Senior Business Development Officer

Portland Training are currently expanding and have an exciting opportunity available for the right candidate to join our team.

Testament to our commitment to creating the best possible workplace we can, we have been awarded Investors in People, Gold Accreditation!

A commitment shared by everyone in the company – from our Managing Director Hollie to our Apprentices each individual takes ownership for making Portland Training a fantastic place to work.

Job title - Senior Business Development Officer

Responsible to - Head of Sales

Location - Sheffield, S9 1GD

Purpose of Role

The Senior Business Development Officer will be responsible for generating new business leads through outbound calls, emails, and follow-up communication with prospective clients. Working closely with the sales team, you will take ownership of lead generation activity and play a key role in maintaining a consistent and responsive approach across all channels. You will regularly engage with potential clients via phone and digital platforms and may occasionally be required to attend in-person meetings where appropriate. The role involves active participation in a collaborative team environment, ensuring a professional and timely approach is upheld throughout all stages of the lead journey. You will also provide guidance to junior team members and support the smooth running of daily business development operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate new business through outbound calls, emails, and digital channels by contacting decision-makers, following up enquiries, and building relationships with key stakeholders
• Arrange and, where appropriate, attend face-to-face meetings with potential clients to explore opportunities
• Ensure all GDPR and communication consent requirements are met prior to sharing marketing materials or updates
• Utilise the CRM system to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all contact, learner journey information, and lead activity, supporting timely follow up, ongoing reporting, and engagement with employers and learners
• Support other members of the business development team in day-to-day activity and workload
• Share ideas, coach and mentor colleagues, and actively contribute to team discussions and sales planning to support improvement, consistency, and overall effectiveness in the lead generation process
• Assist with coordinating follow-up activity and ensuring leads are progressed or handed over appropriately
• Take responsibility for ensuring a professional and responsive approach is maintained throughout all prospect interactions
• Support wider sales initiatives or outreach projects as directed by the line manager
• Work closely with the Commercial Co-ordinator to ensure a seamless end-to end process, for both the employers and learners
• Conduct research and analysis of target markets, competitor activity and emerging opportunities
• Represent Portland Training at networking events, conferences, trade shows, job fairs, and other employer-facing opportunities