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- Tasks: Lead the Product Strategy Committee and ensure effective governance and strategic oversight.
- Company: Join a leading independent awarding organisation focused on vocational apprenticeship qualifications.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive culture that values integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by shaping product strategy and meeting employer needs.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in education or training, with strong regulatory insight and communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with online and in-person meetings, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Innovate Awarding, part of the Lifetime Group, is a leading independent national awarding organisation specialising in vocational apprenticeship qualifications. Working for Lifetime Group isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of a supportive and progressive culture that is focused on enabling people to fulfil their potential.
The Non-Executive Director (NED) will join our Board and take on the additional responsibility of Chairing the Product Strategy Committee. This combined role provides strategic oversight and constructive challenge to ensure our regulatory obligations are met, risks are managed, and quality remains at the heart of everything we do. This is a pivotal governance role for an individual with strong regulatory insight, sound judgement, and the ability to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
What will you be doing?
- Strategic Leadership
- Lead the Product Strategy Committee, ensuring effective governance, clear agendas, and timely, evidence-based decision-making.
- Provide the Board with assurance that product development and innovation are robust, commercially aligned, and strategically coherent.
- Provide insight and oversight that the organisation is identifying future opportunities across apprenticeship standards, assessment services, and related education markets.
- Ensure the product portfolio meets evolving employer demand, workforce trends, and policy changes in the skills system.
- Product & Market Insight
- Offer deep commercial insight into the apprenticeships landscape, training providers, employer needs, workforce development priorities, and market competition.
- Challenge and support the executive team on pricing, positioning, product lifecycle, customer experience, and commercial partnerships.
- Advise on the viability, scalability, and risk implications of new product opportunities or market diversification, including international partnerships and markets.
- Governance & Oversight
- Oversee the monitoring of product performance, customer feedback, and quality indicators.
- Ensure appropriate risk management is applied to product development, market entry decisions, and resource allocation.
- Ensure the Committee receives accurate, insightful reporting to support informed scrutiny.
What will you bring to the role?
- Senior leadership experience in a commercial education or training environment (e.g., apprenticeship training provider, FE college/provider, or major employer with significant apprenticeship programmes).
- Strong understanding of apprenticeships, employer-led skills development, and the wider workforce/education policy landscape.
- Demonstrable experience in product strategy, business development, commercial planning, or portfolio management.
- Ability to provide strategic challenge, independent judgement, and supportive oversight.
- Experience operating at Board or senior governance level.
- Excellent communication and relational skills, with the ability to lead a balanced, effective committee.
It would be great if you had:
- Experience of chairing boards or committees.
- Insight into digital assessment, AI, and/or product innovation in education technology.
- Experience of international markets.
Time Commitment
- The Board meets online every month for 1–2 hours, you will be expected to read board papers and supporting information in advance of board meetings.
- The Board meets in person for longer sessions 3-4 hours every quarter, usually in Bristol.
- The compliance committee will meet quarterly in-person or online.
- Additional availability during regulatory events, audits, or periods of heightened scrutiny may be required.
A diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce. As a group, we are committed to broadening the equity, diversity, and inclusion of our workforce and creating a sense of belonging for all. In this way we will better represent those who learn with us and our partners to greater understand and fulfil their needs. By listening to our emerging diverse workforce, we will agree future goals and priorities as a community. This in turn will help secure a sustainable future for the Group, benefiting not just us but also our partners and those who learn with us.
Your experience is invaluable to us, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable recruitment environment for all candidates. We welcome any feedback on how we can enhance our approach to an inclusive process, please feel free to share your ideas with us here: This feedback is anonymous and will only be used for EDI monitoring and enhancement.
Non Executive Director - Product Strategy employer: Lifetime
Contact Detail:
Lifetime Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director - Product Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and training sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or fellow professionals. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their product strategy and recent developments in the apprenticeship landscape. This will help you showcase your insights and demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the Non-Executive Director role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Be proactive and reach out directly to companies you admire, like Innovate Awarding. Express your interest in contributing to their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Leverage our website to apply for roles. It’s user-friendly and keeps you updated on new opportunities. Plus, applying through our platform shows you’re serious about joining our supportive culture at Lifetime Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director - Product Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Non-Executive Director. We want to see how your background in product strategy and governance fits into our mission at Innovate Awarding.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading the Product Strategy Committee, it’s crucial to demonstrate your senior leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or committees in the past.
Highlight Relevant Insights: We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of the apprenticeships landscape. Use your application to showcase your insights into market trends and employer needs, as this will be key to your success in the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lifetime
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the apprenticeship landscape and the specific challenges Innovate Awarding faces. Brush up on current trends, regulatory requirements, and market competition. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Non-Executive Director, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led committees or teams, especially in a governance context. Highlight how you fostered a culture of integrity and accountability.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the organisation's product strategy and future opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and vision.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key for this role. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex discussions or disagreements in previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve communicated strategic insights to boards or committees, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
