Business Development Executive (Maternity Cover)

Business Development Executive (Maternity Cover)

Employer: Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI)
Reporting to: Business Development Manager
Location: Sirius House, 10 Heron Road, Belfast, BT3 9LE (Hybrid available after probation)
Contract: 9-12 Month Maternity Cover
Salary: £38,682 - £46,580
Hours: 35 hours per week
Closing Date: 5pm, Monday 28 September 2026

About the Role

The Business Development Executive will be responsible for developing and retaining customer relationships across a variety of sectors, including Further Education Colleges, Third Sector Organisations and Private Training Organisations through the sale and promotion of OCN NI qualifications and educational products.

The role requires travel throughout Northern Ireland, therefore a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Key Responsibilities Business Development & Sales Growth

• Drive sales of OCN NI qualifications, products and services.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities, customers and markets.
• Deliver against revenue targets, KPIs and growth objectives.
• Develop and implement business development strategies to expand market reach.

Customer Relationship & Account Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective customers.
• Conduct account reviews and manage account performance.
• Provide proactive customer support and resolve queries.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Maximise customer retention and revenue opportunities.

Market Engagement & Product Development

• Promote OCN NI through networking events, exhibitions and marketing activities.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity.
• Contribute to qualification development proposals.
• Support development of new products and services.

Compliance & Operations

• Maintain compliance with policies, audit requirements and regulatory standards.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and reporting.
• Adhere to internal and external service standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support organisational objectives.

Additional Duties

• Comply with Health & Safety requirements.
• Support ISO 9001 Quality Management requirements.
• Participate in CPD activities.
• Undertake ad hoc projects and other duties as required.

Essential Criteria

• Minimum 3 years' recent experience in a sales role.
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and databases.
• Proven customer relationship management experience.
• Self-motivated and organised.
• Track record of achieving KPIs and targets.
• Ability to build rapport with people from different backgrounds and sectors.
• Successful track record of negotiation and influencing.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to create and deliver presentations.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness.
• Knowledge of the education and training landscape in Northern Ireland.
• Full clean driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience identifying, writing and submitting successful tenders.
• Previous experience within education or training.
• Third-level qualification in Business Studies, Education, Public Administration or similar.

Benefits

• Hybrid working after successful completion of probation.
• Flexible working hours with core hours of 10am to 4pm.
• Pension: 9% employer contribution, 6% employee contribution.
• 39 days annual leave including public holidays, rising to 44 days after 10 years' service.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cash plan.
• Private health scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.

Application Process

Applicants should email:

• CV
• Detailed covering letter demonstrating how they meet the essential criteria (and desirable criteria where applicable)
• OCN NI Monitoring Form

Closing Date: 5pm, Monday 28 September 2026.

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