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Head of Commercial Business Innovation
Reference: JUL20266527
Expiry date: 16:00, Fri, 24th Jul 2026
Location: Reading
Salary: Competitive
Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement, excellent pension scheme and fantastic on site facilities, including free parking
About the role as Head of Commercial Business Innovation at Activate Learning
Shape the future. Create new opportunities. Drive commercial growth.
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 as the Head of Commercial Business Innovation at Activate Learning?
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.
- 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.
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.
Head of Commercial Business Innovation in Reading employer: Activate-Learning-1
Activate Learning is an exceptional employer located in Blackbird Leys, dedicated to transforming lives through education. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and a supportive community environment, we offer generous benefits including competitive salaries, extensive annual leave, and tailored learning opportunities. Join us as a Study Mentor and be part of a team that values innovation, inclusivity, and the positive impact you can make on young people's futures.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Business Innovation in Reading
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Some tips for your application 🫡
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