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

• Lead the development and execution of the national business development strategy.
• Drive ambitious growth across membership, partnerships, and commercial services.
• Contribute to organisational strategy as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Commercial Growth & Partnerships

• Identify, secure, and manage high-value commercial opportunities including sponsorship and strategic partnerships.
• CSR initiatives.
• New revenue-generating products and services.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across employers, training providers, industry bodies, and government organisations.
• Represent the organisation at national industry events, forums, and high-level meetings.

Team Leadership

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing sales and account management team.
• Establish clear performance KPIs, driving accountability and continuous improvement.

Operational & Performance Management

• Use data and market insights to drive decision-making and pipeline development.
• Oversee forecasting, reporting, and budgeting for all business development activities.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality service to members, partners, and key accounts.

About You – Experience & Skills

Essential

• 7–10 years’ experience in senior sales, business development, or partnerships roles.
• Strong track record in the training, apprenticeships, or workforce development sectors.
• Proven experience scaling high-performing sales teams and delivering against ambitious growth targets.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Experience working with senior leaders in large employers, training providers, and sector bodies.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute with a growth mindset.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to turn ideas into action.
• Inspirational leadership style with strong communication skills.
• Highly organised and comfortable managing national travel and multi-stakeholder demands.