HEAD OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT VACANCY

Cogent have an exciting opportunity for a Head of New Business Development. A critical leadership role responsible for delivering substantial growth in apprenticeship starts through the acquisition of new employer relationships. You will focus on developing new customers across the country in a variety of sectors including life sciences, chemicals, oil & gas, food & drink, glass, paper, nuclear, and other process industries. The role will also be responsible for securing national contracts with employers that have multiple sites through high level stakeholder engagement and management.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

· Develop and lead on the execution of a comprehensive commercial strategy for new business development and stakeholder engagement working closely with the Managing Director to increase the number of apprenticeships and ensure market share growth.
· Lead and deliver the new business development strategy aligned to Cogent’s three-year growth plan.
· Target and win national apprenticeship contracts with large employers and those with multiple site locations, being responsible for successfully on-boarding them into the business unit.
· Focus on driving volume and value, targeting larger apprentice cohorts with new employers and long-term partnerships.
· Proactively identify, engage, and convert new employer relationships across priority sectors.
· Lead the full sales cycle: prospecting, stakeholder engagement, solution pitching, and close of sale.
· Establish Cogent Skills as a trusted strategic partner for apprenticeship delivery through high level stakeholder engagement and effective prospecting and partnership approach.
· Build senior-level relationships within target organisations, including HR, L&D, Operations, and Engineering stakeholders.
· Feed employer insight into the design and development of programmes and services.
· Deliver an ambitious commercial strategy in line with the business plan to ensure apprenticeship growth targets and KPIs are met.
· Maintain a robust pipeline, CRM reporting, and accurate forecasting of new business opportunities.
· Leading product development ideas through working with the research team to conduct thorough market research and identifying opportunities where possible.
· Identify and pursue new business opportunities and apprenticeship standards to drive growth.
· Develop proposals, presentations and pitches to potential clients and build additional competence around the team to deliver customer facing activity.
· Work closely with the SLT to identify cross department opportunities and align commercial strategy with other business units and overall business strategy.
· Align with the Head of Employer Partnerships to deliver the commercial strategy and have a joined up approach to employer engagement to maximise efficiency and productivity.
· Foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement by building capability within the wider team and acting as a mentor on commercial activity.
· Monitor and report on commercial performance against targets.
· Represent Cogent Skills Apprenticeships at industry events, conferences, and networking sessions to build brand awareness and establish new relationships.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

· Proven experience in account management, business development, or employer engagement roles, preferably within the education, training, or apprenticeship sectors.
· High performer and commercially driven to achieve results with a proven track record of delivering business growth at scale.
· Demonstrable experience in consultative selling and solution-based business development with a first-class commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and ability to close deals.
· Skilled in identifying opportunities, developing relationships, managing and closing the sales cycle effectively.
· Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
· A results-driven mindset with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.
· Knowledge of apprenticeship standards and the broader skills and training landscape.
· Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
· Confidence and professionalism in representing the organisation externally.
· Commitment to the values and mission of Cogent Skills Apprenticeships.
· Ability to work collaboratively and build strong internal and external relationships.
· Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
· Self-starter with a results-driven mindset and a competitive, winning attitude.

Please refer the Job description for details