Senior Business Development Manager
UpSkill Universe is a global leader in Future Skills, SME enablement, and Inclusion. Since 2015, we’ve partnered with organisations like Google, HSBC, Visa, Walmart, TikTok, UBS, LEGO, and Dangote to design and deliver some of the world’s largest award‑winning digital skills and talent programmes.
About the Challenge
You are an experienced, commercially sharp Senior Business Development Manager who thrives on building executive‑level relationships, winning enterprise partnerships, and shaping commercial engagement.
Responsibilities
- Lead enterprise‑level sales cycles: take full ownership from prospecting to close, with a focus on high‑value partnerships.
- Engage senior stakeholders: build trusted relationships with executives across HR, L&D, CSR, and Tech leadership functions.
- Craft tailored solutions: diagnose client challenges and position our Future Skills and digital learning solutions to deliver measurable outcomes.
- Develop and execute go‑to‑market strategies for target industries and regions, aligning with Upskill’s growth priorities.
- Negotiate and close complex deals, ensuring mutual value and long‑term growth potential.
- Represent Upskill Universe on global stages, at conferences, roundtables, and industry events, positioning us as a thought leader in tech skills development, SME enablement, and social value.
- Collaborate internally with Delivery and Product teams to ensure seamless handover and impactful client experiences.
- Feed market intelligence into our commercial strategy, influencing our product roadmap and market positioning.
- Mentor and support sales colleagues, sharing best practice and contributing to a high‑performance culture.
Essential Skills and Experience
- 7+ years of proven success in B2B sales, with a strong track record of closing six‑ and seven‑figure enterprise deals.
- Experience selling into C‑suite and senior decision‑makers within HR, L&D, CSR, or Digital / Transformation functions.
- Skilled in consultative and value‑based selling, with the ability to uncover complex client needs and align solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute business development strategies that deliver revenue growth and market expansion.
- Strong negotiation, influencing, and presentation skills, confident in handling objections and navigating long sales cycles.
- Familiarity with digital tools, CRM (HubSpot), LinkedIn Sales Navigator, G‑Suite, Slack, and data‑driven selling.
- Entrepreneurial mindset: proactive, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast‑moving, global growth environment.
- A genuine passion for the future of work, AI and digital skills, and driving inclusive growth.
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.
We lead with integrity: We uphold the highest standards of integrity in all our actions, ensuring transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct guide our decisions and relationships.
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.
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