Business Development Executive

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Oaklands for a dynamic and commercially astute Business Development Executive to provide drive employer engagement, secure sponsorships, and support our skills strategy.

The Oaklands Education group is a vibrant and diverse learning centred community, providing transformational education for over 100 years. Oaklands is more than just a College and is well positioned to be internationally known, nationally recognised, regionally relevant, and locally significant.

Oaklands is ambitious at reaching a greater number of individuals, businesses and stakeholders through its diverse group, to grow our portfolio and offer, to meet global economic and social needs in a transformational way. Oaklands launched their professional training and development offer in 2024 to work with employers in a meaningful way and we are seeking a Business Development Executive to play a vital role as we deliver this new and exciting part of the Oaklands group at pace.

We are looking for a proactive and confident communicator to join our team and play a crucial role in building strategic relationships with employers, leading industry boards, and supporting our college's skills strategy. In this position, you will promote Oaklands College as a destination of choice for employer-led training and development, lead employer industry boards to shape curriculum and workforce development and support the implementation of the college's skills strategy by gathering employer intelligence and aligning provision to sector needs. You will also be responsible for generating income through apprenticeships and sponsorships and managing the full sales cycle and maintaining accurate records in the college CRM system.

The ideal candidate will have a strategic mindset and a passion for education and training. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. A proven track record in B2B sales, partnership development, and securing sponsorships. Experience working to and achieving sales targets. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems. A Level 3 qualification or above in Business, Sales, Marketing or a related field.

You should be proficient in Microsoft Office and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively. Previous experience of the above mentioned is essential, along with a commitment to providing a high-quality students/staff stakeholder experience.

Your Day to Day Impact

Employer Engagement & Skills Strategy

• Raise the profile of Oaklands College as a destination of choice for employers
seeking training and partnership.

• Support the implementation of the college's skills strategy (Get Career Ready) by
gathering employer intelligence and aligning provision to sector needs.

• Promote apprenticeships, professional qualifications, and bespoke training
solutions.

• Maintain regular contact with a portfolio of clients to support partnership
development and repeat business.

Industry Boards & Strategic Collaboration

• Lead and organise employer industry boards in collaboration with curriculum
teams.

• Ensure boards are inclusive, impactful, and aligned with college priorities and
sector developments.

• Capture employer feedback and ensure their voice informs curriculum design and
delivery.

Income Generation & Sponsorship

• Generate income from employer-led streams including apprenticeships,
commercial training, and online provision.

• Identify and secure sponsorship opportunities to support college initiatives, events,
and facilities.

Sales Cycle & CRM Management

• Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation to onboarding and account
management.

• Maintain accurate records in the college CRM system and ensure a seamless
customer experience.

• Work closely with internal teams to ensure joined-up service delivery.

Networking & Representation

• Attend external networking events, conferences, and college events to promote the
college and build relationships.

• Research and build relationships with new clients, identifying decision-makers and
key influencers.

Customer Service & Compliance

• Deliver the highest level of customer care in all client interactions.

• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR, equality, health & safety, and
financial regulations.

• Respect confidentiality and uphold college policies and procedures.

Is This You?

Essential Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset

• Highly motivated self-starter with a tenacious, outcome-focused approach

• Passionate about education, training, and professional development

• Excellent communication skills

• Strong organisational and project management skills

• Effective decision-maker with a commitment to quality customer service

Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in B2B sales and partnership development

• Experience securing sponsorships or external funding

• Experience of selling educational products

• Familiarity with skills policy, employer engagement, and curriculum collaboration

• Experience working to and achieving sales targets

• Proficient in CRM systems and Microsoft Office suite

Qualifications

• Level 3 or above in Business, Sales, Marketing or related field – Essential

• Level 4 Sales or Business Development Apprenticeship – Desirable

• Evidence of ongoing professional development – Essential

We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That's why we've developed a benefits package with you in mind. Here's what you can look forward to:

• Generous holiday allowance - 30 days plus bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions.
• Ongoing CPD and free access to Adult Community Learning courses.
• Free onsite permit parking.
• Onsite gym (St Albans Campus) and wellness treatments at discounted rates.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel through UNO Bus Scheme.
• Eye care vouchers and employee assistance programme.
• Mental health and wellbeing support, including peer supporters.
• Staff development days and annual awards celebrating your achievements.

If you like what you see, why not start your application now? We consider applications as we receive them and reserve the right to close adverts early (for example, where we have received an unprecedented high volume of applications). So, it's a good idea to apply right away to ensure you're considered for this role.

Oaklands is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.

Want to know more about Oaklands College? Click here