Senior Business Development Manager Education Recruitment

Role Overview

The Senior Business Development Manager leads the strategic growth of the company s education recruitment portfolio. This role is responsible for securing high-value partnerships, expanding market presence into Greater London, and shaping commercial strategy across the education sector. The ideal candidate is an experienced operator who can drive revenue growth, open new geographic or sector markets, and mentor junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Growth

Develop and execute a sales strategy to expand the company s footprint across secondary and primary schools.

Identify, target, and convert high-value education clients, including multi-site accounts and long-term framework agreements.

Lead commercial negotiations, tender responses, bids, and large contract proposals.

Analyse market trends to identify emerging opportunities and drive strategic initiatives.

Client Acquisition & Relationship Leadership

Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders (e.g., HR Directors, Heads of Schools, CEOs of MATs).

Establish trusted advisor status through deep understanding of client needs and challenges.

Oversee client onboarding processes to ensure smooth transition and high satisfaction.

Design client retention plans and develop long-term partnership structures.

Revenue & Target Management

Own revenue targets, forecasting, and commercial sales pipeline planning.

Monitor performance data and adjust strategies to ensure consistent growth.

Identify opportunities to upsell, cross-sell, and introduce new service offerings.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Mentor junior and senior recruitment consultants and support their professional growth.

Work closely with recruitment delivery teams to ensure high fulfilment rates and quality of placements.

Partner with marketing to create targeted campaigns, events, and thought-leadership initiatives.

Contribute to internal process improvements and innovations.

Operations & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, recruitment regulations, and sector standards.

Maintain accurate CRM records, reports, and documentation for internal and external audits.

Required Skills & Qualifications

3+ years of experience in business development or sales in education recruitment.

Proven track record of securing high-value contracts and meeting/ exceeding revenue targets.

Strong negotiation, presentation, and strategic planning skills.

Excellent ability to influence senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

Proficiency with CRM and sales analytics tools.

Strong understanding of the education landscape, staffing trends, and compliance frameworks.

Personal Attributes

Commercially sharp with strong strategic thinking.

Confident communicator with exceptional relationship-building skills.

Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage complex pipelines.

Resilient, driven, and comfortable leading in a fast-paced environment.

Collaborative mindset with commitment to quality and service excellence.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Annual revenue and profitability targets

Number and value of new strategic accounts acquired

Client retention and expansion metrics

Ddesireable exp of input into Bids & Tenders

Contribution to team development and mentorship

What We Offer

Competitive salary with senior-level commission/bonus structure

Company performance share options

Opportunities for executive career progression

Autonomy to drive strategic initiatives

Professional development and leadership training