Senior Manager Business Development - UK Government

Pearson - UK; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Job description

About the role

Are you an experienced sales professional with a passion for public sector transformation? Do you thrive in consultative sales, solution design, and relationship-building at the highest levels? At Pearson, we’re on a mission to transform workforce development across the UK—and we’re looking for a Senior Business Development Manager to help us make it happen.

Joining our Enterprise Learning & Skills division, you'll play a key role in shaping how we engage with UK Government clients, such as the Cabinet Office, DWP, and the Home Office. Your focus will be on driving partnerships that address national priorities around upskilling, employability, apprenticeships, and managed learning services.

You’ll be part of a team that’s at the forefront of equipping the UK workforce with the skills needed for the future—and you’ll help ensure Pearson is the trusted partner for government-led talent transformation.

Your key responsibilities

• Lead and own business development for our UK Government portfolio, working with central government departments to offer scalable, high-impact learning and skilling solutions.
• Drive growth by identifying, pursuing and securing strategic opportunities, with a particular focus on apprenticeships, digital learning, and workforce development initiatives.
• Develop lasting relationships with senior stakeholders in government, including C-suite, HR leaders, L&D and procurement heads.
• Navigate public sector procurement processes, including frameworks, tenders, and bid submissions, ensuring commercial and contractual excellence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, marketing, and operational teams to tailor and deliver effective client solutions.
• Stay on the pulse of policy changes, funding mechanisms, and national priorities that impact the UK’s skills agenda.

About you

You’re a consultative, strategic seller who knows how to navigate complex stakeholder environments. You’re energised by purpose and driven by results. And most importantly, you want to be part of a company that’s leading the way in employability, digital credentials and verified skills.

You’ll bring:

• A proven track record of B2G (business-to-government) sales success
• Experience working with the UK Government and a strong grasp of public procurement processes
• Background in education, training, apprenticeships or learning tech
• Commercial acumen with the ability to build partnerships, shape solutions and close deals
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Why Pearson?

At Pearson, learning is not just what we do—it’s who we are. Our Enterprise Learning & Skills division supports over 200 employers and governments globally to futureproof their workforces and close critical skills gaps. We’re transforming how organisations recruit, train, assess and upskill their people—with purpose, insight, and innovation.

Additional info

• Hybrid working aligned to London, 80 Strand, with flexibility to attend client and internal meetings as required
• A mission-led company where your work drives national impact
• Growth, autonomy and the chance to make a real difference in public sector skills strategy

Ready to shape the future of UK workforce development?
Apply now or get in touch to find out more.