At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the growth of social enterprises and develop new income streams through innovative VR training products.
- Company: First Step Trust, a charity with over 30 years of experience in social impact.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while driving commercial success and supporting disadvantaged learners.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to creating impactful training and employment opportunities.
- Why this job: Combine your business skills with a passion for social change in a leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business growth, strong financial acumen, and excellent leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
First Step Trust is a charity and social enterprise with more than 30 years’ experience supporting people who are furthest from the labour market to gain skills, confidence and employment. We deliver accessible training programmes, social enterprises and innovative virtual reality learning tools to help people take their first step back into work. Our work combines commercial enterprise with social impact, creating real training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged learners.
The Role
This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving commercial income while supporting the organisation’s social mission. You will oversee First Step Trust’s portfolio of social enterprises, supporting project managers to grow revenue, improve profitability and ensure the businesses operate effectively and sustainably. Alongside this, you will lead the development of a new income stream through the commercial licensing of our Virtual Reality training products to corporate and public sector customers. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the organisation’s strategic direction and play a key role in helping us achieve our ambition that 60% of our income will come from social enterprise trading and commercial licensing by 2030.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial performance and growth of First Step Trust’s social enterprise businesses
- Support project managers to increase sales, profitability and operational performance
- Analyse financial and operational data to monitor performance against targets
- Develop and implement a commercial strategy for licensing our VR training products
- Identify and pursue new commercial opportunities, partnerships and markets
- Contribute to organisational strategy as part of the Senior Leadership Team
- Line manage key staff including project managers and colleagues responsible for learning products and communications
About You
We are looking for someone who combines strong commercial acumen with a commitment to social impact. You will bring:
- Proven experience of growing a business, product or commercial service
- Strong financial understanding, including experience managing budgets and analysing financial performance
- Experience generating sales or developing new income streams
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to develop proposals and represent the organisation externally
- An understanding of the importance of balancing commercial performance with social impact
- Experience of working in the social enterprise sector, launching technology or VR-based learning products, or selling services to public sector organisations would be an advantage.
Further Information
For full details about the role and person specification, please download the recruitment pack.
Head of Commercial in London employer: hireful
First Step Trust is an exceptional employer that combines a strong commitment to social impact with a dynamic work culture focused on innovation and growth. As the Head of Commercial, you will have the opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that empower disadvantaged learners while benefiting from a supportive environment that fosters professional development and collaboration. With over 30 years of experience, our charity offers unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge virtual reality training tools and a chance to make a real difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience in social enterprises or commercial growth, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven revenue or improved profitability in past roles. It’s all about demonstrating your impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We’re looking for passionate individuals who align with our mission. Tailor your approach to show how your values match ours, especially when it comes to balancing commercial success with social impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching our organisation and understanding our VR training products. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our goals, especially around growing income from social enterprise trading. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role, but for our mission too!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Commercial role. Highlight your commercial acumen and any relevant experience in social enterprises or VR products to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about social impact and how your leadership skills can drive our commercial growth. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to grow businesses and generate income. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to back up your claims!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at hireful
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge. Understand the key metrics that drive commercial success, especially in social enterprises. Be ready to discuss how you've previously managed budgets and analysed financial performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and drive results, especially in a social impact context. This will demonstrate that you can manage key staff effectively.
✨Align with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with First Step Trust's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your commercial strategies can align with their social goals. Showing genuine passion for their cause will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Think Outside the Box
Come equipped with ideas for new commercial opportunities or partnerships. Think about how you could leverage VR training products in innovative ways. This shows initiative and a proactive approach to driving growth.
