Head of Strategy and Growth

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

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Head of Strategy and Growth to lead their skills training provision. This role offers the chance to shape the future of an organisation dedicated to empowering communities through innovative training solutions. With a focus on strategic growth, you will engage with employers and drive funding initiatives to enhance training opportunities. The position offers a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and a supportive environment committed to diversity and inclusion. If you're passionate about making a difference and have the expertise to lead impactful initiatives, this is the opportunity for you.

Benefits

32 days annual leave

Paid birthday holiday

Flexible working hours

Healthcare Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Eye care vouchers

Refer a friend scheme

Business mileage coverage

Qualifications

• Experience in business development and employer engagement within skills training sectors.
• Strong understanding of funding mechanisms and training delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth aligned with the organisation's goals focusing on funding generation.
• Build partnerships and manage relationships for employer-funded training.

Skills

Business Development

Employer Engagement

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Thinking

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Networking

Compliance Expertise

Commercial Expertise

Education

Experience in Education or Training

Qualifications in Business Development

Tools

CRM Software

MS Office

Reporting Tools

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 Investors in People Gold accreditation, they demonstrate dedication to supporting and developing their team.

They seek an experienced and strategic Business Development professional to lead the growth of their skills training provision. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape 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 aligned with the organisation's goals, focusing on funding generated from tendering, grant applications, trusts and foundations, direct proposals, and corporate sponsorships.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to contribute to the organisation's growth strategy and align operational activities with 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 local authorities and revenue streams.
• Compliance Expertise: Knowledge of quality standards.
• Networking: Proven ability to establish relationships with employers, industry bodies, and stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written skills to influence, negotiate, and collaborate.
• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret data to measure impact, identify opportunities, and drive improvements.

Work schedule

37.5 hours a week (Hybrid), with travel to Birmingham Office and Leicester HQ.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary up to £55,000 depending on experience
• Annual performance-based increment
• 32 days annual leave (including public/bank holidays)
• 1 paid birthday holiday
• Flexible working hours and condensed hours option
• Hybrid working with 2-3 days in the office weekly
• Business mileage fully covered (excluding commute)
• Pension contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Healthcare Cash Plan after probation
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Eye care vouchers
• Refer a friend scheme

Candidate criteria

• Experience in business development, employer engagement, and stakeholder management within FE or skills training sectors.
• Strong understanding of funding mechanisms and training delivery.
• Proven success in securing new business and revenue growth.
• Experience with ESFA contracts, levy-paying employers, and sector partnerships.
• Proficiency in CRM, reporting tools, and MS Office.
• Qualifications or relevant experience in education, training, or business development (desirable).

Candidates should be enthusiastic, resilient, and humanistic. The role involves working with vulnerable populations, requiring appropriate clearance and ongoing compliance.

If interested, apply via the provided link or contact Izzy White for more details. The role requires clearance before starting and throughout employment.

Important Notice

Dovetail and Slate is a leading education recruitment company, specializing in roles across education sectors. If this role isn't suitable, upload your CV or contact us to discuss your ideal position.

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to vetting, screening, and DBS checks. Dovetail and Slate acts as an employment agency and employment business.