DESCRIPTION

The Principal Consultant – Business Development is a senior strategic lead responsible for identifying, shaping, and securing new client partnerships across both commercial and apprenticeship-funded programmes. Reporting directly to the Head of Growth, this role plays a pivotal part in driving the organisation’s growth agenda, ensuring that new business activity is aligned with priority sectors, emerging service lines, and long-term strategic objectives.
While the core focus is on new client acquisition, the Principal Consultant also collaborates with the Head of Client Success to ensure seamless onboarding and to provide specialist input into key account development where appropriate. This is a consultative, insight-led role that blends market intelligence, solution design, and cross-functional collaboration to unlock value and deliver lasting impact.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven track record in strategic business development within education, training, or workforce development sectors
• Deep understanding of apprenticeship funding models, commercial training propositions, and sector-specific workforce challenges
• Familiarity with CRM systems and data-driven sales reporting
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills across senior levels
• Strong proposal writing and solution design capabilities, with a consultative and insight-led approach
• Ability to interpret market intelligence and policy trends to inform strategic growth activity
• Experience collaborating across cross-functional teams to drive alignment and execution
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, tailored to diverse audiences
• High emotional intelligence and professional integrity, with a values-driven approach to partnership

DESIRABLE SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Experience working with or within employer-provider partnerships or sector bodies
• Knowledge of emerging digital learning platforms and trends in professional development
• Ability to represent the organisation confidently at industry events and forums
• Experience contributing to strategic marketing or thought leadership campaigns
• Coaching or mentoring experience within a business development or client-facing context
• Understanding of how commercial training is financed within client budget cycles
• A passion for inclusive workforce development and social impact

YOUR NEW ROLE

• Engage in proactive business development across commercial and apprenticeship-funded markets in line with Industry Strategic Growth plans.
• Build and nurture influential relationships with employers, partners, and sector stakeholders.
• Input to the design of tailored proposals that reflect workforce challenges, funding frameworks, and policy drivers after seeking input from the key stakeholders from across People Development where necessary.
• Collaborate with the Director of Client Success & Growth and Consulting Director – Global Solutions on go-to-market strategy and proposition development and opportunity prioritisation
• Facilitate full client handover and onboarding in partnership with the Head of Client Success
• Actively participate in internal sales meetings
• Represent the organisation externally at key industry events, roundtables, and business development forums