About North West Employers

North West Employers is a well-established regional organisation based in the heart of the North West of England, dedicated to supporting local authorities, public sector bodies, and employers across the region. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality training programmes, facilitating collaborative networks, and championing workforce development, North West Employers plays a pivotal role in shaping employment policy, skills development, and economic growth across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, and Merseyside. The organisation works closely with a diverse range of stakeholders including local government partners, training providers, employers of all sizes, and community organisations to drive meaningful change in the regional labour market. Our team is passionate, collaborative, and committed to making a tangible difference in the communities we serve. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive working environment where every team member is valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. As we continue to expand our reach and impact, we are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Business Development Officer to join our growing Business Development Team.

The Role

This is a dynamic and varied position that offers the successful candidate the opportunity to develop a broad skill set across business development, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and communications. As a Business Development Officer at North West Employers, you will be at the centre of our efforts to grow our membership base, enhance our service offering, and strengthen our presence across the North West region. No two days in this role will be the same. One moment you could be working alongside our associate trainers and customer relations team to design and coordinate a bespoke workforce development training programme for a local authority partner. The next, you might be supporting the facilitation of an online network meeting that brings together employers from across the region to discuss emerging skills challenges, or helping to showcase our latest initiatives and success stories through our social media channels and digital communications. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, people-oriented environment and is eager to build a career in business development, stakeholder engagement, or the public sector.

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage the end-to-end delivery of training programmes and development events, liaising with associate trainers, venue partners, and customer organisations to ensure seamless execution and high participant satisfaction.
Support the planning and facilitation of online and in-person network meetings, forums, and regional engagement events across the North West, ensuring strong attendance, meaningful content, and positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with existing and prospective members, customers, and partner organisations, acting as a key point of contact for enquiries, service requests, and feedback.
Assist in the creation and delivery of compelling social media content, newsletters, and digital communications that promote North West Employers' programmes, events, and achievements to a wider audience across platforms including LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and the organisation's website.
Contribute to the development of new business opportunities by researching market trends, identifying gaps in service provision, and supporting the preparation of proposals and tender responses for new contracts and partnerships.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all business development activities, stakeholder interactions, and membership data using CRM systems and internal databases, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
Prepare regular reports and presentations on business development performance, membership growth, and event outcomes for senior leadership and board meetings.
Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to ensure a joined-up approach to service delivery, sharing insights and intelligence that help improve the overall customer and member experience.
Support the administration and coordination of project workstreams, including tracking milestones, managing documentation, and ensuring deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
Represent North West Employers at external events, conferences, and meetings as required, building the organisation's profile and network across the region.

Work Environment and Culture

North West Employers operates from a modern, well-equipped office at Salford Quays, one of the most vibrant and well-connected locations in Greater Manchester. The role follows a hybrid working model, offering genuine flexibility to split your time between the office and home. The specific hybrid arrangement will be discussed during the interview process, but the organisation is committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance while maintaining the collaboration and connection that come from in-person working. Our culture is built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to making a difference. We are a relatively small but highly dedicated team, which means your contributions will be visible, valued, and directly linked to the organisation's success. You will have regular access to senior leadership, opportunities to contribute to strategic discussions, and the autonomy to take ownership of your work. We actively invest in our people and believe that professional development is not just a benefit but a core part of how we operate. You will be encouraged to identify areas for growth, access relevant training and development opportunities, and progress within the organisation as your skills and experience develop.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a candidate who is organised, proactive, and genuinely passionate about delivering excellent customer service and building strong professional relationships. You will be comfortable working across multiple projects simultaneously, managing your time effectively, and adapting to changing priorities with a positive attitude. Essential Requirements:

Demonstrable experience in a business development, customer relations, project coordination, or stakeholder engagement role, ideally within the public sector, training, or membership organisation context.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft professional correspondence, reports, and social media content suitable for a range of audiences.
Strong organisational and administrative skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines without compromising on quality.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as experience using collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Experience using CRM systems or databases to manage stakeholder information and track activity.
A proactive, self-starting approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team.
A genuine interest in workforce development, skills policy, or the public sector landscape in the North West.

Desirable:

Experience with social media management tools such as Hootsuite, Buffer, or Canva for content creation and scheduling.
Familiarity with event management platforms such as Eventbrite or similar tools.
Understanding of the local government or public sector operating environment in the UK.
A relevant qualification in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related discipline.

Benefits and Package

Salary: £28,598 per annum
Pension: Employer contribution to a workplace pension scheme
Wellbeing: Access to a comprehensive employee wellbeing support programme
Gym: Free gym membership or access to on-site fitness facilities
Working Arrangements: Hybrid working with flexible options based at our Salford Quays office
Career Development: Clear pathway for progression within the organisation, with access to training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
Annual Leave: Competitive holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
Equality and Inclusion: North West Employers is a proud equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Career Growth

This role is designed to provide a strong foundation for a career in business development, stakeholder management, or public sector leadership. As you grow within the organisation, there are clear pathways to more senior roles within the Business Development Team and beyond. You will receive regular feedback, have access to a supportive line management structure, and be encouraged to take on increasing responsibility as your confidence and expertise develop. Many members of our current leadership team started in roles similar to this one, and we are deeply committed to nurturing talent from within.

How to Apply and Next Steps

To apply for this position, please submit your CV along with a cover letter that clearly explains how your skills and experience align with the role profile. Applications should be sent via email to applications@nwemployers.org.uk. Closing Date: 5:00 PM, Tuesday 7 April 2026 Interviews: Interviews are scheduled to take place on either 20 or 21 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in advance with confirmation of their interview date and time, along with any additional details regarding the interview format. For further information about the role, including the full role profile and person specification, please visit our website or contact us directly at the email address above. We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the closing date should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We look forward to hearing from you.