Head of Commercial Services

University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Head of Commercial Services to lead commercial growth and manage a sales-focused team. The role involves driving expansions in Apprenticeships and Adult Skills while building partnerships with employers. Candidates should have strong business development experience, along with relevant qualifications and a proven track record. This position represents a chance to make a significant impact in the education sector, working within a values-driven organization.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave – 37 days

Personal and Professional Development opportunities

Discounted Metro Card Scheme

Generous Pension Scheme

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Reduced price personal gym membership

Cycle to Work Scheme

Access to a wide range of high street discounts

Staff Recognition Awards

Qualifications

• Candidates must have proven success in FE and Skills, Business Development, Sales or Commercial Services within a related sector.
• Strong experience in building, motivating, and managing a sales-focused team.
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders and present confidently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the Group’s commercial growth strategy.
• Drive expansion of Apprenticeships and Adult Skills.
• Build strategic partnerships with employers and stakeholders.
• Oversee engagement and business development functions.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity.

Skills

Business Development

Financial Acumen

Sales Team Management

Customer Service

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

GCSE A*-C/9-4 in English and Maths

Professional Qualification or Degree (level 4 or above)

Recognised Level 4 or Level 5 Management Qualification

Job description

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Head of Commercial Services

Salary: £49,966 to £53,004 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Working across the Group – Wakefield, Castleford, Selby

We are looking for a driven and dynamic business development leader with strong financial acumen, and the ability to deliver year on year increases in income, funding and market share.

You may already be working in the skills or Further Education environment, but this isn’t essential – it’s more important that you have a demonstrable track record in a business-to-business environment, where you have achieved impressive sales and income targets.

You will have strong experience of building, motivating and managing a successful sales-focused team, as well as delivering high levels of responsiveness and customer service to our employer clients and partners. You’ll also understand the sales process and how to generate a pipeline, working with our Marketing teams and other managers across the Group.

You will be a confident presenter with great communication skills – able to engage effectively with all stakeholders.

At the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, we live by our values: Respect, Inclusion, Ambition and Collaboration. You’ll be a part of a forward-thinking senior leadership team, shaping the future of education and skills in our region.

This is more than a job – It’s a chance to make a real impact.

If this sounds like your next role and you are keen to work for a values-driven organisation that is making a real difference within Yorkshire, then we’d love to hear from you…

You Will

• Lead and implement the Group’s commercial growth strategy in line with strategic priorities
• Drive expansion of Apprenticeships, Adult Skills, Bootcamps and full cost provision to achieve income and growth KPIs.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with employers, devolved authorities, and other stakeholders
• Oversee employer engagement, business development and work placement functions
• Ensure a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and accountability across all commercial teams
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to shape new offers and respond to emerging skills needs
• Lead on CRM development, data driven sales activity and employer engagement strategies
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring value for money, ROI and compliance with funding requirements

About You

• You will have GCSE A*-C/9-4 in English and Maths or equivalent as a minimum
• You will hold a professional qualification or degree in a relevant area (level 4 or above)
• You will hold a recognised Level 4 or Level 5 management qualification or be willing to achieve within 2 years.
• You will have proven success in FE and Skills, Business Development, Sales or Commercial Services within a related sector.

Benefits Include

• Generous Annual Leave – 37 days, plus bank holidays and college closure days
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Discounted Metro Card Scheme
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Reduced price personal gym membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to a wide range of high street discounts
• Staff Recognition Awards

Closing date: 1st December 2025

Shortlisted candidates are required to be available for a 90-minute interview on Monday 15th December. Following shortlisting, a link will be sent for you to select a time slot.

Please note direct applicants only – no agency CV’s

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all students and this post will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS. Our recruitment process follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal record check from the country/countries you have worked/resided in if you are the preferred candidate for the post. Further details of how to obtain the additional check is here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We aim to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve and positively encourage applications from all.

Apply