Business Development Manager

About UpSkill Universe

UpSkill Universe is a leading organisation in the world of Skills and Inclusion. Since 2015 we’ve built some of the world's largest award-winning digital skills, talent and inclusion programmes empowering over 650,000 people globally partnering with the likes of Google, Walmart, HSBC, and TikTok.

We are passionate about tackling the skills and representation in business, supporting companies to create equitable career pathways to boost progression and develop relevant skills for the future workplace.

As a company, we have big plans to continue our expansion and growth in the UK and continue to roll out our programs targeting the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa markets. We are continuing to grow and want to build an iconic company recognised for its innovative approach to delivering scalable learning.

About the challenge

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Business Development Manager to drive the commercial growth of UpSkill Universe by identifying new business opportunities and expanding our client base. You will be instrumental in executing our commercial strategy, focusing on client diversification and profitable growth through innovative, value-based sales approaches. Your mission will be to leverage our Future Skills Content portfolio to meet decision-makers evolving needs in high-growth industries, ensuring our solutions align with their talent development, skills enhancement, and inclusion goals.

Aligned with our commercial strategy, you will proactively target key sectors and decision-makers responsible for talent, skills, and inclusion, driving rapid and sustainable revenue growth. Your role will include building and nurturing relationships with potential clients, understanding their unique challenges, and delivering bespoke solutions that demonstrate our expertise and commitment to creating value.

In addition, you will contribute to refining our business development processes and reporting systems, ensuring they support visibility and predictability in our growth efforts. Your ability to identify and capitalise on new market opportunities will be crucial in positioning UpSkill Universe as a leader in providing comprehensive learning and inclusion solutions.

**What are some of the things I will be doing?

• Market Research & Opportunity Identification: Conduct thorough market research to identify potential business opportunities and target sectors. Develop a deep understanding of market trends and client needs to inform our business development strategy.
• Lead Generation & Qualification: Generate and qualify leads through a variety of channels, including phone calls, LinkedIn, email, and industry events. Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective clients.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers in target industries. Serve as a trusted advisor, understanding their challenges and presenting solutions that align with their strategic goals.
• Proposal Development: Create tailored proposals, presentations, and pitches that effectively communicate the value of our solutions. Ensure proposals are aligned with client needs and demonstrate our expertise.
• Contract Negotiation & Closing: Lead contract negotiations with prospective clients, ensuring mutually beneficial terms are established. Successfully close deals to meet or exceed revenue targets.
• Strategic Partnerships: Identify and establish strategic partnerships that enhance our market presence and expand our reach. Collaborate with partners to co-develop solutions that address market needs.
• Business Development Strategy: Develop and execute business development strategies that align with our commercial goals. Focus on high-growth industries and clients who value talent development, skills enhancement, and inclusion.
• Sales Reporting & Analysis: Regularly report on business development activities, pipeline status, and sales metrics. Provide insights and recommendations to optimise business development efforts and drive continuous improvement.
• Market Expansion: Identify opportunities to expand our offerings into new markets and geographies. Develop strategies to enter and succeed in these markets, aligning with our commercial objectives.
• Brand Building: Represent UpSkill Universe at industry conferences and networking events to build relationships and generate leads.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on industry trends, competitive landscape, and client needs. Continuously refine our business development approach to remain competitive and relevant in the market.

Essential skills

• Proven experience in business development or sales roles, preferably in a start-up, scale-up, or consultancy environment.

• Strong understanding of market research, lead generation, and client relationship management.

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with a track record of successfully closing deals.

• Ability to develop and execute business development strategies that drive revenue growth.

• Experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships.

• Demonstrable success in achieving sales targets and driving business growth.

Nice to have:

• Knowledge and expertise in social impact, learning & development, diversity & inclusion, digital upskilling
• Examples of implementing new processes to optimise efficiency or deliver best practice
• Experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator
• Competent using G-suite, Hubspot and Slack
• Comfortable with adhering to DACI/RACI for role clarity

Location : UK based - We currently do not offer sponsorship

Our values

We own it: The impact of what we do is what fuels us, so we take full ownership of our work and our relationships to ensure we deliver with pride.

We fix each other’s crowns: Whether it’s our team, our clients or our partners, we support each other to be at our best, always striving to be there when you need an uplift.

We strive to grow: Every person we meet has something amazing to offer this world, so we celebrate our differences and foster a mindset of curiosity, inspiring each other to greatness.

We work sustainably: We adopt mindful practices and prioritise the health of each other and our environment, ensuring our impact is always positive.

Does this sound like you? Then get involved!

We would love to get a feel for your approach and personality, so if you feel you would be a great fit, please submit your application.