About First Intuition
First Intuition is one of the UK's leading providers of accountancy and finance training, supporting tens of thousands of learners each year through a national network of regional centres. Alongside ACCA, CIMA, ACA and AAT qualifications, First Intuition delivers apprenticeships and professional skills development to more than 1,600 corporate clients. The Group is backed by private equity investor Apiary Capital and is pursuing an ambitious growth agenda built on quality, trusted client relationships and a values-led culture.
Role Purpose
The Head of Commercial will own and drive the commercial agenda for Skills Lab. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will be responsible for building the pipeline, winning new business, deepening existing client relationships, and shaping the go-to-market strategy for our diagnostic-led, framework-based skills proposition. You will build and lead the commercial team as it scales, and act as a senior, credible ambassador for Skills Lab with senior L&D, talent and people leaders across the market.
This is a build-phase leadership role for someone who combines genuine commercial drive with a consultative, advisory style, able to translate insight into propositions that clients will value and pay for, while protecting the trusted, relationship-led culture that defines First Intuition.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Strategy
- Develop and execute the commercial and go-to-market strategy for Skills Lab.
- Define target markets, value propositions and commercial priorities.
- Shape pricing, packaging and commercial models alongside Finance.
- Use market insight to drive sustainable revenue growth.
Business Development & Revenue Growth
- Own the commercial pipeline and revenue targets.
- Lead major new business opportunities from discovery through to close.
- Grow existing client relationships through cross-selling and account development.
- Deliver accurate forecasting, reporting and pipeline management through HubSpot.
Client Relationships & Partnerships
- Build trusted relationships with senior L&D, Talent and People leaders.
- Represent Skills Lab at client meetings, networking events and conferences.
- Develop strategic partnerships that strengthen our market position.
- Collaborate with regional teams to identify and convert opportunities across the wider First Intuition client base.
Leadership
- Recruit, develop and lead the commercial team as the business grows.
- Work closely with Marketing to align campaigns and lead generation with commercial priorities.
- Establish clear KPIs, coaching and high-performance standards.
- Create commercial processes, collateral and bid support to enable future growth.
Commercial Performance
- Report regularly on pipeline health, conversion, forecasting and revenue performance.
- Support budgeting and commercial planning.
- Identify opportunities and risks while maintaining excellent CRM discipline.
About You
Essential
- Proven success delivering new business growth within learning & development, professional services, HR technology or a related sector.
- Experience selling complex, consultative solutions to senior stakeholders.
- Track record of leading and developing successful commercial or business development teams.
- Strong commercial acumen across forecasting, pricing and pipeline management.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience using CRM platforms (HubSpot desirable).
- Collaborative, relationship-focused leadership style.
Desirable
- Knowledge of apprenticeships, skills funding or the wider education sector.
- Experience selling assessment, diagnostic or leadership development solutions.
- Established network across HR, Talent or L&D communities.
- Experience scaling a commercial function or launching a new proposition.
- Experience working alongside marketing to drive demand generation.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to shape and lead the commercial function of a fast-growing, PE-backed new business unit from an early stage.
- A senior leadership role with real autonomy, direct access to the SLT and Group executive, and visible impact on the growth story.
- A collaborative, values-led culture that balances commercial ambition with quality and integrity.
- Competitive salary and benefits, hybrid working, and genuine investment in your development.
- 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- 3 FI Days per year
- Flexible-working positive employer with a range of family-friendly policies
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24-hour confidential access to counselling and support services
- Competitive Pension
- Private Medical Insurance
- Training and development opportunities
- Long term career prospects in a growing company
- Employee perks including a range of discounts to suit your lifestyle
Safeguarding
First Intuition is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We embrace individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities and experiences, and believe that diversity strengthens our team. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all employees, ensuring fairness, respect, and a supportive environment for everyone.
