Acorn Training
Business Development Manager - Youth Community and Wellbeing
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Business Development Manager – Youth Community and Wellbeing
About the Role
Department: Business Development
Employment: Permanent (Full Time)
Location: Hybrid
Reports To: Jill Sheffield
Compensation: £30,000 - £32,000 per year
The role carries a warning that the advert may close at any time if enough suitable applicants are received.
As a Business Development Manager, you will drive the growth and success of Acorn Training’s contracts within your allocated region by:
- Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with existing and new employers.
- Representing the organisation at key forums and networks.
- Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
- Strengthening local connections to secure ongoing support, ensuring sustained growth, profitability, and achievement of contract requirements.
Key Responsibilities & Key Performance Indicators
Core Responsibilities
- Promote Acorn Training’s services and training programmes effectively.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and implement strong campaigns.
- Identify and cultivate long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with employers, partners, and stakeholders.
- Actively expand opportunities through available channels to secure a strong pipeline of engaged employers, potential learners, and referral partners.
- Manage your pipeline systematically, including:
- Lead generation.
- Meetings and negotiations.
- Closing sales to increase revenue and the value of assigned contracts.
- Optimise data management of your potential leads, improving conversion rates.
- Maintain knowledgeable expertise across diverse industry sectors to deliver personalised, ethical, and client-focused guidance.
- Accurately document all customer interactions, pipeline progress, demonstrations, and meetings using CRM systems and a consistent tracking process for forecasting operations.
- Ensure smooth transition from sales through onboarding to successful delivery by working closely with the team.
- Actively participate in networking events and industry exhibitions to build rapport with target audiences.
- Share best practices and recent learnings with colleagues to enhance customer satisfaction and experience.
- Proactively contribute ideas to improve business effectiveness, efficiency, and growth.
- Achieve daily, weekly, and monthly Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Key Performance Indicators
The role aims to achieve:
- Sale and revenue targets for Leyton College’s Apprenticeship schemes (Business skills sector).
- Increase in employer, learner, and stakeholder engagement.
- Achievement of prescribed contract requirements.
- Development and retention of key partnerships.
- Market share growth within the designated region.
- Positive brand reputation through community engagement.
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Skills, Knowledge & Expertise Required
Qualifications & Training
-
Essential:
- Level 3 qualification in customer service, business development, or sales management (or equivalent).
- GCSE grade A-C (or equivalent)* in English and Mathematics.
- Valid full driving licence, with access to a vehicle and valid commercial insurance.
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Desirable:
- Level 4 Management qualification.
- IOSH Health and Safety certification.
- Advanced (Level 6) Management qualifications.
Experience
- Minimum three years of business development work, with a proven track record of exceeding apprenticeship sales targets.
- Hands-on experience leading partnerships for training-intensive businesses or firms.
- Essential experience fostering collaboration with other providers, such as:
- Tertiary colleges.
- Training schemes.
- Private training providers.
Desirable Experience
- Proven ability to manage and grow a sales team.
Knowledge & Competency Requirements
-
Essential:
- A deep understanding of business development strategies and sales frameworks.
- Awareness of regulatory compliance and, where applicable, privatised education standards.
- A commitment to generating revenue and sustainable development.
-
Desirable:
- Knowledge of adult learning methodologies or qualities that demonstrate:
- Ambitious engagement in education.
- Willingness to upskill beyond a formal training framework.
- Flexibility in delivering face-to-face or off-site educational activities.
- Knowledge of adult learning methodologies or qualities that demonstrate:
Key Skills
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Customer Service: Highlight a consistent and productive engagement technique with clients.
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Communication:
- Clear, concise, and persuasive verbal or written communication.
- Strong skills delivering informative presentations or pitches.
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Client-Centric Mindset: Focus on building long-term instead of one-off relationships.
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Negotiation & Relationship Development: Exceptional capacity to:
- Establish trust across markets.
- Engage in campaigns that balance costs, investment, and ROI.
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Analytical Abilities: Excellent data interpretation for:
- Sales optimisation.
- Distinguishing market trends.
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Project & Time Management: Efficiently prioritise tasks across stakeholders.
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Proactive & Ambitious: Demonstrates solutions-driven problem-solving.
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Adaptability: Manage changes in the field without sacrificing operational standards.
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- Training Sector Specifics:
- Professional engagement in education or training, aligning with young adults.
Commitments & Equality
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of:
- Gender.
- Disability.
- Relationship or parental status.
- Ethnicity.
- Religion.
- Belief.
- Sexual orientation.
Disclosure friendly – as users of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria will get an interview.
If you require adjustments for any recruitment process, please:
- Contact recruitment@acorntraining.co.uk.
- Discuss accessible arrangements or alternative application formats.
Job Benefits
Core Compensation & Policies
-
Fully flexible working arrangements, including:
- Home-based.
- Remote/day-time centrally based.
- Hybrid work models tailored to role demands.
-
26 days of annual leave, plus the option to purchase up to 10 extra days off.
-
Workplace pension scheme to support financial security.
Health & Welfare Support
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Comprehensive Westfield Health Scheme, covering:
- 13+ healthcare providers for appointments tailored to needs.
- Cashback incentives for recommended preventative health services (e.g., dental hygiene, vision tests).
- Counselling and therapy access.
- Fast-tracked MRI, CT scan assessments.
- Discounted voucher schemes.
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Wellbeing initiatives including:
- Wellbeing days every Wednesday.
- Signed Mental Health at Work pledge from staff and leadership.
Organisational Commitment
- Disability Confident Leader.
- Menopause Workplace Pledge to support emerging world.
- Armed Forces Covenant honouree—flexible integration for military personnel.
- Ban the Box employment policy, reviewing applicants beyond checking full criminal history before invitation to interview.
- Secure prayer spaces on-site.
Rewards & Development
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Annual Paid Volunteering day and associated charity partnerships.
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Recognition for:
- Employee of the Month (monetary incentive).
- Employee of the Year Award (enhanced cash reward).
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Referral scheme generating lucrative pay-up for Employee Recommendations.
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Enabled initially, by fewer presentation slots on working weeks per year. Alternatively, flexible resources to complete further continuous professional development (e.g., funded short course attendances).
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