Role Profile

Job Title: Sales Development Representative – Inbound & Outbound 

Reports to: SDR Manager 

Location and Working Pattern: Leeds Office, Hybrid – 3 days in the office & 2 days at home

Department: Sales

 About the Role

This role sits within QA’s Business Development team and is primarily focused on managing inbound leads from QA’s website, marketing channels (including LinkedIn), apprenticeships inbox, and the main apprenticeship inbound telephone line. The goal is to qualify and convert these leads into opportunities, ensuring timely follow-up and excellent customer experience.

In addition, you will work closely with Account Managers to support growth in existing accounts through targeted email and LinkedIn campaign outreach. Outbound prospecting remains a secondary responsibility, supporting overall new business development.

Key Responsibilities

Inbound Lead Management & Account Growth

• Manage and qualify inbound leads from QA’s website, marketing channels, apprenticeships inbox, and inbound telephone line.
• Ensure timely follow-up and conversion of inbound leads into quality meetings and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Account Managers to identify growth opportunities within existing accounts.
• Execute targeted email and LinkedIn campaigns to support account growth strategies.
• Maintain accurate lead information and activity tracking in CRM.

  Outbound Prospecting (Secondary)

• Support new business development through cold outreach campaigns via email, LinkedIn, and phone calls.
• Research and identify target accounts, key stakeholders, and decision-makers using tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator and CRM data.
• Craft personalized outreach messages that resonate with client needs and QA’s value proposition.
• Book high-quality meetings with prospective clients and drive conversions from meeting to signed opportunity.
• Maintain a strong professional presence on LinkedIn to expand your network and increase QA’s visibility.

  Pipeline Management & Reporting

• Build and manage a robust pipeline in CRM, ensuring accurate tracking, prioritisation, and reporting.
• Update CRM with all activities, notes, and next steps to maintain transparency and forecasting accuracy.
• Monitor and report on KPIs such as inbound lead conversion rates, meetings booked, and account growth metrics.

  Market Engagement & Intelligence

• Stay informed on apprenticeship market trends, competitor activity, and sector developments to position QA effectively.
• Represent QA at relevant industry events, networking sessions, and virtual or in-person meetings to generate new leads.
• Share insights from prospect and account conversations to help shape marketing campaigns and sales strategies.

  What Success Looks Like

• Consistently hitting or exceeding targets for inbound lead conversion and account growth.
• Building strong initial relationships that convert into apprenticeship starts.
• Demonstrating persistence and creativity in both inbound and outbound engagement.

  Skills & Experience

  Essential:

• Strong communication skills – confident in speaking with new people via phone, email, and LinkedIn.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools, processes, and apprenticeship knowledge.
• Resilient and persistent – comfortable with handling rejection and staying motivated.
• Highly organised with good time management skills to manage outreach and follow-ups.
• Tech-savvy – able to use CRM systems, LinkedIn, and email tools (training provided).
• Self-motivated and target-driven, with a desire to succeed in a sales environment.
• Professional and proactive approach to building relationships.

  Desirable (but not required):

• Previous experience in customer service, retail, or any role involving communication.
• Familiarity with LinkedIn or social media for professional networking.
• Interest in apprenticeships, education, or workforce development.

  What We Offer:

• Full training and onboarding – no prior sales experience needed.
• Clear career progression into Account Management.
• Supportive team environment with coaching and mentoring.
• Competitive salary plus commission structure based on performance.