Business Development & Strategy Lead - Skills Training Sector

Ready to Shape the Future of Skills and Employment?

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for making a difference? This is your chance to lead business growth in a role that combines commercial acumen with social impact — helping transform lives through skills and training.

Why Join This Organisation?

Join a purpose-driven, family-founded organisation with nearly four decades of experience in empowering communities through employment and skills initiatives. This values-led organisation has earned Investors in People Gold accreditation, and is proud to be an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer. With flexible working, generous benefits, and a culture that champions wellbeing and inclusion, this is a place where you can thrive — both professionally and personally.

The Role: Business Development & Growth Lead

As the Business Development & Growth Lead, you'll play a vital role in driving the organisation's strategic expansion across the adult skills and training sector. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Leading the execution of the organisation's growth strategy
2. Identifying new business opportunities in areas such as Skills Bootcamps, Adult Education, and employer-led training
3. Building partnerships with local authorities, awarding bodies, FE colleges, and employer networks
4. Supporting the development and submission of high-quality funding bids
5. Overseeing performance metrics, funding sustainability, and new revenue streams
6. Representing the organisation at key sector events and forums

This is a hybrid role, with 2-3 days in the Birmingham office and occasional travel to HQ in Leicester.

The Ideal Candidate

To succeed in this role, you'll need:

1. Significant experience in business development and strategy within the Employability and Skills sector
2. Proven success working with ESFA contracts, levy-paying employers, and local/combined authorities
3. A deep understanding of adult education funding and training delivery requirements
4. Strong stakeholder engagement and employer relationship skills
5. A strategic, data-driven mindset with excellent communication and partnership-building abilities
6. A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel as needed

Apply Now

If you're ready to take your skills to the next level and make a measurable impact in the lives of individuals and communities, this is the opportunity for you.

Apply today and be part of a mission-led organisation that's creating real change — one skill at a time.