Head of Strategy and Growth

Dovetail & Slate; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is searching for a Head of Strategy and Growth to drive business development and enhance skills training provision. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of a respected organisation dedicated to empowering communities through employment and training. You will leverage your strategic thinking, commercial expertise, and networking skills to secure funding and build partnerships. With a hybrid work schedule and a commitment to employee wellbeing, this opportunity offers a chance to make a real impact in the community while enjoying a supportive work environment. If you're passionate about making a difference, this role could be your next big step.

Benefits

32 days annual leave

1 day paid birthday holiday

Flexible working hours

Hybrid working

Business mileage covered

Pension contributions

Employee Assistance Program

Healthcare Cash Plan

Employee wellbeing

Eye care vouchers

Qualifications

• Experience in business development and stakeholder management in the FE sector.
• Strong understanding of funding mechanisms and training delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth aligning with the organisation's strategic goals.
• Build partnerships and manage relationships for employer-funded training.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Employer Engagement

Commercial Expertise

Compliance Expertise

Networking

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Education

Professional qualifications in education or business development

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

Do YOU want to make a real impact?

Dovetail and Slate are working with a family-owned, values-led organisation with over 38 years of experience in empowering communities through employment, skills training, and social inclusion.

They are a proud equal opportunity and disability confident employer, celebrating diversity and committed to creating inclusive opportunities for all. With our Investors in People Gold accreditation, we demonstrate our dedication to supporting and developing our team.

They are seeking an experienced and strategic Business Development professional to lead the growth of our skills training provision. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a respected organisation that genuinely changes lives.

Details of this position

The role is for a Head of Strategy and Growth.

You will be responsible for growth aligning with the organisation's goals. Funding will be generated from tendering, grant applications, trust and foundations, direct proposals, and corporate sponsorship, avenues which you would need to grow.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to contribute to the organisation's business growth strategy and align operational activities to long-term goals.
• Employer Engagement: Skilled in building partnerships, managing relationships, and creating opportunities for employer-funded training.
• Commercial Expertise: Understanding of funding mechanisms with combined and local authorities, and revenue streams.
• Compliance Expertise: Knowledge of quality standards.
• Networking: Proven ability to establish relationships with employers, industry bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written skills to influence, negotiate, and collaborate with diverse audiences.
• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret data to measure impact, identify opportunities, and drive improvements.

Work schedule: 37.5 hours a week (Hybrid) with travel required to Birmingham Office and the Leicester HQ.

Salary scale: Up to £55,000 (depending on experience).

Benefits:

• Salary up to £55,000 per annum depending on experience.
• Annual increment based on performance.
• 32 days annual leave (including public/bank holidays).
• 1 day paid birthday holiday.
• Flexible working hours with option for condensed hours.
• Hybrid working with 2-3 days office based each week depending on business need.
• Business mileage fully covered (other than commute).
• Pension contributions.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Healthcare Cash Plan on completion of Probation Review.
• Employee wellbeing.
• Eye care vouchers.
• Refer a friend.

To be considered, suitable candidates will need to meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrable experience in business development, employer engagement, and stakeholder management within the Further Education (FE) or skills training sector.
• Strong understanding of funding mechanisms and training delivery requirements.
• Proven track record of securing new business and driving revenue growth.
• Experience of working with ESFA contracts, levy-paying employers, and sector-specific partnerships.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional qualifications or relevant experience in education, training, or business development (desirable).

Suitable candidates will need to be enthusiastic, resilient, and have a humanistic approach. This role will not be for everyone, but anyone with a slight interest is encouraged to apply. If suitable, you will have the opportunity to have a discussion with the hiring manager directly over the phone, who can provide more detail and an insight into life working in a prison.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain the appropriate clearance before starting the role and maintain this throughout employment.

If you are interested in this position, please apply via the link. Alternatively, you can contact Izzy White to discuss the role in further detail.