Job Title : Business Development Officer Department: Business Development – SFJ Awards
Sheffield Office, with hybrid working available
Contract Permanent
Hours Full Time (37.SFJ Awards are a regulated Awarding Organisation, delivering high quality qualifications, and custom certification for learners through Approved Centres in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. We are also an Apprenticeship End-Point Assessment (EPA) Organisation approved by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to deliver EPA to apprentices for a growing number of apprenticeship standards in England. SFJ Awards is part of the Workforce Development Trust group.
The Workforce Development Trust
The Workforce Development Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that provides services that support employers to develop skilled, sustainable, and efficient workforces in the UK and abroad. We operate via our collective of four brands; SFJ Awards provides a range of Awarding Organisation and assurance functions, including regulated qualifications and apprenticeship end-point assessment. The post holder will carry out research, sourcing and analysing relevant data sources to identify and recommend new product/service opportunities. They will use their communication, engagement and commercial skills to support existing customers to increase their activity with SFJ Awards and to secure new customers, working both independently and as an effective team player.
The post-holder will benefit from an understanding of how qualifications, apprenticeships and certification products are developed, delivered, managed and quality assured, and will enjoy influencing, negotiating and building commercial relationships with new and established customers and stakeholders.
This role requires someone who thrives on being organised yet dynamic enough to keep up with innovations and developments within the dynamic landscape of vocational qualifications, education and training.
What is the impact of the role on the business?
The impact of the Business Development Officer role on the organization is substantial, as it directly contributes to SFJ Awards' financial performance, market positioning, and long-term growth. By driving revenue through new business and expanding client relationships, the role supports the organization’s financial stability and growth targets. Additionally, through market research and competitor analysis, the officer ensures that SFJ Awards remains adaptable to industry changes, allowing it to stay competitive and meet evolving customer demands. Furthermore, cross-departmental collaboration fosters a cohesive approach to growth strategies, while feedback-informed product development helps SFJ Awards innovate and stay relevant. Key business skills necessary for the role?
The Business Development Officer at SFJ Awards requires a range of key business skills, including market research and analysis to identify trends and growth opportunities, alongside strong sales and negotiation abilities for securing new clients and expanding existing relationships. Customer relationship management skills are essential for building loyalty and fostering long-term partnerships, while strategic thinking aligns business activities with organizational goals.
Financial acumen supports profitable decision-making, and project management ensures effective coordination of multiple initiatives. Clear communication is crucial for presenting complex product information and analyses, while collaboration with marketing, PR, and other departments enhances coordinated growth efforts. The daily work of the Business Development Officer at SFJ Awards involves a blend of strategic planning, client engagement, and data-driven decision-making. The officer typically starts by reviewing and analysing market trends and customer data to identify new business opportunities or areas to deepen existing client relationships. The officer may also conduct competitor analysis, interpreting data from various sources to assess how SFJ Awards' products perform in comparison to others. This analysis is used to inform recommendations for new product developments or adjustments to current offerings.
The dynamic and varied nature of this role keeps each day unique, with a focus on driving business growth and fostering strong customer relationships.
Actively monitoring, researching and reporting on market trends to identify potential new customers and emerging opportunities.
Regularly interrogating published data sources to inform market and competitor analysis, the comparative assessment of product performance and the identification of market trends and opportunities.
Generating accurate and appropriate analyses and reports to support the acquisition of new customers, the establishment of beneficial relationships with partner organisations, and ongoing improvement in the commercial performance of products and services.
This job requires some days in the office. Please consider if you are willing to relocate before applying.
Generous annual leave entitlement up to a maximum of 28 days, plus public holidays and a potential Christmas closure
Flexible working - 50% working from home with a dress for your day approach
Employee referral recruitment scheme
We provide enhanced leave, bereavement, carers, maternity, paternity and sickness leave.
Health and wellbeing benefits, access to our mental health first aiders, a confidential employee assistance programme, free eye tests and payment for an annual flu jab
Enhanced pension scheme, with a contribution matching up to a combined 12%, along with death in service coverage at three times annual salary
Flexible employee benefits, portal including a cycle to work scheme
Buy annual leave scheme
Organisational development days and departmental training budgets
Payroll giving, this is a tax-free way to donate to any charity, good cause or place of worship
The Workforce Development Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone.
We strongly encourage people of all gender, religion, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
The Workforce Development Trust appreciate any applications that include cover letters explaining why they would be suitable for this role.
Thursday 30th January 2025
You can apply through our website.