Director of Business Development: Adult Skills & Apprenticeships

Are you a strategic business development leader with a strong track record in adult skills, apprenticeships and employer engagement? Our client is seeking a dynamic and commercially focused professional to join their team as Director of Business Development: Adult Skills & Apprenticeships.

This is a pivotal leadership role focused on driving business growth, expanding apprenticeship and adult skills provision, and identifying strategic opportunities that respond to employer needs, sector skills gaps and labour market demand. Working closely with the Vice Principal for Business Growth, Skills and Partnerships, you will help shape and deliver a responsive, high-quality offer across apprenticeships, adult learning and workforce development.

You will lead and motivate a high-performing business development team and provide leadership for Adult Skills, building strong relationships with employers, stakeholders and partners across the region. You will oversee the growth and income of the College Business Centre, Skills Bootcamps, Tailored Learning Provision and distance learning certificate programmes, while leading employer engagement, key account management, funding and bid opportunities, and the development of innovative training solutions aligned to local and regional priorities.

Candidates will bring strong commercial acumen, proven experience of leading teams to deliver ambitious growth targets, and a successful track record of working with employers to develop high-quality training solutions. You will have a strong understanding of the employment and skills agenda, excellent communication and influencing skills, and experience of budget management, stakeholder engagement and business development strategy. A degree or equivalent professional qualification is essential.

Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community and welcomes applications from individuals across all sectors. They aim to reflect the diversity of their student population in their staff profile, ensuring that they provide the best possible experience and environment for their learners. Our client's goal is to continue to develop a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive workplace where all staff can thrive.

Please note if you are selected for the next stage in the process, you will be required to attend our client's premises, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Our client is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all students and expects all staff to engage fully with this commitment.

Our client has appointed FE Associates to support them with this important appointment. Prior to submitting an application, interested parties are advised to arrange a conversation with our recruitment partner, by emailing , to discuss this opportunity before the closing date.

Closes: 9am on Wednesday 1 July 2026

Interviews: w/c Monday 6 July 2026