Business Development Coordinator

Post: Business Development Coordinator
Department: Business Development
Reports To: Head of Business Development
Are you someone who enjoys connecting with people, spotting potential and helping others take that first step into something new?
At the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), we’re looking for someone to support the growth of our nationwide network of academies.
In this role, you’ll play a key part in our expansion, working closely with individuals as they move through the PQA Principal recruitment journey and take the leap into business ownership. You’ll be speaking to potential Principals, getting to know what drives them and supporting them through each stage. It’s a varied role where no two days feel quite the same.
If you’re organised, enjoy building relationships and feel comfortable talking to a wide range of people, you’ll thrive in this role!
You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team at our High Wycombe Head Office, where the work you do has a genuine impact – not just on our Principals, but on the thousands of young people who grow in confidence and creativity through PQA each week.
About PQA
Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) is a UK-wide network of performing arts academies providing outstanding extracurricular training for students aged 4–18. Through high-quality tuition in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television, PQA empowers young people to build confidence, creativity and life skills in a safe and inclusive environment.
The Business Development Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting PQA’s continued growth. Working as part of a passionate and collaborative team, the focus of the role is to source, recruit and help train new Principals who will go on to run their own academies. It’s a varied and people-centred position where your work directly supports our expansion and helps new business owners get off to a strong start.
Key Responsibilities
* Managing incoming sales leads to keep the Principal recruitment pipeline active, organised, and moving forward.
* Supporting with lead generation, in line with our LinkedIn recruitment strategy and META campaigns.
* Screening Principal applicants at the very start of their recruitment journey, ensuring they have a positive and informed first contact with PQA.
* Leading interviews with prospective Principals, finding out relevant information about them and providing the necessary information they need to know.
* Providing applicants with feedback on their business plans, to ensure they’re completing the necessary due diligence.
* Supporting with our mapping system and exporting demographic data about our territories to help Principals understand their territories and grow their businesses.
* Supporting with the event management of training courses.
* Providing administrative support for the Business Development and Business Management departments.
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
* Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks
* Confidence in speaking with a wide range of people
* A passion for generating and nurturing sales leads
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Strong computer skills; Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams
* Curiosity to master bespoke mapping software
* Ability to demonstrate influence/persuasion techniques within communication
* Strong attention to detail
* A customer-focused approach
* Experience of the performing arts sector is desirable, but not essential
Personal Attributes
* Positive attitude
* An approachable manner and excellent interpersonal skills
* Hard working and self-motivated
* Great organisational skills and a professional attitude
* A problem solver with a can-do attitude
* A great team player, who welcomes collaboration
Location: High Wycombe (Head Office) - with some home working available
Holiday: 20 days + 3 days holiday at Christmas (and bank holidays)
Hours: 40 per week
Benefits include:
● Onsite free parking
● Birthday bonus day off
● Breakfast and refreshments available
● Employee Assistance Programme
After probation has been passed (usually 6 months):
● Gym membership contribution
● Cycle to work scheme
● Private healthcare cover
● Life insurance