Job Description

Job title:

Business Development Manager

Department:

Commercial

Reports to:

Managing Director

Role Purpose:

A summary of the core purpose and overarching responsibility of the role.

1.1 To develop and maintain high-impact relationships with employers across key sectors to support the organisation's growth in Apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, and Advanced Learner Loan (ALL) programmes. This role will focus on generating sustainable job and progression opportunities for learners through strategic employer engagement, while ensuring alignment with funding regulations and the requirements set by the Department for Education (DfE). The post holder will work collaboratively with internal delivery teams to develop tailored training solutions that address workforce challenges and support national and regional skills priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

A non-exhaustive list of the key role responsibilities and duties to be carried out by the post holder.

2.1 Develop, nurture, and manage relationships with employers to generate high-quality opportunities for learners completing Skills Bootcamps, Apprenticeships, and funded learning programmes.

2.2 Lead employer engagement activity including cold calling, networking, outreach events, and online campaigns to build a sustainable pipeline of employer partners.

2.3 Work closely with curriculum and operations teams to co-design employer-led training pathways that support job outcomes, upskilling, and workforce development needs.

2.4 Promote the organisation's full training offer to employers and stakeholders, providing expert guidance on available funding routes, eligibility, and programme outcomes.

2.5 Maintain a strong understanding of government-funded education programmes, including ESFA rules, DfE policies, levy/non-levy apprenticeship funding, and Skills Bootcamp commissioning frameworks.

2.6 Meet and exceed agreed performance targets (KPI-driven), including employer engagement, vacancy generation, progression outcomes, and income targets.

2.7 Identify and respond to emerging opportunities by researching employer needs, sector growth trends, skills shortages, and new funding opportunities.

2.8 Ensure that all employer information, leads, and outcomes are recorded accurately in the organisation's CRM and reporting tools.

2.9 Represent the organisation professionally at events, forums, and sector roundtables to raise its profile and strengthen regional and national partnerships.

2.10 Support employer partners to embed social value in recruitment and staff development strategies.

2.11 Maintain accurate records and information on employers, training and interview feedback.

General Responsibilities:

A summary of universal responsibilities and requirements of all roles across JCL Skills Solutions.

3.1 Champion the organisation's vision and values, promoting inclusivity, learner progression, and high-quality training experiences.

3.2 Ensure compliance with the organisation's Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and Equality & Diversity policies.

3.3 Maintain high standards of internal and external customer service.

3.4 Participate in CPD activities relevant to the role and keep up to date with sector developments.

3.5 Attend internal and external meetings and events as required, which may require travel.

3.6 Carry out other reasonable duties as directed, in line with the scope and grading of the role.

The Right Fit

A list of the desired skills, experience, knowledge and personal attributes to ensure individuals are 'the right fit' for the Company and the role.

4.1 Demonstrable success in business development, employer engagement, or a related commercial role in the FE & Skills sector.

4.2 Strong knowledge of Apprenticeship and Skills Bootcamp funding models and compliance frameworks.

4.3 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.

4.4 Ability to identify needs, propose solutions, and design impactful employer-led training pathways.

4.5 Confident working independently, managing targets and pipelines, and delivering against agreed KPIs.

4.6 Able to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

4.7 Effective team player, able to work collaboratively across functions and levels.

4.8 Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.

4.9 Experience in working with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.

4.10 Experience in recruitment, sales, or funded education programmes (e.g., ASSF, ALL, Apprenticeships).

4.11 Level 2 English and Maths (essential); Level 3 IAG or equivalent (desirable).

4.12 A sales / recruitment background would be highly regarded.

4.13 The ability to work without any supervision, meeting deadlines and KPI targets.

4.14 Working within a fast-paced environment.

4.15 The post holder will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

4.16 Driving licence and own transport.

Our Values

The post holder must be able to demonstrate our values in the workplace.

5.1 Empowerment Inclusivity

5.2 Excellence Authenticity

5.3 Collaboration Innovation

5.4 Well-Being Customer-Centricity

5.5 Cultural Sensitivity Simplicity

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Temporary, Fixed term contract, Temp to perm, Freelance

Pay: 33,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Commission pay
Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Company pension Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: JCP BDM