Business Development Manager Vacancy
Cogent have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Manager who will be responsible for developing, implementing and successfully delivering the commercial strategy to drive the growth of the Courses and Consultancy business unit (BU) in the High hazard sectors.
This BU within Cogent delivers industry led safety and compliance short courses and consultancy to Employers who operate high hazard / regulated sites that address safety culture and behaviour to ensure sites are safe and meet regulatory requirements.
The BD Manager will work with existing customers and stakeholders to widen contracts and grow the pipeline of employers accessing Cogent Skills consultancy and training solutions, supporting the Head of Business Operations through networking, employer engagement and winning business to achieve sales of products & services. They will work with the BU team and will lead on identifying and pursuing new business opportunities and ensuring that the BU delivers on its commitments with a focus on quality.
Full time permanent role
• Pension – employee contribution 6%
• Life Assurance
• 28 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (FTE)
• Birthday off work
• Opportunity to buy-back 5 extra days annual leave (FTE)
• Optional Private Health Care package
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bonus Scheme
• Annual Values Awards
• Long Service Awards
• Annual Company Events
• Gym Discount
• Access to Training & Development Opportunities
Develop and implement a robust business development strategy to help to achieve consultancy and course sales targets.
· Create and manage good customer relationships with employers and stakeholders to identify market needs and to identify potential new business opportunities, in particular lead on business development for Process Safety management & managing process risk & courses and consultancy.
· Work with the Business Development Executives to support customer communication through campaigns and individual communication activities, meeting with customers who are interested in our solutions.
· Work with the marketing team and Workforce development manager to generate engaging marketing campaigns and attend industry events to increase the pipeline of employers.
· To be responsible for continually assessing current clients’ needs and to ensure we are delivering on promises by identifying actions and working with colleagues to ensure delivery in line with our quality commitment.
· Implement and utilise sales tracking systems to be able to understand the progress of all sales within the business unit and to be able to use this data to inform future activities and successes.
· Support the maintenance and currency of marketing material and its relevance to different industry sectors, ensuring the language used reflects the relevant industry and regulator standards.
· Ensure financial milestones are delivered on the portfolio of customers and report regularly on the status of all active projects to the Cogent Skills Training management and executive teams.
· Follow quality processes, ensuring key documentation is collected and stored in accordance with Data Protection Regulations.
· Enable accurate reporting through the consistent and timely use of the Client Relationship Management (CRM) and other data systems.
· Commit to any developmental training and sharing of best practice events.
· To provide proactive and supportive line management to the BD Specialists, ensuring they are knowledgeable and fully trained in products, to ensure them to effectively complete their role.
· To identify where targets have not been met and plan to mitigate any negative impact on the business unit budget.
· To work with Sales and Business Development colleagues around the business in order to identify opportunities, maximise the Cogent Group offer and to cross-sell where there is an opportunity to.
Key Performance Indicators
· Accurate and timely reporting of sales management performance – milestones and finances.
· Accurate & consistent use of CRM & data capture systems.
Previous experience of managing a small business development function.
· Educated to at least A level equivalent and grade C Maths and English (or equivalent) as a minimum.
· Demonstrable Project and People management skills and implementing culture/ behavioral change in a high hazards arena.
· Flexible with a dynamic approach to delivery.
· Hold a full driving license and have own transport.
· Willing to travel to external sites and attend events out of hours.
Cogent is an inclusive employer and we value the diversity our workforce brings. Cogent is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
Please complete the Candidate Information Sheet and send together with a letter of application and your CV by 31 st January 2025 outlining your suitability for this post and how you would ensure success.
If you have additional needs that you would like us to consider during the application and interview process please contact Denise Bentley on 01925 515222 to discuss ways that we can support your application.
Websites: