Business Development Manager

Job Title: Business Development ManagerDepartment: iCQ AwardsLocation: Bristol Office, with hybrid working availablePay Scale £42,500 to £65,000 Expected OTEContract: Permanent Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)iCQ Awards iCQ Awards are a regulated awarding organisation, delivering over 200 regulated qualifications, an end-point assessment (EPA) organisation for over 40 apprenticeship standards and providing integrated assessment and funding software solutions. We work across over 20 business sectors, delivering skills development to a growing number of organisations, including some large household names.The Workforce Development TrustThe Workforce Development Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that provides services that support employers to develop skilled, sustainable, and efficient workforces in the UK and abroad. We operate via our collective of five brands; Skills for Health, Skills for Justice, SFJ Awards, People 1st International and ICQ Awards, which deliver specialist, targeted skills interventions to support a variety of frontline public services.Job summaryiCQ Awards provides awarding and assessment services to hundreds of training providers and employers across the UK – directly supporting the development of individuals through skills, knowledge and behaviours, often within the workplace.Our commitment to providing exceptional service and support has positioned us as a trusted partner for a wide range of assessment organisations throughout the UK. As we continue to expand our reach, we are seeking an exceptional Business Development Manager to play a key role in our continued success.As the Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for leading and inspiring the sales function and co-ordinate with the account manager team to achieve and exceed revenue targets. Your strategic vision and leadership will be instrumental in driving market share, building lasting client relationships, and positioning iCQ as the go-to provider for qualifications, apprenticeship assessments and our integrated assessment and learner management software solution in the training and assessment sector. If you are a dynamic and results-oriented sales and business development professional with a proven track record, we want you to be a driving force in our success story.The overall purpose of this role is to identify and understand potential customers, what they need, and provide information and solutions to support their goals. You will handle the process from initial enquiry or engagement through to successful onboarding, supporting customers through the application and recognition processes.You will be a visible and customer-facing individual and play a large role in how iCQ are perceived in the market. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to genuinely connect with people in order to support them in their line of work is therefore key to the role.The role involves communicating with and being supported by experts in qualifications and apprenticeships to meet business development objective, as well as account managers and marketing. These functions will support the Business Development Manager in identify information and solutions to assist in onboarding customers.The role also involves working across the wider Workforce Development Trust divisions and brands, to identify and support cross-promotional and development activities.You will have an understanding of what awarding organisations and End-Point Assessment organisations do, and how they work with training providers, colleges and employers. You may come from a background where the management and delivery of qualifications and apprenticeships has taken place – such as an awarding organisation, training provider, employer provider or a further education college.Key ResponsibilitiesThe post holder's key responsibilities will include:Being the first point of contact for potential customers who want to engage with iCQ for awarding, assessment or software servicesResponding to enquiries in an efficient and timely mannerWork closely with the marketing and PR team to help carry out lead generating campaigns and activities, following up on targeted communications and offers efficientlyHelping to identify potential new markets, customers and opportunitiesWorking independently and in collaboration with others, particularly marketing colleagues, to contribute to annual growthManaging and updating the business development pipeline on our software system, iLearner.Providing prospective customers with appropriate advice and information about iCQ and our qualifications, systems, and assessment servicesFacilitating the inclusion of iCQ in bid proposals by providing evidence and materials to The Workforce Development Trust bids teamWork with others in the iCQ team to understand feedback about service levels and opportunities by sharing customer insightsTaking part in events, external and internal meetings that drive business developmentBuilding productive relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders across the sectors that iCQ work withWorking as an effective team member to support iCQ in achieving our goals and objectivesMaintaining professional behaviours and standards in line with iCQ and wider Workforce Development Trust values in every interactionPlease download full JD here and our job pack here or click the link below:This job requires some days in the office. Please consider if you are willing to relocate before applying.Please include your CV and Cover letter when applying.Only shortlisted candidates will be contactedOnly apply if you currently have a valid right to work in the UK.Please note, we reserve the right to alter the closing date before the one stated.Benefits:Generous annual leave entitlement up to a maximum of 28 days, plus public holidays and a potential Christmas closureFlexible working - 50% working from home with a dress for your day approachStaggered start and finish timeEmployee referral recruitment schemeWe provide enhanced leave, bereavement, carers, maternity, paternity and sickness leave.Health and wellbeing benefits, access to our mental health first aiders, a confidential employee assistance programme, free eye tests and payment for an annual flu jabEnhanced pension scheme, with a contribution matching up to a combined 12%, and the option to join the Salary Exchange Pension Scheme along with death in service coverage at three times annual salary.Flexible employee benefits, portal including a cycle to work schemeBuy annual leave schemeOrganisational development days and departmental training budgetsPayroll giving, this is a tax-free way to donate to any charity, good cause or place of worshipThe Workforce Development Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone.If your experience differs a little from what is outlined in the job description, or you are missing a desired qualification, yet you think you can bring value to this role, please apply, we would like to hear more about you.We strongly encourage people of all gender, religion, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, and individuals with disabilities to apply.If you need any reasonable adjustments at any point, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to advise on your preferred pronouns, for example she/her, he/him, they/them etc.