About UpSkill Universe

UpSkill Universe - founded in 2015 - is on a mission to empower all people to succeed in the digital age. Through human-centred, experiential learning programmes, we work with businesses and communities - supported by a global network of coaches, trainers and digital experts - to empower people and stimulate economies from a grassroots level, and we need YOU to help us drive our learning programmes to achieve long-lasting change. 

UpSkill Universe is a leading organisation in the world of Skills and Inclusion. Since 2015 we’ve built some of the world's largest award-winning digital skills, talent and inclusion programmes empowering over 650,000 people globally partnering with the likes of Google, Walmart, HSBC, and TikTok.

We are passionate about tackling the skills and representation in business, supporting companies to create equitable career pathways to boost progression and develop relevant skills for the future workplace.

As a company, we have big plans, to continue our expansion and growth in the UK, and continue to roll out our programs targeting the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa markets. We are continuing to grow and want to build an iconic company recognised for its innovative approach to delivering scalable learning

About the challenge

We are looking for a driven and entrepreneurial Business Development Manager to lead the growth of Upskill Universe by generating new business through self-sourced opportunities and outbound outreach. This role is ideal for a confident hunter who thrives on building relationships from the ground up and is motivated by opening doors and winning new clients.

You will play a pivotal role in executing our commercial strategy, with a focus on client diversification and profitable growth. Using a highly targeted, value-based sales approach, you’ll leverage our Future Skills content and learning solutions to address the evolving needs of decision-makers in high-growth industries, particularly across talent, skills, and inclusion.

What are some of the things I will be doing?

• Proactively identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, primarily through cold outreach (email, LinkedIn, calls, and events)
• Building a pipeline of qualified prospects and developing relationships from first contact to close.
• Understanding the unique challenges of each client and crafting tailored solutions aligned with their learning, upskilling, and inclusion goals.
• Engaging stakeholders across HR, L&D, D&I, and leadership teams to demonstrate the value and impact of our offer.
• Contributing to the evolution of our BD processes and reporting tools to drive visibility and forecast accuracy.

This is a new business-first role — success will come from your ability to independently generate, nurture, and convert new leads. You’ll be expected to take ownership of your territory, bring energy and initiative, and help shape the way Upskill Universe reaches and engages future partners.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in business development or sales roles, preferably in a start-up, scale-up, or consultancy environment.
• Strong understanding of market research, lead generation, and client relationship management.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with a track record of successfully closing deals.
• Ability to develop and execute business development strategies that drive revenue growth.
• Experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrable success in achieving sales targets and driving business growth.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge and expertise in social impact, learning & development, diversity & inclusion, digital upskilling
• Examples of implementing new processes to optimise efficiency or deliver best practice
• Experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator
• Competent using G-suite, Hubspot and Slack
• Comfortable with adhering to DACI/RACI for role clarity

  
  

Working at UpSkill

Working at UpSkill is more than ‘just another job’, it’s a chance to build something that matters with a team that truly cares. You’ll get the freedom, tools and support to bring your best self to work and make an impact where it matters most.

We offer you an abundance of benefits and initiatives that actually matter, such as:

• Access to annual learning grants so you can take control of your learning and development journey.

• Early Friday finishes because you deserve it!

• 25 days paid holiday.

• Agile working environment - we aren't worried about where you work from as long as you get what you need to get done.

• Referral, commission and bonus schemes

• Well-being initiatives and a jam-packed social schedule for the chance to build real, meaningful relationships.

• Strong tech set-up, whether you are working from home or visiting our London office!

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 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

Does this sound like you? Then get involved!

UpSkill Digital is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer. All relevant and qualified applicants will be considered regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability and age.