Business Development Manager

Location: Explosive Learning Solutions, Harwell Innovation and Science Campus
Type: Full-time
Reports to: Managing Director, with a dotted reporting line to the ELS AO Director

Main purpose of the job

Explosive Learning Solutions is a leading apprenticeship assessment organisation committed to quality, integrity, and excellence in apprenticeship assessment. As part of our ambitious growth strategy, we are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to support the continued growth of our Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation (AO).

This senior role will be responsible for shaping and delivering our commercial assessment strategy, building strong relationships with employers, training providers, partners, and industry stakeholders, and positioning ELS as a trusted, high-quality, and responsive assessment organisation.

The successful candidate will lead sales and business development activity across our apprenticeship assessment services, identify new opportunities, secure long-term partnerships, and help expand our market presence.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation at the forefront of apprenticeship assessment and make a direct impact on how we grow, innovate, and deliver exceptional service to apprentices, employers, and training providers.

The role involves regular UK travel to attend meetings, events, conferences, and networking opportunities. The successful candidate must hold a driving licence and have access to a reliable vehicle.

Main duties and key responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of a clear sales and business development strategy for the ELS Awarding Organisation, aligned with organisational growth objectives.
• Identify new opportunities across apprenticeship standards and emerging markets to expand our apprenticeship assessment portfolio.
• Establish, build, and maintain strong relationships with employers, training providers, industry bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Lead on securing new apprenticeship assessment contracts and partnerships.
• Oversee the full apprenticeship assessment sales cycle, from lead generation through to contract negotiation and customer onboarding.
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and support long-term client retention.
• Represent ELS at sector and industry events, conferences, and networking forums across the UK.
• Develop and monitor sales pipelines, forecasts, and performance metrics to achieve revenue and growth targets.
• Design and maintain clear recording and reporting systems to ensure senior leaders are kept up to date on progress.
• Ensure pricing models and commercial offers are competitive, sustainable, and compliant with Department for Education, Skills England, and Ofqual requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Apprenticeship Assessment Delivery Team, Quality Team, ELS operations, and support teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Provide market insight and competitor intelligence to inform organisational strategy.
• Contribute to senior leadership decision-making.
• Deliver presentations to potential and existing customers, including employers, training providers, industry stakeholders, and apprentices.
• Provide regular updates at Managers’ Meetings and Quarterly Directors’ Meetings.
• Work with the ELS Digital Learning Team and Multi-Channel Marketer to ensure marketing materials are innovative, accurate, up to date, and available for meetings, virtual communications, and events.
• Support the onboarding, training, and management of new apprenticeship assessment sales and business development staff, where required.
• Undertake any additional duties requested by the ELS Directors to support organisational needs and objectives.