Overview

About this role

The Business Development Manager will lead on engaging small and micro employers to create high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for young people aged 16–24.

What to expect

What is needed for this role?

The role plays a key part in supporting positive learner outcomes by developing meaningful employer partnerships, increasing apprenticeship vacancies, and ensuring opportunities align with Ofsted, DfE/DWP, and safeguarding expectations.

Role and responsibilities
  • Employer Engagement & Vacancy Creation
    • Engage proactively with small employers to generate new apprenticeship vacancies specifically suited to 16–24-year-olds
    • Promote apprenticeships as a high-quality entry route into employment, particularly for young people at the start of their careers
    • Conduct employer needs analyses to identify suitable roles that support sustained employment, skills development, and progression
    • Champion inclusive recruitment practices that support disadvantaged and underrepresented young people
    Supporting Positive Learner Outcomes
    • Work closely with curriculum, recruitment team, and safeguarding to ensure vacancies provide safe, supportive, and developmental environments
    • Ensure employers understand their responsibilities around:
    o Safeguarding and Prevent
    o Health & safety
    o Pastoral support for young apprentices
    o endorsing strong and fair wages for apprentices
    o Promoting the correct behaviours with Apprentice incentives
    • Promote high expectations with employers to support attendance, retention, achievement, and progression

    Recruitment & Vacancy Management
    • Support employers through the end-to-end vacancy process, from initial engagement to apprentice sign-up
    • Ensure vacancies are realistic, meaningful, and aligned to apprenticeship standards
    • Collaborate with recruitment and engagement teams to ensure timely placement of appropriate young candidates
    Employer Relationships & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Build long-term partnerships with employers to support repeat recruitment and progression opportunities
    • Represent the organisation at employer events, school/college engagement activities, and community events
    • Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure a high-quality learner and employer experience

    Data, Targets & Compliance
    • Achieve agreed KPIs related to employer engagement, vacancy creation, and starts
    • Maintain accurate employer and vacancy records using CRM systems
    • Ensure all employer activity meets DfE/DWP funding rules and contributes positively to Ofsted inspection outcomes

Skills and experience

Essential 

• Experience in business development, sales, or employer engagement 

• Strong understanding of apprenticeships or experience working with young people in education, training, or employment 

• Experience engaging with small businesses and owner-managers 

• Ability to communicate effectively with employers, young people, and internal teams 

• Strong relationship-builder with a consultative approach 

• Youth-focused mindset with an understanding of barriers young people may face 

• Professional, resilient, and outcomes-focused 

• Passionate about improving life chances through skills and employment 

• Target-driven, organised, and self-motivated 

• Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and learner welfare 

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel 

 

Desirable 

• Experience working within FE, apprenticeships, or training provision 

• Knowledge of Ofsted EIF themes (quality of education, behaviour & attitudes, personal development) 

• Experience supporting 16–24 learners into education or employment 

• Familiarity with apprenticeship standards and funding rules