Head Of Business Development

Our Business Development department is integral to the success of our organisation and we are looking for an experienced, organised and driven individual to fulfil the role of Head of Business Development. 

We are looking for someone who is comfortable in leading and co-ordinating a team. You will lead and operationally manage the department in our external Business Development engagement activities as well as our internal, cross-departmental collaboration working towards our ‘Evolve Strategy’.  

You will have a clear and demonstrable understanding of configuring, organising and developing Business Development strategies and an understanding of how an awarding body operates particularly within the education landscape. 

A proactive communication style, strong organisation and interpersonal skills and a decisive nature are key qualities required in this role. You will operate in a flexible and predominantly remote working environment; therefore a demonstrable experience of working using your own initiative alongside a desire to innovate and test new ways of working are essential. 

Your team will be supported by a Business Development Co-ordinator and two Business Development Managers, each focused on retention Of Business and new business (New Business Development Manager to be recruited). Additionally, a team of Business Development Officers and Centre Engagement Executives also support the team. 

We view this role as an integral part of successfully delivering our strategy. You will have the opportunity to shape the way your department operates to support the needs of the business as well as our centres. 

The role fits within the wider Leadership Team and working closely with other HODs and Managers will be a key ingredient to success. 

Role purpose: 

• Set & deliver the Business Development Strategy alongside the Director of Engagement that supports growth, reach, and impact of Leadership Skills Foundation programmes. 
• Drive operational progress by developing positive and proactive working relationships with other Heads of Department.  
• Influence the future direction of the Leadership Skills Foundation as a member of the Leadership Team.  

The main resposnsibiltiies will be:

• Effectively manage and develop the Business Development Team and relationship management functions to meet agreed budgets and maximise learner/programme registrations.
• Accountable for the Business Development team’s sales planning and forecasting including annual budgeting.
• Regularly developing and presenting clear insight and analysis on market activity, responsibilities, and opportunities.
• Work closely with the Head of Marketing & Communications and New Business Development Manager to devise and deliver targeted new business campaigns and activities.
• Work closely with the Retained Business Development Manager to devise and deliver strategies to retain and grow our centres.
• Work with the Business Development Coordinator to ensure engagement processes and the customer journey meet the needs of centres efficiently.
• Maintain a working knowledge and up to date awareness of the sectors, market audiences and landscape the Leadership Skills Foundation works with.

Head of (HOD) Responsibilities

• Implement the one company/vision/culture and demonstrate its impact.
• To carry out environmental scanning to recognize opportunities and challenges and formulate appropriate actions to position the Foundation in line with its agreed objectives.
• To implement and develop appropriate business management capabilities and practices across the organisation.
• To operationally implement the strategy and set work expectations as agreed by the Board and the SLT.

Skills, experience and knowledge 

• An understanding of education systems in the UK 
• Previous experience in a sales environment and understanding sales processes. 
• Experience of managing pipeline systems  
• A proven track record of delivering income growth 
• Analytical thinking and evaluation skills  
• Ability to present information concisely using Microsoft Office programmes.  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
• Leadership capabilities  

Desirable 

• Previous experience of managing a sales team and managing direct reports  
• An understanding of awarding bodies and their operating landscape 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Power BI 

The Head of Business Development will receive a generous salary, a flexible and agile working environment, private Vitality healthcare (subject to successful completion of probationary period), personal development opportunities, enhanced pension, enhanced holiday and sick pay and an extended Christmas break.

If you want to be part of thriving and evolving organisation, then we would love to hear from you and look forward to receiving your application.