At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead international government contracts for vocational qualifications and drive strategic programme growth.
- Company: Join Pearson, a leader in education and skills development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and travel opportunities to enhance your career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global education while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership and negotiation skills, with experience in government contracts.
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.
Lead, Client Partner in London 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, Pearson provides extensive training opportunities and encourages a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact on international education. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive choice for professionals seeking a rewarding career in government partnerships and vocational qualifications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead, Client Partner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might have insights into Pearson or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Pearson’s recent projects and initiatives in government contracts. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do and how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience with complex government contracts and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. We want to see your leadership skills shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Pearson family.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead, Client Partner in London
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 the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects and drive results, especially in a government context.
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
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders and navigated complex environments in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Familiarise yourself with commercial strategies and risk assessment related to government contracts. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach tender-winning strategies and contract negotiations to secure favourable terms.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work across different teams and functions. Share examples of how you've integrated expertise to create cohesive solutions, as this aligns with Pearson's One Pearson approach and is crucial for the role.
