At a Glance
- Tasks: Launch and grow a new digital service for UK schools, driving sales and building a team.
- Company: Join Dataspire, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving education through technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and the chance to make a real impact in education.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and to shape the future of education.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of educational innovation and lead a transformative project.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK education sector and strong commercial leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Role
This role exists to launch and grow Dataspire ONE - our managed digital maturity and assurance service for UK schools and Multi‑Academy Trusts - into a market that genuinely needs it. You will work directly with the CEO and senior trust leaders to:
- Generate qualified opportunities and run the full sales cycle
- Present Dataspire ONE credibly to MAT CEOs, CFOs and school SLTs
- Personally deliver the first cohort of reference customers
- Build the commercial and delivery team behind you as the service scales
This is not a maintenance role. You are launching something new and will be accountable for whether it succeeds.
Role Overview
We are looking for a senior commercial leader with deep credibility in the UK education sector, someone who has either worked inside schools or trusts at a senior level, or sold strategic services into them, or both. You will own the launch of Dataspire ONE end‑to‑end. In the first six months, that means personally selling and shaping the proposition. Beyond that, it means building and leading the team that takes Dataspire ONE to scale.
The role combines:
- Commercial leadership and revenue accountability
- Senior stakeholder engagement at MAT and school level
- Strategic shaping of the Dataspire ONE proposition
- Team building and leadership as the service grows
Role Responsibilities
- Pipeline Generation & Opportunity Creation
Build a qualified pipeline against the Dataspire ONE Ideal Customer Profile, including: - Direct outreach to MAT CEOs, CFOs and school SLTs
- Activation of CCS framework opportunities (RM6103, RM6098)
- Sector events, conferences and trust networks
- Referrals from existing Dataspire accounts and partners
- Work alongside marketing to shape campaigns, content and events
- Own the prospect list and the cadence of engagement
- Selling & Closing
Run the full commercial cycle from first conversation to signed contract. Tailor the Dataspire ONE pitch to: - MAT-level strategic priorities
- School-specific risk and compliance pressures
- Procurement realities (frameworks, governor approval, term cycles)
- Service Delivery & Client Outcomes
Personally lead the delivery of Strategy & Assurance work for the first cohort. Translate the Dataspire ONE methodology into credible client outputs. Adapt the proposition based on: - What clients actually buy
- Where the methodology breaks down in practice
- What competitors and DfE expectations are doing
- Senior Stakeholder Credibility
Operate as a peer with: - MAT Chief Executives
- Trust Chief Operating and Financial Officers
- Headteachers and School Business Managers
- Translate digital and commercial decisions into:
- Educational and safeguarding impact
- Board and ESFA‑relevant language
- Hold your position when challenged on cost, scope or methodology. If senior leaders do not take you seriously in the room, the rest of the role does not work.
- Commercial Expansion & Account Growth
Identify follow‑on improvement, infrastructure and assurance work within Dataspire ONE clients. Coordinate with Dataspire delivery teams to scope and price proposals. Drive renewal and retention of Dataspire ONE subscriptions. - Team & Function Building
Document the playbook as you sell, so it can be transferred to the team you build. Define, hire and lead the Dataspire ONE commercial and delivery team (4–6 people across 18 months). Set the operating rhythm, KPIs and standards the team will be held to.
Key Outcomes
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Signed Dataspire ONE customers and contracted recurring revenue against agreed targets
- Quality of reference customers secured and case studies produced
- Pipeline coverage and conversion rates against the Dataspire ONE ICP
- Expansion revenue and retention within the Dataspire ONE client base
- Credibility of the proposition with MAT and school leadership in the market
- A documented, transferable playbook and the team built to deliver it
Experience Required
Senior commercial or leadership experience in, or selling into UK education. Track record of carrying and hitting a number on advisory or managed services. Strong working understanding of:
- Digital and IT estates within schools and trusts
- Cybersecurity, safeguarding and DfE digital standards
- MIS, cloud platforms (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace) and edtech
Proven ability to:
- Open senior conversations from a standing start
- Influence MAT CEOs, CFOs and Headteachers as a peer
- Build commercial functions, not just sell within them
Person Profile
You are:
- Senior, credible and comfortable in MAT boardrooms
- Commercially literate
- Comfortable building from zero and accountable for the outcome
You are not:
- A pure account manager looking after a warm book
- A consultant who wants someone else to find the deals
- Someone who needs a finished playbook before they will start
How to Apply
If you have the experience, commercial focus, and leadership capability this role demands, we would welcome an application. Please send your CV and a covering note outlining your suitability to careers@dataspire.co.uk. Dataspire is a Mental Health at Work Committed organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process.
Head of Education Strategy in Manchester employer: Dataspire Solutions
At Dataspire Solutions, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a structured development framework, hybrid working options, and a commitment to mental health, our Manchester-based team thrives in an environment where innovative IT solutions directly impact education. Join us to make a meaningful difference while enjoying generous benefits like 32 days of holiday and opportunities for career advancement.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Education Strategy in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Dataspire Solutions, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Dataspire Solutions and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dataspire Solutions
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Dataspire Solutions might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
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Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Dataspire Solutions.
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Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
