Commercial & Business Development Director

Education Sector | Strategic Growth & Commercial Operations

Location: Surrey / Greater London Border

Salary: Circa £80,000 per annum

An outstanding opportunity for an accomplished commercial leader to shape strategy, unlock new revenue opportunities and drive sustainable growth within a prestigious, multi-site education organisation.

The Opportunity

Our client, an established and highly regarded organisation operating within the independent education sector, is seeking an experienced and commercially astute leader to spearhead its commercial strategy and lead the continued development of its diverse income-generating activities.

This is a high-profile senior leadership appointment, offering significant scope to influence the organisation's commercial direction, identify new market opportunities and maximise the potential of an established portfolio of facilities, services and partnerships.

Working closely with the executive leadership team, the successful candidate will combine strategic vision with operational expertise, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset and a proven ability to translate commercial opportunities into measurable financial performance.

The Role

With responsibility for commercial strategy, business development and the performance of multiple revenue streams, you will:

• Lead commercial growth: Develop and deliver an ambitious, multi-year commercial strategy focused on income diversification, profitability and sustainable financial returns.
• Maximise commercial assets: Identify opportunities to optimise revenue from facilities, leisure and sporting operations, seasonal programmes, events and venue hire.
• Drive business development: Identify and develop new commercial ventures, strategic partnerships and market opportunities that deliver long-term value.
• Strengthen market positioning: Lead commercial sales, marketing and brand development initiatives to increase market reach and competitive advantage.
• Deliver financial performance: Take ownership of commercial targets, pricing strategies, financial planning and return on investment across the portfolio.
• Provide operational leadership: Lead and develop high-performing commercial teams, ensuring excellence in service delivery, governance, compliance and operational standards.
• Manage strategic relationships: Oversee key commercial contracts and supplier relationships while building productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

The Candidate

We are seeking an established senior commercial professional with the credibility, ambition and expertise to operate confidently at executive level.

You will bring:

• A demonstrable track record of developing and executing successful commercial strategies, delivering revenue growth and improved profitability.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience identifying new income streams, building partnerships and maximising the value of existing assets.
• Proven leadership experience, including the ability to inspire teams, influence senior stakeholders and drive organisational change.
• Excellent financial awareness, with the ability to develop business plans, manage commercial performance and deliver against financial objectives.
• Strong business development, sales, marketing and negotiation capabilities.
• Experience within, or a sound understanding of, the education sector, ideally complemented by exposure to leisure, facilities, events or other service-led commercial environments.
• A strategic yet hands-on approach, combining entrepreneurial thinking with sound judgement, attention to detail and a clear focus on results.

Above all, you will be an engaging and resilient leader who can balance commercial ambition with the values, reputation and wider purpose of a respected educational organisation.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in the future commercial success of an established organisation, with the autonomy to shape growth initiatives, develop new ventures and create a lasting strategic impact.

The position offers broad commercial responsibility, direct engagement with senior leadership and the chance to build a sustainable, diversified commercial portfolio within a purpose-led environment.

Interested?

If you are an accomplished commercial leader seeking a senior-level opportunity where your strategic insight, entrepreneurial drive and leadership capability can make a tangible difference, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

For further information or to express an interest, please contact Briar at MLC Partners.

All enquiries and applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.