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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead growth strategies and secure major contracts in professional assessments.
- Company: Join Kaplan, a global leader in education and professional assessments with 80 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and discounts on courses.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team driving change in professional standards and education.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in business development and strong network in the assessments sector required.
- Other info: Remote work options available; apply early as roles may close before the deadline.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 102000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Commercial Director to join our team.
Role summary
As the Commercial Director, you will be pivotal in shaping and executing our growth strategy, significantly expanding our market presence, and securing substantial new contracts in the professional assessments sector. Your core accountability will be to deliver substantial and profitable revenue growth, ensuring Kaplan Assessments builds a market leading position as a trusted, innovative partner in raising professional standards.
As the Commercial Director you will:
- Spearhead the identification, pursuit, and acquisition of large-scale, long-term assessment contracts within target verticals and geographies.
- Develop and implement comprehensive go-to-market strategies for high-stakes professional assessments globally, and for overseas vocational and future skills qualifications.
- Cultivate and expand strategic relationships with key regulators, professional bodies, and corporate clients to drive significant new business opportunities.
- Lead the expansion of our service offerings, including psychometric services, reasonable adjustments, and quality assurance, as standalone revenue streams.
- Collaborate closely with the Brand and Opportunities Director to champion the Kaplan Assessments brand, elevating our reputation as a leader in innovative assessment methodologies and technology integration.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure the seamless integration of new business.
- Drive continuous market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and opportunities for new product and service development.
- Oversee the strategic planning and execution of business development activities to generate qualified leads and pipeline growth.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who may be currently working as a Commercial Director or Business Development Director within a prominent awarding organisation or professional assessment provider, who is looking to expand their skills and build their career with an industry leader.
What you’ll bring to the role
We are seeking an exceptionally networked and commercially astute leader with a proven track record of driving substantial growth and securing major contracts within the professional assessments sector.
- Extensive senior-level experience in business development and commercial strategy within the UK and international assessments market.
- A demonstrably strong network of relationships with professional bodies, regulators, and large corporate clients.
- Proven ability to identify, negotiate, and close multi-million-pound contracts in a B2B or B2I environment.
- Understanding of high-stakes assessment design, delivery, and quality assurance principles.
- Experience in leading and motivating high-performing sales and business development teams.
- Strategic vision with the ability to translate complex market dynamics into clear, actionable growth plans.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills, capable of engaging at the highest levels.
- A passion for innovation in assessment and a strong understanding of emerging technologies.
What we do
Kaplan Professional is a leading provider of apprenticeships, accountancy / tax / finance & banking courses, and professional assessments. For almost 80 years, we’ve helped shape the development and careers of finance professionals.
We are part of the Kaplan group, one of the world’s largest and most diverse education and assessment providers. We operate in over 30 countries and maintain relationships and partnerships with more than 1,000 school districts, colleges and universities, professional bodies and over 10,000 businesses. Our vast breadth and scope in terms of both capabilities and assets sets us apart.
What we believe in
Our goal is for Kaplan to be a great place to work where everybody can succeed, so we truly live and breathe our values: act with integrity, grow knowledge, empower & support, create opportunity, drive results together.
Kaplan is a global organisation whose mission is rooted in providing equal access to education and opportunities for advancement to people of all backgrounds. We believe diversity, equity and inclusion - of culture, experiences, perspectives - are paramount to creating success and opportunity in an ever-changing world. As an educator, partner and employer, Kaplan is committed to promoting an equitable world in which diverse talent can develop, advance and thrive.
Our Values
- Act with integrity
- Empower and support
- Create opportunity
- Grow knowledge
- Drive results together
What we offer
As well as a competitive salary, transparent pay structures, hybrid/home working where possible, and paths for career progression, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- 28 days annual leave + option to purchase more
- Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
- Big discounts on Kaplan courses for you and your family
- Private medical, income protection, and life insurance
- 24/7 confidential helpline providing counselling and other support services
- Company pension contributions
- Maternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Paternity/Partner pay which is well above statutory levels
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit a CV along with a Cover Letter detailing how you meet the requirements of the role no later than 11pm on Tuesday 22nd July 2025. Note, we recommend that you apply at the earliest as we reserve the right to close the role before the closing date if we have gathered a suitable shortlist.
Commercial Director employer: Kaplan
Contact Detail:
Kaplan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the professional assessments sector. Attend industry conferences, webinars, and events to connect with key players and decision-makers. Building relationships with regulators and professional bodies can give you an edge in securing contracts.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on market trends and emerging technologies in assessment methodologies. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation, which is highly valued in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in securing multi-million-pound contracts. Be ready to share specific examples of how you identified opportunities, negotiated deals, and drove growth in your past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Collaborate with others in your network to gather insights about Kaplan Assessments and its competitors. Understanding their positioning and strategies will allow you to tailor your approach and show how you can contribute to their growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in business development and commercial strategy, particularly within the professional assessments sector. Use specific examples of contracts you've secured and growth strategies you've implemented.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role of Commercial Director. Emphasise your network within the industry and your proven track record of driving substantial growth.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams and your ability to motivate and inspire others. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated cross-functionally to achieve business goals.
Demonstrate Market Knowledge: In both your CV and cover letter, showcase your understanding of market dynamics and emerging trends in the professional assessments sector. This will demonstrate your strategic vision and ability to drive results.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kaplan
✨Research the Company and Sector
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research Kaplan Assessments and the professional assessments sector. Understand their market position, recent developments, and competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your interest and show how you can contribute to their growth strategy.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
As a Commercial Director, you'll be expected to have a strategic vision. Prepare to discuss your approach to identifying and securing large-scale contracts, as well as how you would develop go-to-market strategies. Be ready to provide examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to drive revenue growth.
✨Highlight Your Network
Given the importance of relationships in this role, be prepared to talk about your existing network with professional bodies, regulators, and corporate clients. Share specific examples of how these connections have helped you secure contracts or drive business development in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
The role requires leading high-performing teams, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Provide examples of how you've motivated teams to achieve targets and how you foster collaboration across departments to ensure seamless integration of new business.
