Director of Sales

About the role as Director of Sales at Activate Learning

Activate Learning is one of the UK's leading education and skills groups, committed to transforming lives through learning. As we continue to expand our commercial activity and diversify income streams, we are looking for an ambitious and experienced Director of Sales to lead our next phase of growth.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer and working closely with the Executive Team, you will lead and develop our commercial sales function, driving growth across commercial projects, commercial training and other income-generating activities.

This is a strategic leadership role with responsibility for developing and delivering our commercial sales strategy, identifying new market opportunities and building long-term partnerships with employers, public sector organisations and industry bodies. You will play a key role in positioning Activate Learning as a market leader, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Overseeing the Head of Commercial Product Innovation and Head of Commercial Finance, you will help shape and bring new commercial products and services to market, ensuring they are commercially viable, responsive to employer needs and capable of delivering sustainable growth.

You will also lead our sales and business engagement teams, creating a high-performance culture where accountability, collaboration and customer focus drive exceptional results. Through effective sales planning, forecasting and pipeline management, you will ensure ambitious income targets are achieved while supporting the organisation's wider strategic objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded leader who enjoys building relationships, developing high-performing teams and delivering transformational growth.

What do you need to be successful as the Director of Sales at Activate Learning?

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven leader with a proven ability to deliver growth, build strategic partnerships and develop high-performing teams. You will be a confident and influential communicator, capable of identifying new opportunities, driving innovation and translating strategy into measurable results.

You will bring an exceptional track record of commercial success, combined with the leadership skills required to inspire teams, build lasting relationships and create a culture of accountability and high performance. Most importantly, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be motivated by the opportunity to shape and grow a significant commercial function.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant senior leadership experience within a commercial sales, business development or growth-focused environment.
• A proven track record of delivering substantial revenue growth and achieving ambitious commercial targets.
• Experience securing major contracts, developing strategic partnerships and identifying new market opportunities.
• Strong commercial, financial and strategic acumen, with the ability to drive performance through effective planning and decision-making.
• Exceptional leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire high-performing teams and build strong stakeholder relationships.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Peter Reynolds.

Who we are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Why work with the Activate Learning Group?

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for Activate Learning staff.
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
• Flexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit Wellbeing at Activate Learning - Activate Learning

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.