Housing Business Development Manager (Apprenticeships & Commercial Training)

Role Purpose

The Housing Business Development Manager will lead the growth of our new Housing Division, securing apprenticeship and commercial training partnerships across the housing sector (e.g., housing associations, ALMOs, local authorities, contractors and managing agents). You will build a sustainable pipeline, convert opportunities into long-term employer partnerships, and ensure all activity aligns with apprenticeship funding rules, compliance requirements, and our commitment to high-quality learner outcomes.

This role is both strategic and hands-on: developing the market proposition and go-to-market approach, while also generating leads, building relationships, and closing high-quality opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Generation & Market Development

• Identify, target and engage new employer leads within the housing sector using a range of channels (networks, referrals, events, LinkedIn, frameworks, procurement portals and partnerships).

• Build a structured prospecting plan for priority employer groups (levy and non-levy) and key housing subsectors.

• Research and input new prospects into the CRM, ensuring data quality, segmentation and clear next steps.

• Represent the organisation professionally at sector events, forums, and networking opportunities to build brand presence in housing.

Business Growth & Sales Delivery

• Deliver sustainable growth against agreed targets (starts, revenue, margin and/or pipeline value), focusing on quality, retention and repeat business.

• Convert opportunities through the full sales cycle: discovery, solution design, proposal, stakeholder management, negotiation and close.

• Work with internal teams to shape and continuously improve a “best-in-class” housing proposition (apprenticeships and commercial programmes).

• Develop account plans for key employers to support retention, cross-sell and long-term partnership growth.

• Provide accurate forecasting, pipeline management and performance reporting.

Sector Insight & Proposition Development

• Build in-depth knowledge of the housing landscape and workforce priorities (e.g., leadership, management, housing practice, repairs/maintenance, customer services, compliance, resident engagement).

• Monitor competitor activity, sector changes and skills funding developments to identify opportunities and risks.

• Identify strategic partnerships (e.g. membership bodies, consultants, framework providers, sector influencers) that can accelerate growth.

Relationship Management (Internal & External)

• Build strong, trusted relationships with employer stakeholders (HR, L&D, Operational Directors, Heads of Housing, Finance, Procurement and senior leaders).

• Work closely with Delivery, Quality, MIS and Operations teams to ensure employers receive excellent onboarding, communication and service.

• Act as a positive role model and collaborative colleague, ensuring employer expectations are set accurately and delivered consistently.

Compliance, Quality & Ethical Sales

• Ensure employer advice and guidance is accurate, transparent and aligned to ESFA funding rules and apprenticeship compliance requirements.

• Ensure enrolment recommendations are appropriate for the learner and employer, including eligibility, job role alignment and programme suitability.

• Maintain accurate records and audit trails (CRM notes, emails, proposals, contracts, evidence of employer need).

• Promote Safeguarding, Prevent and Wellbeing by acting promptly on concerns and following internal policies.

General & Organisational Responsibilities

• Actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.

• Comply with GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018, maintaining confidentiality and appropriate handling of personal data.

• Follow Health & Safety requirements and any organisational policies relevant to the role.

• Undertake continuous professional development relevant to sales, apprenticeships, and the housing sector.

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Proven business development/employer engagement experience with a track record of meeting targets.

• Experience working in apprenticeships and/or work-based learning, with a strong understanding of the Apprenticeship Levy and employer funding routes.

• Working knowledge of ESFA apprenticeship funding rules and compliance expectations (or demonstrable ability to learn quickly).

• Confident in managing a full sales cycle and building long-term strategic accounts.

• Strong CRM discipline: accurate pipeline management, reporting and forecasting.

Desirable (Advantageous)

• Existing network within the housing sector (housing associations, local authorities, ALMOs, contractors or sector bodies).

• Experience selling into levy employers and navigating multi-stakeholder procurement/decision-making.

• Familiarity with housing job roles and competency needs (e.g., housing management, tenancy services, resident engagement, repairs, compliance).

• Experience supporting bids/tenders or working with procurement frameworks.

Skills & Behaviours

• Results-driven and resilient, with a balanced focus on growth and quality/compliance.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to influence at multiple levels.

• Commercially astute: able to shape solutions that meet employer needs and deliver sustainable outcomes.

• Organised and proactive, with strong planning and follow-through.

• Collaborative approach with internal teams; takes ownership and solves problems.