About us  

We are an educational charity that helps young people defy their limitations, so they become strong, resilient and curious, ready for the challenges of life.

Using learning and adventures in the wild, we partner with schools, colleges, employers and youth groups to teach their young people the most important lesson they could ever learn: to believe in themselves. 

Job description 

• To maximise business by working in partnership with the assigned (field based) Education Development Manager to meet the combined revenue and other KPI targets for the region. 

• To account manage a portfolio of existing customers (approximately 70% of the regional revenue target) ensuring repeat booking, seeking extension and cross-channel sales opportunities (i.e. Summer Adventures) and leveraging referral and advocate networks. 

• To build long-term successful relationships and networks within the existing school, college and youth group customers in the region.

• The role will involve proactive outbound calling and emailing with existing customers as well as providing back-office support to the Education Development Manager through partnership working. 

• To effectively work with all internal stakeholders to ensure a positive customer experience. 

• To ensure a high level of customer service is delivered at all times. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Proactively contacting and managing relationships with existing customers who have previously booked with Outward Bound. 

• Managing the repeat booking process from beginning to end 

• Work with the Regional Development Manager to research, identify and target prospective clients. 

• Proactively pursue extension and cross sales opportunities from within the existing customer portfolio. 

• Provide back-office support to the Development Manager as per partnership agreement.

• Maintain accurate records of each enquiry and booking using the CRM system. 

• Meet revenue targets and other KPI’s for the region to ensure individual and regional team targets are met. 

• Work closely with the assigned Education Development Manager to meet performance targets, manage client experience and exploit extension sales opportunities. 

• Contribute to the achievement of quarterly and annual Education Team targets and KPI’s. 

• Use negotiation skills and sales techniques to overcome problems and objections in closing sales. 

• Accurately use the CRM and booking system. 

• Effectively promote, award and allocate financial assistance to clients within authority and according to need. To also ensure eligible clients complete a Financial Assistance Application Form. 

• Manage the on-boarding of new clients from the point of sale through to confirmation providing exceptional guidance to senior school leaders, bookers and other relevant staff as required. 

• Develop an in-depth knowledge of existing clients in the region. 

• Provide cover for Account Manager colleagues working on other regions as required 

• To represent The Outward Bound Trust mission, values and ways of working together internally and externally. 

Person Specification:  

Essential 

• Minimum 1-year account management or sales experience. 

• Excellent organisational and time management skills. 

• Good PC literacy (Outlook, Office 365, Word, Excel and PowerPoint). 

• Attention to detail.

• Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision and with flexibility in order to respond to priorities.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills over the phone and in writing. 

• The ability to work with wide range of internal and external stakeholders. 

Desirable 

• Previous experience working with schools, groups or travel sector. 

• Knowledge of and experience within the education system. 

• Experience with the charitable or social enterprise sector. 

• A knowledge of and interest in outdoor learning methodology and impact. 

• Experience using a CRM system. 

Other 

• Some evening, weekend and overnight work will be required as part of the role, including attending Teacher Taster sessions, visiting clients, attending centres, events and meetings 

• An enhanced DBS check will be required to confirm the role 

• This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive and does not form part of the roles contract terms. It is a summary of the Education Account Manager function and responsibilities and, like all such documents, will be amended from time to time, in the light of the changing needs of the charity. 

Salary and benefits: 

• Basic starting salary £24,000 - £29,000 per year (dependent on relevant experience) for a 37.5 hour week OTE/ Commission/ Performance related bonus. 

• Permanent Full Time. For the right candidate pro rata term time (48/52 weeks pa) or part time / job share negotiable.

• Annual Leave of 24 days increasing by one day each year to a maximum of 30 days, plus bank holidays.   

• Life Assurance: 3 x salary, covered from start date; includes Employee Assistance helpline.  

• 8 weeks’ sick pay at full salary in any 12 months.  

• Long-term Disability Insurance: 2/3 salary less state incapacity benefit after 6 months’ absence for up to 5 years, covered from start date. 

• Personal Accident Insurance while at work or commuting.  

• Choice of private healthcare (currently BUPA) or cash plan: on application after completion of probation; taxable benefit. 

• Pension Scheme (currently Standard Life): Auto-enrolment of all staff after 3 months service.  

• Berghaus uniform items provided, and the opportunity to purchase Berghaus products at discount.  

• Discounted course fees for family members to attend Outward Bound Trust courses (after 12 months service).  

• Up to 2-weeks unpaid leave per annum. 

Page BreakProbation period 

There is a 3-month probationary period from the employees start date.

How to apply 

To apply for this position please email a covering letter of no more than 500 words, explaining your fit to the job description, the role, responsibilities and requirements, together with an up to date CV to Sarah Shutt. 

The closing date is Friday 25th October 2019. Interviews will take place at Hackthorpe near Penrith, Thursday 31st October 2019. 

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sarah.