Sales Director / Growth Director in Birmingham

Location: Manchester / Birmingham / London. Manchester will be the main base for this role, with travel required across our group portfolio branch locations. We are open to discussing hybrid working arrangements, subject to business needs.

The Opportunity

Operam Education Group is entering into its next exciting phase of growth. We have a clear ambition to accelerate scalable, sustainable organic growth across the Group by building on our proven operating model, expansion of our client base and developing into new regional territories and service lines. This role sits at the heart of that ambition. We are looking to appoint a Sales Director to work closely with our Executive Directors, Regional Leaders, and Value Creation Team to shape and deliver our organic and new business development growth strategy. This is a senior, visible role with real influence, combining strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.

The Role

As Sales Director, you will be responsible for driving organic growth across our client base while leading the development and commercialisation of new service lines and regional locations. You will:

• Lead growth initiatives that expand Operam’s territorial and sector footprint
• Translate strategy into clear commercial plans, KPIs, and outcomes
• Play a key role in shaping how Operam grows; sustainably, profitably, and at pace

This is a hands‑on role. You will be actively involved with clients, the partnerships team, and senior stakeholders, helping to win business, launch new propositions, and embed best practice across the Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth across client relationships through upselling and deepening engagement within our client portfolio.
• Develop targeted strategies to increase share of wallet and maximise opportunities within our key accounts and partnerships.
• Identify, assess, and support the opening of new regional locations, working in partnership with the value creation team and leadership.
• Support the Regional Directors and their sales teams in building long‑term, value‑driven partnerships with clients, and re‑engaging with lapsed clients.
• Strengthen commercial disciplines, performance metrics, and accountability.
• Act as a senior ambassador for Operam with clients and partners.

About You

You are a commercially minded recruitment leader with a strong track record of building and scaling recruitment businesses. You will bring:

• 10+ years’ experience in education recruitment, staffing, or talent solutions
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven success delivering organic revenue growth
• Experience launching or commercialising new recruitment services
• Exposure to opening new offices or regional expansions (preferred)
• A strong understanding of recruitment delivery models, fee structures, and client needs
• The ability to lead, influence, and collaborate at senior level
• A data‑driven mindset with experience using CRM/ATS and performance forecasting

Why Join Operam

• An unparalleled career development opportunity
• High visibility and influence at Executive level
• A genuine opportunity to shape the future growth of a respected recruitment group
• The chance to drive strategic, hands‑on impact across regions and service lines
• The ability to contribute to Operam’s Impact strategy and be at the forefront of driving positive change in education recruitment

Our Employee Benefits Include

• Performance‑driven bonus plan tied to revenue, profitability and growth milestones
• Up to 34 days holiday + Bank holidays
• This includes your birthday off on us and a wellbeing day to focus on self‑care
• Enhanced sick pay after 2 years’ service
• Life Assurance
• Paid volunteer days aligning to our impact and pledge programme
• Employee Assistant programme
• Perks and discounts app

In addition, this role provides access to an expanded leadership benefits package, aligned to senior‑level responsibility and impact.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter detailing relevant recruitment sector experience, examples of organic growth achievements, and experience launching new services or regions. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Diversity & Accessibility

As a proud member of Inclusive Employers, we are committed to creating a diverse, welcoming, and equitable workplace. We believe in providing a fair and transparent recruitment process, where every candidate is assessed solely on their skills, experience, and potential. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process or at any stage of the interview, please let us know. We are committed to making the necessary accommodations to support you fully. Please note that all successful candidates will be required to provide proof of their right to work in the UK before commencing employment.