Location: Newton Aycliffe, plus travel throughout the Northeast where needed.

Reports to: Senior Sales Manager

We are seeking a driven and commercially focused Business Development Executive to lead on employer engagement and securing of apprenticeship opportunities. You will be responsible for building employer partnerships, generating high-quality apprenticeship vacancies, and ensuring employers commit to recruiting and training apprentices through funded programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and engage new employers to create apprenticeship opportunities aligned to funding, standards and our company values.
• Generate a minimum of 12 quality apprenticeship opportunities per month that align with programme and funding criteria.
• Create and deliver tailored proposals that match employer workforce needs with appropriate apprenticeship standards.
• Negotiate and finalise proposals ensuring contractual compliance and sustainability.
• Maintain a live employer pipeline, capturing leads, conversions, and pipeline progression using CRM tools.
• Promote additional opportunities to employers, including cross-selling Skills Bootcamps, Short Courses and Commercial training.
• Monitor employer satisfaction and respond to feedback, continuously improving the employer experience.

Requirements:

Essential:

• Proven experience in B2B sales, account management, or employer engagement—ideally in training, employability, or apprenticeships.
• Strong relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Results-driven, with the ability to meet KPIs and outcome targets in a high-paced environment.
• Proficient in CRM systems and MS Office.
• Must hold a full UK driving licence and be willing to travel to attend meetings and events.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Apprenticeship Levy, Skills Bootcamps, and ASF-funded programmes.
• Experience with government-funded programmes and ESFA compliance.
• Understanding of learner journey and employability metrics.

Company Benefits:

• Company pension
• Health & Wellbeing Programme
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Health Cash Plan (after 3 months of employment) which includes:

• Get up to 100% money back on everyday healthcare costs.
• Claim on dental, optical, chiropody, health screening, physiotherapy and more.

Wellbeing Package which includes:

• 24/7 counselling and support helpline.
• Direct line to a doctor via phone or video chat.
• Online health and lifestyle analysis.
• Deals and discounts from high-quality brands including Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys, Adidas, PureGym, Curry’s, Boots, Just East and many more!
• Career progression opportunities.
• Funded training available to all employees.
• Birthday off after 1 year of service.
• Flexi Time.
• Family Fun Days.
• ‘Employee of the month’ recognition awards.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

As an equal opportunity employer, we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Learners are at the centre of everything we do so we are committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, provide satisfactory references and prove their eligibility to work in the UK.