At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape commercial strategies and partnerships for innovative EdTech in UK schools.
- Company: Join a female-led board at Kita Education and Blueshift Education CIC.
- Benefits: Gain governance experience and expand your network in the education sector.
- Other info: Remote role with occasional meetings in London; equity options available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technical education and empower future creators.
- Qualifications: Experience selling EdTech to UK secondary schools and understanding of school procurement.
Role: Non-Executive Director (Commercial: Schools & EdTech)
Location: UK (Remote, with occasional in-person meetings in London)
Commitment: 1 day per month
Compensation: Equity TBC (Negotiable)
Kita has live pilots in UK schools, DfE research funding, and a product built by educators. Our mission is clear: empower students to become creators of technology, not just consumers of it. We are moving to commercial scale and we are looking for a Commercial NED who has been here before.
About Us: Two Organisations, One Mission
This is a joint board role spanning two organisations with a shared mission and more than a decade of shared history. Blueshift Education CIC is London's leading provider of creative coding and robotics clubs. Over more than a decade, we have inspired thousands of young learners through hands-on STEAM workshops, with a commitment to making technical education accessible to under-represented communities. In 2025, Blueshift became a CIC, deepening our social impact mandate. Kita is the EdTech platform that grew directly from that classroom experience. An AI-powered tool for delivering technical education in secondary schools, Kita gives teachers a single, structured environment for coding, assessment, and formative feedback. We are currently running DfE-funded research pilots with UK schools. The pilots are live. The next step is scale.
The Role
We are looking for a commercially experienced NED who has successfully sold into UK schools and brokered partnerships in the education sector. This is an advisory role — not an executive one. We do not need someone to run our sales process; we need someone whose judgment and relationships can sharpen our commercial thinking.
What you will help us with:
- Shaping our go-to-market strategy for UK secondary schools and MATs.
- Advising on pricing, packaging, and positioning.
- Identifying and structuring the right commercial partnerships and distribution channels.
- Guiding our approach to school procurement, buying cycles, and decision-maker engagement.
- Providing strategic input on commercial negotiations and deal structure.
About You
The right candidate will have done this — not be curious about doing it. Specifically:
- You have successfully sold EdTech, SaaS, or education services into UK secondary schools.
- You have worked with or sold into Multi-Academy Trusts and understand how MATs buy.
- You have brokered commercial partnerships in the education sector.
- You understand school budgets, procurement structures, and the people who make buying decisions.
- You are well-networked across the UK education sector (a genuine advantage, not a checkbox).
- You are excited about expanding technical education and using technology responsibly to do it.
Why Join Us?
- Impact at Scale: Shape the commercial future of two organisations at a genuinely pivotal moment.
- Leadership: Join a female-led board founded by practitioners who have spent over a decade in classrooms.
- Mission Depth: Gain meaningful governance experience across both a CIC (social impact) and an EdTech venture (commercial scale).
- Network: Expand your network across schools, MATs, funders, and the wider STEAM education ecosystem.
- Reward Structure: A volunteer/advisory board role with the opportunity to discuss equity options in Kita for the right commercial candidate.
How to Apply
If this sounds like the right role for you — or you know someone who would be a strong fit, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out directly to with a brief note on your background.
Non Executive Director (Commercial) in London employer: BlueShift Education, CIC
Kita Education and Blueshift Education CIC offer a unique opportunity for a Non-Executive Director (Commercial) to shape the future of technical education in the UK. With a commitment to social impact and a focus on empowering under-represented communities, you will join a female-led board that values meaningful governance experience and offers the chance to expand your professional network within the education sector. This remote role allows for flexibility while contributing to a mission-driven organisation at a pivotal moment of growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director (Commercial) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way, especially in niche roles like Non-Executive Director.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant events or webinars. This is a great way to meet potential collaborators and stay updated on industry trends. Plus, it shows your commitment to the field, which can impress decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your expertise! Share insights on platforms like LinkedIn or even write articles about your experiences in EdTech. This not only builds your personal brand but also positions you as a thought leader in the space.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who align with our mission. A direct application shows your enthusiasm and gives us a chance to see your personality shine through.
We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director (Commercial) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for education and technology. Don't just list your achievements; tell us why they matter to you and how they align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Non-Executive Director role. Highlight your experience in selling EdTech and working with schools or Multi-Academy Trusts. Show us that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the education sector.
Showcase Your Network:We’re looking for someone well-connected in the UK education sector. Mention any key relationships or partnerships you've built that could benefit us. This will help us see how you can leverage your network to enhance our commercial strategy.
Keep It Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary and make sure your key skills and experiences stand out. Remember, we’re busy too, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at BlueShift Education, CIC
✨Know Your EdTech Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the EdTech landscape, especially in relation to UK secondary schools. Understand the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since being well-networked is a genuine advantage for this role, be prepared to discuss your connections within the education sector. Highlight any partnerships you've brokered or relationships you've built that could benefit the organisations. This shows you’re not just a candidate; you’re a valuable asset.
✨Prepare Strategic Insights
Think about the go-to-market strategies you’ve successfully implemented in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you shaped pricing, packaging, and positioning for educational products. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can contribute to their commercial goals.
✨Understand the Decision-Making Process
Familiarise yourself with how Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) make purchasing decisions. Be ready to discuss your insights on school budgets and procurement structures. Showing that you understand the buying cycles will position you as someone who can effectively guide their approach to school procurement.
