Senior Business Development Manager ANZ

Are you interested in working with a leading education technology player, the global leader in the assessment and certification of professional skills industry with presence in more than 200 countries worldwide? If so, this is the chance to apply now ! 📥

PeopleCert is seeking an accomplished Senior Business Development Manager to lead the strategic expansion of the LANGUAGECERT portfolio across Australia and New Zealand. This is a high-impact commercial leadership role responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth, developing strategic partnerships, influencing key stakeholders across the education ecosystem, and executing market expansion initiatives aligned with PeopleCert's global growth strategy.

Leveraging a deep understanding of PeopleCert's business objectives, go-to-market strategy, and the evolving international education landscape, you will build and nurture executive-level relationships with universities, governments, regulators, education providers, pathway institutions, language schools, corporate organisations, and strategic partners.

You will identify new market opportunities, shape long-term partnerships, and position LANGUAGECERT as the preferred provider of English language qualifications and Secure English Language Tests (SELT).

The successful candidate will lead the commercial development of the LANGUAGECERT portfolio, including its UKVI-approved SELT qualifications, while playing a strategic role in strengthening brand recognition, institutional adoption, and long-term market leadership.

As a Senior Business Development Manager, your responsibilities will include:

Develop and execute the regional commercial strategy to accelerate revenue growth and expand LANGUAGECERT's market share across Australia and New Zealand.

Build, manage and maintain a robust pipeline of strategic business opportunities, ensuring consistent achievement of ambitious revenue and growth targets.

Establish trusted relationships with senior decision-makers, including Vice Chancellors, Pro Vice Chancellors, Deans, Registrars, Directors of International Education, government agencies, regulators, corporate clients and education networks.

Lead the acquisition, negotiation and management of high-value strategic partnerships with universities, language schools, pathway providers, study abroad agencies, immigration advisers, corporate organisations and other key stakeholders.

Develop and execute the regional commercial strategy to accelerate revenue growth and expand LANGUAGECERT's market share across Australia and New Zealand.

Build, manage and maintain a robust pipeline of strategic business opportunities, ensuring consistent achievement of ambitious revenue and growth targets.

Establish trusted relationships with senior decision-makers, including Vice Chancellors, Pro Vice Chancellors, Deans, Registrars, Directors of International Education, government agencies, regulators, corporate clients and education networks.

Lead the acquisition, negotiation and management of high-value strategic partnerships with universities, language schools, pathway providers, study abroad agencies, immigration advisers, corporate organisations and other key stakeholders.

Drive institutional adoption of LANGUAGECERT qualifications by working with universities to: Increase recognition and acceptance of LANGUAGECERT qualifications. Embed LANGUAGECERT assessments within academic programmes and curriculum. Develop collaborative initiatives in research, innovation and future educational partnerships.

Identify emerging market trends, competitive threats and new growth opportunities, providing strategic market intelligence to regional and global leadership.

Design and execute regional market development initiatives, including strategic campaigns, recognition programmes, thought leadership activities and executive engagement events.

Develop and implement innovative channel development strategies that strengthen partner capability, improve market coverage and accelerate business growth.

Lead complex commercial negotiations and partnership agreements, ensuring mutually beneficial long-term relationships.

Collaborate closely with Marketing, Product, Operations, Customer Success and Global Commercial teams to deliver integrated go-to-market initiatives and exceptional customer experiences.

Provide accurate sales forecasting, business planning and performance reporting, using CRM and market analytics to drive informed decision-making.

Represent PeopleCert and LANGUAGECERT at major industry conferences, government forums, university events and international education exhibitions, acting as a senior brand ambassador.

Champion customer success by proactively addressing strategic partner needs and working cross-functionally to resolve complex commercial issues.

Mentor and support junior commercial colleagues where appropriate, contributing to the development of a high-performing regional sales culture.

Identify emerging market trends, competitive threats and new growth opportunities, providing strategic market intelligence to regional and global leadership.

Design and execute regional market development initiatives, including strategic campaigns, recognition programmes, thought leadership activities and executive engagement events.

Develop and implement innovative channel development strategies that strengthen partner capability, improve market coverage and accelerate business growth.

Lead complex commercial negotiations and partnership agreements, ensuring mutually beneficial long-term relationships.

Collaborate closely with Marketing, Product, Operations, Customer Success and Global Commercial teams to deliver integrated go-to-market initiatives and exceptional customer experiences.

Provide accurate sales forecasting, business planning and performance reporting, using CRM and market analytics to drive informed decision-making.

Represent PeopleCert and LANGUAGECERT at major industry conferences, government forums, university events and international education exhibitions, acting as a senior brand ambassador.

Champion customer success by proactively addressing strategic partner needs and working cross-functionally to resolve complex commercial issues.

Mentor and support junior commercial colleagues where appropriate, contributing to the development of a high-performing regional sales culture.

Ensure alignment with company values — Quality, Innovation, Passion, Integrity, Clarity, and Velocity.

What we are looking for

Bachelor's degree required; postgraduate qualification (MBA or equivalent) would be advantageous.

12+ years of progressive business development, strategic partnerships or commercial leadership experience with a proven record of delivering significant revenue growth.

Based in Australia or New Zealand, with the ability to travel extensively across the region.

Demonstrated success in building and managing executive-level relationships and closing complex, multi-stakeholder commercial agreements.

Extensive experience within the English language education, international education, assessment, certification, higher education, EdTech or professional qualifications sectors.