Business Development Advisor

Business Development Advisor

Business Development

Location:
Sunderland
Salary:
£29,296 to £31,075 per annum
Post Type:
Full Time
Contract Type:
Permanent
Closing Date:
23.59 hours GMT on Monday 01 December 2025
Reference:
0876-25

About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
At EPNE our 'purpose' is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.

Our Purpose is to
"unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training".
Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.

We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework
"The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make"
represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.

Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in.
Shaping futures for a better tomorrow,
join our
changemaking
community now.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas -
Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Are you looking for a dynamic role as part of a top performing Business Development Team within and Outstanding Ofsted training provider?

We are looking for a Business Development Adviser to join our vibrant Business Development Team. Education Partnership North East is one of the largest and most successful employer training providers in the North East. We work with many of the region's premium employers, supporting them to develop their workforces through a wide variety of training, including apprenticeships.

As one of our Business Development Advisors you will support our Business Development Executives to grow the College/EPNE Training's existing portfolio of large, key accounts. The role will see you promoting apprenticeships and other training to small and medium sized employers via a variety of means, including telesales campaigns.

About The Candidate
Ideally, the successful candidate will have experience in a business development or sales environment where quality client engagement is key.

About The Role
The Business Development Advisor role within the college group's business development function is critical to leading business growth in identified sector(s) and generating and qualifying leads, converting leads for Apprenticeships, adult skills and other funded and commercial delivery into new business, and managing existing employer accounts. They will work closely with the Executive Director of Business Development & External Funding, Head of Business Development and the Business Solutions Advisers, the Managing Director of EPNE Training and the Marketing function to prepare and deliver targeted campaigns and secure new business, increasing the college group's market share and income particularly for Apprenticeships.

The postholder will be responsible for achieving annual targets for growth by identifying and growing existing and new business opportunities including creating demand for Apprenticeships and other off-the-shelf tailored and bespoke solutions to meet employer client needs.

Role Responsibilities

• Collating and reviewing market intelligence to inform the sector focused three year growth plans and the annual business development, marketing and sales plans.
• Leading the development and implementation of the sector focused three year growth plans and the annual business development, marketing and sales plans, informed by robust market intelligence and aligned to curriculum planning.
• Generating business with new and existing employers in line with the three year growth plans and annual business development, marketing and sales plans to meet agreed targets.
• Managing the college group's growth and key employer accounts and co-ordinating effectively the client journey as part of an end-to-end business cycle to maximise the financial and non-financial return on investment.
• Supporting employer prospects and clients by undertaking organisational/training needs analysis and advising on suitable solutions including Apprenticeships and other provision to meet identified needs.
• Undertaking any other duties as may be deemed to be commensurate with the grade of the post.

Qualifications

• Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above, 4-9 or Functional Skills Level 2

Essential Skills & Experience

• Drive, enthusiasm and highly motivated.
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable approach.
• Relates well to all stakeholders.

Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)

• Experience working in a business development / sales / customer service or training environment.
• Experience working with employers and generating income.

What's in it for you?
Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance days per year, plus public holidays).
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% %)
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Please contact Francesca Regan on should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.

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