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- Tasks: Drive commercial expansion and lead a dynamic sales team in the education recruitment sector.
- Company: Premier education recruitment consultancy based in a historic estate in Hertford.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by connecting schools with top-tier professionals.
- Qualifications: Proven senior sales leadership experience in education recruitment is essential.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team focused on quality staffing solutions and market dominance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This organisation is a premier education recruitment and staffing consultancy dedicated to raising the bar in school staffing solutions. Based at a historic estate in Hertford, the firm specialises in providing high-calibre teaching and support staff to primary, secondary, and SEN schools. As part of a wider specialist group achieving an £8M+ turnover scale-up trajectory, the company prides itself on a "quality-first" approach. They go beyond traditional recruitment by acting as a strategic partner to Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and Local Authorities, ensuring that educational institutions are staffed by professionals who are not only qualified but truly fit the culture of the school. The overarching mission is to ensure that "The Best People Educate," mirroring the clinical excellence of their sister healthcare companies.
The Sales Director is a high-impact, senior leadership position designed to drive commercial expansion. This role requires a sophisticated "hunter" mentality combined with the strategic gravitas to negotiate at board level with MAT CEOs and School Governors. Following recent successes, the group is seeking a leader who can take the existing foundation and scale it into a dominant market force. This is a hybrid role, offering the flexibility for remote work while maintaining a strong presence at the Hertford hub to lead, mentor, and inspire the commercial team.
- Commercial Strategy: Developing and executing a multi-year strategy to increase market share across the UK education sector, including high-value acquisition of MAT and regional cluster contracts.
- Sales Leadership: Leading, motivating, and mentoring internal sales and resourcing teams to achieve aggressive revenue targets and maintain a high-quality pipeline.
- Strategic Account Management: Acting as the primary point of contact for high-level clients and representing the firm at national conferences to build brand profile.
- Financial & Operational Oversight: Managing the sales budget, providing accurate forecasting to the CEO, and collaborating with compliance teams to ensure the "quality" of staff matches the premium sales pitch.
Requirements:
- Sector Expertise: A proven track record of senior sales leadership (Director or Head of Department level) specifically within the Education Recruitment sector is essential.
- Commercial Acumen: Deep experience in tendering for large-scale contracts and managing complex P&L accounts.
- Market Intelligence: A thorough understanding of market rates, competitor movements, and legislative changes within education recruitment.
Personal Attributes & Mobility:
- Leadership Style: A "meaningful" leader who is transparent, honest, and capable of driving performance through mentorship and integrity.
- Mobility: Commutable to Hertford for office-based days, with the flexibility to travel nationally for high-level client meetings.
- Vision: The ability to see the "big picture" of the group's growth while maintaining rigour in daily sales operations and KPI management.
Sales Director employer: Ainsworth Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Ainsworth Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education recruitment sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience in sales leadership and your understanding of the education sector. Share success stories that demonstrate your ability to drive results and lead teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s mission and values. Since this role is all about being a strategic partner, think about how you can align your vision with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth and maintain that 'quality-first' approach they pride themselves on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission of ensuring 'The Best People Educate'.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission of ensuring 'The Best People Educate'. Share specific examples that highlight your commitment to improving school staffing solutions.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sales Director role. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record in education recruitment, so highlight relevant achievements and experiences that demonstrate your expertise in this sector.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the ideal candidate. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures it reaches us quickly and allows you to showcase your interest in joining our team at the Hertford hub. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ainsworth Recruitment
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the education recruitment sector. Understand current trends, competitor movements, and legislative changes. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Sales Director, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you lead, motivate, and mentor teams. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance through integrity and transparency, as this aligns with the company's values.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in high-level discussions about commercial strategy and account management. Brush up on your negotiation skills and be ready to present your vision for scaling the business. Think about how you can contribute to their mission of ensuring 'The Best People Educate'.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role involves managing budgets and forecasting, be ready to discuss your experience with P&L accounts and tendering for large contracts. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully managed financial oversight in previous roles.
