At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead international government contracts for vocational qualifications and drive strategic programme growth.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in education with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating inclusive educational solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by shaping government partnerships and programmes worldwide.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong negotiation skills required; flexibility to travel is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Senior Client Partner – Government is accountable for leading Pearson’s international government contracts for vocational qualifications, with primary responsibility for the successful delivery and growth of strategic government programmes in Jordan and Uzbekistan, alongside building and converting a pipeline of new government contract opportunities across priority international markets. Operating at M38 level, the role combines ownership of complex, multi‑year government contracts with leadership of cross‑functional deal and delivery teams, holding accountability for commercial performance, contractual risk, client relationships, and delivery quality. The role plays a pivotal part in ensuring government clients experience Pearson as a single, joined‑up partner, aligned to a clear One Pearson approach.
Key Accountabilities
- Government Client Leadership & Programme Ownership: Act as senior commercial owner for Pearson government TVET programmes in Jordan and Uzbekistan. Hold accountability for revenue, margin, delivery quality, contractual compliance, and client satisfaction. Lead senior relationships with ministries, agencies, regulators, and delivery partners where key contracts are in place.
- Government Contract Acquisition & Pipeline Development: Build, qualify and manage a robust international government sales pipeline aligned to Pearson’s TVET growth priorities. Define and lead tender‑winning strategies for complex international government bids. Oversee bid governance, partner models, pricing strategy, and commercial risk assessment. Lead or support contract negotiations to secure favourable and deliverable commercial terms.
- Commercial Strategy & Planning: Contribute market insight and commercial perspective into divisional and portfolio planning. Own forecasting, opportunity qualification, and performance management for assigned government portfolios. Identify opportunities to expand existing contracts through programme extensions, additional services or phased scale‑up. Apply disciplined commercial judgement to balance growth ambition, delivery capability and risk.
- Cross‑Pearson Collaboration & One Pearson Delivery: Challenge business as usual policies and processes where they are not fit for purpose to meet government customer requirements and champion any necessary changes. Push operational teams to continually improve delivery to support large scale government contracts. Act as a commercial integrator across Pearson, ensuring government clients experience a unified and coherent offer. Partner with Schools Qualifications and Assessment teams to align vocational and academic pathways across system reforms. Collaborate with Pearson Services teams to ensure contracts are designed for successful, sustainable delivery. Work across Pearson business units to develop integrated, cross‑BU solutions addressing system‑level government needs as required. Provide single‑point commercial accountability for government clients, coordinating internal teams for a seamless experience. Share learning and best practice to strengthen Pearson’s collective government capability.
- Leadership & Capability Development (M38): Lead and influence multidisciplinary, matrixed teams across countries and functions. Coach colleagues to strengthen government contracting, negotiation and commercial capability. Role‑model inclusive leadership, clarity and accountability in complex environments.
Alignment to Pearson Essential Behaviors
- Customer Centricity – Builds trusted, long‑term government partnerships and joined‑up solutions.
- Raise the Bar – Sets high standards for bid quality, delivery and governance.
- Collaboration for Value – Integrates expertise across Pearson to maximize collective impact.
- Leaders Inspire – Creates clarity, trust and momentum across complex matrix teams.
Experience & Capabilities
Essential: Proven leadership experience and ability to influence both internal and external stakeholders. Tenacious and delivery‑focused with a “can do” attitude. Experience developing contracts and associated detailed P&Ls. Flexibility to travel. Flexibility to support Sun – Thurs working week on occasion. Strong data analysis skills. Proven experience leading complex government or public‑sector contracts. Track record of winning and managing international government tenders. Strong commercial judgement balancing growth, margin and risk. Senior‑level negotiation and stakeholder management experience.
Desirable: Experience in TVET, education reform or national skills systems. International emerging‑market government experience. Experience of multi‑year, multi‑stakeholder programme delivery.
Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.
Lead, Client Partner employer: Pearson
Pearson is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members are equipped to lead complex international government contracts effectively. Our inclusive culture prioritises customer centricity and high standards, making Pearson a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful careers in education and vocational qualifications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead, Client Partner
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple 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 as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead, Client Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Client Partner role. Highlight your experience with government contracts and any relevant international work, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led teams and influenced stakeholders in complex environments. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive results and build strong relationships, especially in the public sector.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your progress.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Know Your Government Contracts
Make sure you understand the intricacies of government contracts, especially in the context of vocational qualifications. Brush up on Pearson's existing programmes in Jordan and Uzbekistan, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Client Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced stakeholders and driven results in complex environments.
✨Prepare for Commercial Discussions
Familiarise yourself with commercial strategies and risk assessments related to government contracts. Be ready to discuss how you would approach tender-winning strategies and contract negotiations, showcasing your strong commercial judgement.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Pearson values a unified approach, so prepare to share examples of how you've integrated expertise across teams to deliver successful outcomes in previous roles.
