Home based role)
About the Role
We are supporting a leading national organisation in appointing a commercially driven Business Development Director to join their Senior Leadership Team. This is a high-impact, strategic role suited to an experienced leader with a proven track record of scaling business development functions, driving ambitious revenue and membership growth, and securing high-value partnerships across the training and apprenticeships landscape.
You will take full ownership of national business development strategy, leading a high-performing team while shaping the organisation’s wider growth plans. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the organisation’s national reach, sector influence, and commercial success.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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Lead the development and execution of the national business development strategy.
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Drive ambitious growth across membership, partnerships, and commercial services.
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Contribute to organisational strategy as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Commercial Growth & Partnerships
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Identify, secure, and manage high-value commercial opportunities including:
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Sponsorship and strategic partnerships
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CSR initiatives
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New revenue-generating products and services
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Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across employers, training providers, industry bodies, and government organisations.
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Represent the organisation at national industry events, forums, and high-level meetings.
Team Leadership
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Build, lead, and develop a high-performing sales and account management team.
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Establish clear performance KPIs, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
Operational & Performance Management
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Use data and market insights to drive decision-making and pipeline development.
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Oversee forecasting, reporting, and budgeting for all business development activities.
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Ensure the delivery of high-quality service to members, partners, and key accounts.
About You – Experience & Skills
Essential
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7–10 years’ experience in senior sales, business development, or partnerships roles.
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Strong track record in the training, apprenticeships, or workforce development sectors.
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Proven experience scaling high-performing sales teams and delivering against ambitious growth targets.
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Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
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Experience working with senior leaders in large employers, training providers, and sector bodies.
Personal Attributes
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Commercially astute with a growth mindset.
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Strategic thinker with the ability to turn ideas into action.
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Inspirational leadership style with strong communication skills.
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Highly organised and comfortable managing national travel and multi-stakeholder demands