Executive Director of Business Development and Apprenticeships

AoC Executive Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent education institution is seeking an Executive Director of Business Development and Apprenticeships. This newly created role focuses on driving strategic growth and apprenticeship expansion. The ideal candidate will have experience in business development within education, a track record in stakeholder engagement, and a passion for improving student outcomes. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape the college's future and contribute significantly to local community needs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in delivering commercial growth in the education sector.
• Strong leadership with an empowering style to influence stakeholders.
• Alignment with FREDIE principles: Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Engagement.

Responsibilities

• Drive the college's strategic growth initiatives.
• Lead business development and apprenticeship expansion.
• Build strategic alliances with employers and stakeholders.
• Identify and develop new innovative business opportunities.

Skills

Experience in business development in education

Successful track record in external engagement

Ability to set strategic direction

Leadership and influencing skills

Passion for student outcomes

Job description

Executive Director of Business Development and Apprenticeships

Croydon College is a vibrant, ambitious education and skills provider with a broad Further and Higher Education offer, committed to transforming lives, enhancing opportunities and contributing to economic prosperity in Croydon and its surrounding areas. Formed by a merger of Croydon College and Coulsdon Sixth Form College in 2019, we have been on a remarkable journey of transformation and growth in the last few years, culminating in our recent Good Ofsted grade. An impactful anchor institution, the college contributes significantly to the success and regeneration of Croydon, which is London’s largest borough and home to a thriving business community

With our recent successes as a sound platform, we are in the process of developing an ambitious growth strategy. With forecasted demographic growth, a flourishing local economy and a plethora of large employers on our doorstep, there are ample opportunities to further develop our provision. The main growth focus is likely to be in apprenticeships, high needs and NEET provision, all of which are areas of high demand in our local area, and we are also keen to expand our core student cohorts and seek new ventures. The college has an excellent reputation, with well-embedded strategic partnerships and a supportive alumni network to build upon. In addition, we have a robust financial position, with significant opportunities to invest in our facilities as we grow our offer and student numbers.

The Executive Director Business Development and Apprenticeships is a newly created role, to reflect our commitment to our growth agenda. Reporting directly to the Principal and CEO, and working closely with the Governing Body, the Executive Director will drive the college’s strategic growth, leading on business development, income generation, apprenticeship expansion and external engagement. The new post holder will identify and develop new ventures and innovative business opportunities, while building strategic alliances with employers and other key stakeholders. Key to success will be delivering significant growth in apprenticeships, ensuring that this provision meets local economic needs and maintains quality standards.

Our ideal candidate will have experience of delivering business development and commercial growth in the education and skills sector, with a successful track record in external engagement. A highly visible leader with an empowering style, you will have the ability to set strategic direction and to influence key stakeholders at all levels. We are seeking an individual who brings a passion for securing the best outcomes for students and an ethos that is in line with our FREDIE principles (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement).

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the adverts should we receive a sufficient level of interest!