Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager Overview

This is a permanent Business Development Manager position within the IDLS area of Ascentis, reporting to the Head of School Partnerships and International Engagement. The role is focused on expanding the organisation’s IDL provision across the UK and international markets, while also protecting and developing existing customer relationships. It is a commercially focused post with responsibility for driving income growth, supporting ambitious sales goals, and helping to strengthen the organisation’s presence in key markets.

The salary starts at £36,849 per year and includes a generous bonus structure. The working arrangement is hybrid, with a 35-hour week split between three days at the Lancaster head office and two days working from home, including Fridays. The organisation notes that flexible working options will be considered. The role also involves regular travel around the UK and occasional international travel.

What the role involves

• Taking responsibility for a defined region or territory and managing both new business prospects and existing customer accounts.
• Identifying and pursuing business development opportunities, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and acting as a trusted point of contact for clients.
• Creating and delivering regional sales plans designed to increase market penetration and raise brand awareness.
• Meeting income and sales targets through effective selling activity and disciplined pipeline management.
• Maintaining a strong understanding of the product range, market conditions, and competitor activity in order to spot growth opportunities and shape sales strategy.
• Presenting solutions to customers, carrying out product demonstrations, and negotiating commercial terms to secure new business.
• Growing current accounts through upselling and cross-selling, with a focus on retention and long-term partnership development.
• Working alongside marketing and customer experience colleagues to improve the customer journey and support campaigns, events, and promotional activity.
• Using CRM systems effectively to manage leads, track performance, and support forecasting and reporting.
• Sharing market insight to support strategic decisions, contributing feedback that informs product development, and helping shape pricing and positioning.
• Supporting wider organisational priorities, maintaining high standards of customer service, and contributing to a collaborative, improvement-focused culture.

What the organisation is looking for

• A strong sales background with evidence of delivering results independently and as part of a team.
• A track record of achieving targets and working to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the confidence to engage a range of audiences.
• Strong organisational ability, including prioritising workload, managing time well, and working in a structured and proactive way.
• A customer-focused approach and the ability to build durable, positive relationships.
• A flexible, positive attitude and a willingness to adapt, travel, and work in a flexible way when needed.
• The ability to contribute to a busy commercial environment while remaining results-driven and collaborative.

About the organisation

Ascentis describes itself as one of the UK’s leading educational charity groups, bringing together an awarding organisation and a provider of dyslexia intervention software. The organisation says its people are passionate, energetic, and committed to improving lives through education. It highlights continued growth in the UK and overseas and says it is market-leading in the education sector and in the specialist areas in which it operates.

The organisation states that it holds the number one position for ESOL provision in the UK and is also a leading Access Validating Agency. Based in Lancaster with a national reach and a significant customer base in London, it works with colleges, training providers, local education authorities, primary and secondary schools, and international schools. Its IDL software is used globally and provides multi-sensory programmes in literacy, numeracy, and phonics. The company also notes recent recognition at the 2024 Federation of Awarding Bodies awards, where it won Innovation of the Year and Awarding Organisation of the Year.

Ascentis says it values diversity and employs people with a wide range of backgrounds, personalities, characteristics, experience, and skills. It states that it is an equal opportunities employer and does not tolerate less favourable treatment on protected grounds or unfair disadvantage caused by unjustifiable conditions or requirements.

Benefits and perks

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 public holidays.
• An extra day off for your birthday.
• Additional closure days over the Christmas period.
• More annual leave for long service, with the option to purchase extra leave up to a maximum of 43 days.
• Competitive pension arrangements, including salary sacrifice.
• Access to flexible working arrangements where the role allows, including flexibility in working time and location.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including improved maternity, neonatal, paternity, shared parental, and adoption leave and pay, plus sick pay, life insurance, and paid compassionate leave.
• Modern office and break facilities, including a bean-to-cup coffee machine, vending machine, pool table, Xbox, outdoor seating, dressing room facilities, shower facilities, a Harry Potter reading room, and an employee library.
• Free parking and secure bike storage.
• Electric vehicle charging points, with charging costs paid by the employee.
• Tailored learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Home and Tech scheme.
• Discounted gym membership at 3-1-5 Health Club.
• 24-hour employee helpline and a strong focus on wellbeing.
• Aviva DigiCare+ health app with access to virtual GP appointments, an annual health check, and more.
• A reward and recognition scheme, plus regular team-building and communication activities.

How to apply and contact details

Applicants are invited to apply for the role through the organisation’s recruitment process. The page also says that if you have questions or want to discuss the opportunity further, you can contact Sarah Hyslop, Head of School Partnerships and International Engagement, by email at the address provided on the page.

The page also states that the role may meet the eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

Visa Sponsorship Promising