborate across internal networks and service lines to unlock cross‑sell opportunities.
Knowing you’re right for us
To join us as a Business Development Manager, the minimum criteria you’ll need a strong background in consultative sales, ideally working with senior stakeholders and C‑suite decision-makers. You’ll be proactive, relationship‑oriented, and skilled at managing multiple clients with a structured, disciplined approach.
Experience in the following areas is desirable (but not essential):
14. Winning new clients and delivering revenue growth.
15. A strong professional network across relevant sectors.
16. Understanding of apprenticeships and levy‑funded programmes.
17. CRM proficiency and confident use of Microsoft Office tools.
18. Social selling (LinkedIn, Sales Navigator) and basic marketing capability.
Knowing we’re right for you
Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.
Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.
Beyond the job
Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.
The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.
We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.
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