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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a growing vocational training provider and drive its future direction.
- Company: Respected specialist training provider with a strong reputation in the skills sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, and clear pathway to Managing Director role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an ambitious SME and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles within education or skills-based environments.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and autonomy in a dynamic setting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
We have been retained by a well-established, profitable, and highly respected specialist training provider operating within the vocational / technical skills sector, with a strong reputation for quality delivery and employer engagement. A successful SME venture with proven capability and capacity to achieve significant growth over the coming years.
The business is now entering its next phase of growth and transformation with the Founder seeking to appoint a high-calibre General Manager who will work closely with them over a structured 18 to 24 month period, with a clear pathway to stepping into the Managing Director role, as the Founder likely then steps into a Non-Exec position. This represents an opportunity to take responsibility for an ambitious SME business, shape its future direction, and ultimately lead it through growth, securing its strong reputation well into the future.
The Role
Working closely with the Founder, you will take increasing responsibility for the leadership and performance of the business, including:
- Driving revenue growth through employer partnerships, learner recruitment, and other new opportunities
- Leading and improving day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality delivery and outcomes
- Taking ownership of commercial performance, including budgeting and profitability
- Building strong relationships with employers, stakeholders (internal/external), and partners
- Leading and supporting a small, committed and experienced team
- Contributing to and executing a clear growth strategy
Over time, you will transition into full responsibility for the business as Managing Director.
Person Profile
We are deliberately open-minded and interested in hearing from a range of individuals. Likely backgrounds include:
- Current “number 2” leaders (e.g. Head of Apprenticeships, Operations Manager, Centre Manager, Head of Employer Engagement) within:
- Further Education colleges
- Independent training providers
- Vocational / skills-based organisations
- Managed teams, delivery, and/or employer relationships
- Exposure to commercial performance, growth and/or budgeting
- A desire to step into a broader leadership role
We would also welcome interest from more experienced leaders who are seeking a hands-on leadership role within a smaller, growth-focused business where they’ll likely have more scope and flexibility to achieve a big impact and feel the satisfaction of that!
What We’re Looking For
- Strong commercial instinct and ability to identify growth opportunities
- Proven experience in training, education, or skills-based environments
- Ability to engage and lead both people effectively - to take them with you
- Confidence engaging with employers and external stakeholders
- An understanding of and commitment to quality assurance & compliance - meeting the needs of accreditation bodies - and enhancing learner outcomes
- A proactive, hands-on approach suited to an SME environment
- Ambition to progress into a Managing Director role
- Experience of Construction would be beneficial - especially training / apprenticeships related to vocational trades - but is not essential
Why This Role?
- Clear and supported pathway to Managing Director
- Opportunity to run and grow an established business, not just a function, department or programme
- Work directly with an experienced Founder - initially more closely during transition, with greater autonomy as they become a NED
- Significant scope to shape strategy, culture, and performance
- A potentially career-defining move for the right individual
Application
To express an interest, please submit your CV ideally along with:
- A brief summary of your most relevant experience
- A guide to remuneration
- Notice period / availability to start
We are keen to explore this opportunity with both emerging and experienced leaders; remuneration will be aligned accordingly - success will also be recognised through a generous bonus scheme.
Note
NJR advises the organisation on the basis of an exclusive consulting assignment. Any Third-Party applications and correspondence will be forwarded by our client for us, as their retained advisor, to review and no commercial consideration will be available for such unsolicited introductions.
General Manager in London employer: Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management
Contact Detail:
Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the vocational training sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company thoroughly and understand their mission and values. We want you to be able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your leadership skills and commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. We recommend mentioning something specific from the interview to make it personal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, let’s get your application in and take that next step towards becoming a General Manager!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant to the General Manager role. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Summary: Include a brief summary of your most relevant experience at the top of your application. This is your chance to grab our attention, so make it count! We’re looking for clarity and impact.
Be Clear on Remuneration: When you mention your expected remuneration, be honest and realistic. We appreciate transparency, and it helps us understand what you’re looking for as we consider your application.
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research the training provider thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent achievements. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the leadership nature of the General Manager role, be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've driven growth or improved operations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and compellingly.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Since the role involves managing commercial performance, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting and profitability. Bring examples of how you've identified growth opportunities in previous roles and how you plan to apply that knowledge here.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your ability to build relationships with employers and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with external partners in the past, as this will be crucial for driving revenue growth in this position.