At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales, marketing, and business development to shape our future.
- Company: Join Access Training, a growing provider of high-quality apprenticeship and commercial training.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and a hybrid work model.
- Other info: We are committed to equal opportunities and encourage applicants with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive culture during an exciting expansion phase.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in sales or commercial leadership within education or training is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 56000 £ per year.
Access Training is a rapidly growing apprenticeship and commercial training provider, now part of the University of Sunderland group. We run high-quality programmes in Business and Management, Digital and Technical, Accountancy, and Fire, Emergency, and Security Systems.
We need a Commercial Director who can lead our sales, marketing and business-development activity and play a key strategic role in shaping the organisation’s future. Working closely with internal teams, the University of Sunderland, and a wide range of external stakeholders, you will drive growth and ensure long-term sustainability. You will design and deliver growth plans, manage a talented team, launch new training products, and build strong partnerships, including a joint work-based learning offer with the University. Staying ahead of policy changes and market trends, and reporting clearly on commercial performance and opportunities, will be central to your success.
You will bring senior-level success in sales, business development or commercial leadership within apprenticeships, training or higher education. You know how to grow revenue, develop people and manage complex stakeholder relationships with confidence and clear analytical insight. Experience with universities or further-education providers, knowledge of apprenticeship funding rules and skill in creating work-based learning or CPD programmes would be a bonus.
This is a great career opportunity to influence a respected provider during an exciting expansion. You will work in a supportive, ambitious culture where your decisions have a visible impact on learners, employers, and the wider economy.
We are offering a salary range of £58,000 - £64,000 depending on experience. We will provide a 10 per cent employer pension contribution for this role, 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, an extra week off at Christmas and CPD as required. Our hybrid model expects you to spend about half of your working hours on site or with clients; this role is not suitable for fully remote working.
Please email your CV and a covering letter to Rema Malik, HR Coordinator, at rmalik@accesstraining.org by 16:00 on Friday 20th June 2025. We will be looking to interview in early July 2025.
At Access Training we are committed to providing equal opportunities in all aspects of employment. We comply with the Equality Act 2010 and are dedicated to recruiting, training and promoting employees based on merit. We do not discriminate against any individual based on age, disability, gender, race, religious belief. We are also a recognised Disability Confident employer and encourage applicants with disabilities to apply for our roles. We are committed to offering an interview to all applicants with a disability, who meet the minimum criteria for any roles advertised. If you would like to be considered for this role under the scheme, please let us know at rmalik@accesstraining.org.
Commercial Director in Gateshead employer: Access Training Limited
Access Training is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where your contributions directly influence the success of learners and the broader economy. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide generous benefits including a competitive salary, a 10% pension contribution, and ample annual leave, all while fostering a culture of ambition and collaboration in the heart of Sunderland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education and training sector, especially those who have experience with apprenticeships and higher education. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and policies in apprenticeship funding and work-based learning. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led sales and business development initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and drive growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Access Training and the University of Sunderland to understand their values, mission, and current projects. Tailoring your conversation during interviews to align with their goals can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your senior-level success in sales, business development, or commercial leadership. Focus on relevant experience within apprenticeships, training, or higher education, and quantify your achievements where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are the right fit for the Commercial Director role. Discuss your experience with universities or further education providers, and how you can contribute to the growth and sustainability of Access Training.
Showcase Analytical Skills:Demonstrate your analytical insight by providing examples of how you've successfully managed complex stakeholder relationships and driven revenue growth in previous roles. This will show that you understand the strategic nature of the position.
Follow Application Instructions:Ensure you send your application to the correct email address (rmalik@accesstraining.org) and before the deadline (16:00 on Friday 20th June 2025). Double-check that all documents are attached and formatted correctly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Access Training Limited
✨Understand the Organisation
Before your interview, take the time to research Access Training and its role within the University of Sunderland group. Familiarise yourself with their training programmes and recent developments in the apprenticeship sector. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Commercial Director, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, driven growth, or launched new initiatives. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop talent, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Given the importance of managing complex stakeholder relationships, be ready to discuss your approach to building partnerships. Think of specific instances where you've navigated challenging relationships or collaborated with external partners, especially in the education sector.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Insight
The role requires clear reporting on commercial performance and market trends. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes, particularly in sales or business development.
