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 progressionRecruitment & 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 experienceData, 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
Contact us
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