Head of Commercial Business Innovation

Location: Reading

Salary: Competitive

Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement, excellent pension scheme and fantastic on-site facilities, including free parking.

About the role:

Activate Learning is seeking an exceptional Head of Commercial Business Innovation to lead the development of new commercial opportunities, strategic partnerships and innovative ventures across the Group. This is a newly created senior role for an individual who thrives on turning ideas into impact. You will be responsible for identifying and shaping opportunities, assessing their potential, and developing compelling business cases that drive sustainable growth. You will lead initiatives from concept through to delivery, ensuring ideas are translated into practical, commercially viable outcomes. Working to the Director of Sales and alongside the Head of Commercial Finance, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of commercial growth for Activate Learning. This highly visible and dynamic role spans both educational and non-educational activity, offering exposure to a wide range of strategic opportunities including significant commercial projects, new product development, partnerships, and market expansion.

Importantly, we welcome candidates from outside the education sector. We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and commercial expertise that are often underrepresented within education, helping to drive new thinking and unlock growth opportunities across the organisation.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify, develop and deliver new commercial opportunities, strategic partnerships and revenue streams across a range of sectors, taking a proactive approach to spotting gaps in the market and converting them into viable propositions.
• Lead the development of high-quality business cases, feasibility studies and commercial proposals, ensuring all opportunities are clearly evidenced, well-structured and suitable for senior decision-making and investment.
• Translate ideas into practical, deliverable projects, taking ownership from initial concept through to implementation, ensuring strong project discipline, pace and measurable outcomes throughout.
• Conduct market research, horizon scanning and stakeholder engagement to understand emerging trends, customer needs and growth opportunities, using insight to shape direction and priorities.
• Work closely with senior leaders and the Head of Commercial Finance to ensure all opportunities are commercially robust, strategically aligned and financially sustainable, presenting clear recommendations to support effective decision-making.

This is a permanent full-time opportunity and can be based at any Activate Learning campus, operating on a hybrid working model with a minimum of three days per week in the office.

What do you need to be successful?

We are seeking a commercially astute, entrepreneurial and highly driven individual who thrives on creating opportunity from ambiguity. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating at pace in a complex environment, quickly understanding new markets and challenges, and turning ideas into clear, deliverable and commercially sound propositions. They will combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and have the credibility to influence senior leaders and external partners alike. A strong track record in business development, commercial strategy, consultancy, innovation or growth-focused roles, with proven success in delivering measurable outcomes. Excellent ability to develop business cases, commercial plans and proposals, translating complex opportunities into clear, actionable strategies. Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging and presenting to senior leaders and external partners. Strong commercial acumen and financial awareness, with the ability to assess opportunities quickly and make sound, evidence-based decisions.

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.

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.