Head of Strategy and Growth

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 which is 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 and 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, then please apply via the link. Alternatively, you can contact Izzy White to discuss the role in further detail.

Important Notice: Dovetail and Slate is a market leading education recruitment company. We specialise in hiring across the entire spectrum of education, including positions in student support and support services. With our extensive range of roles, we are confident we can find the right match for you, so if the current vacancy does not seem relevant to your expertise, we welcome you to upload your CV or give us a call to discuss your ideal position, with our dedicated team.

Dovetail and Slate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, applicants, and clients to share this commitment. This role may involve work with under 18's or vulnerable adults. Any appointment will be made subject to strict vetting and screening checks and receipt of a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.