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- Tasks: Lead a national sales team to drive positive change in education through strategic partnerships.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation focused on improving education and training for lifelong learners.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Senior B2B sales experience, ideally in education or professional membership sectors.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on coaching and building high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 79000 ÂŁ per year.
What could you achieve if you led a national sales team where every partnership directly fuels positive change in education? TPP Recruitment is partnering with the workforce development body for the Further Education and Training sector to appoint an Associate Director of Sales. This is a pivotal position: you’ll set direction and lead from the front with senior customers.
Salary: ÂŁ75,150-79,100 per annum, depending on experience
Employment type: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Working arrangements: Hybrid with national travel; typically, around three days per week with customers/prospects or in the office (London), with flexibility required
Start date: ASAP
About the Organisation
This organisation is the workforce development body for the Further Education and Training sector, working in partnership with others to deliver professional learning and development for teachers, trainers and leaders. Their mission is to improve education and training for learners aged 14 and over, supporting lifelong learning and social justice. The organisation is proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, guided by values and a commitment to sustainable practice.
About the Role
As Associate Director of Sales, you will lead regional and central teams that generate income through membership subscriptions and associated services, building long‑term, solution‑led partnerships with colleges, training providers, and adult education organisations. You’ll be outward‑facing, developing senior relationships with Principals, Vice Principals and HR/People Directors, while coaching your team, improving sales operations, and enhancing the customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the B2B sales strategy to grow partnership, leadership development and learning offers
- Personally manage senior, high‑value relationships and open doors at executive level
- Model consultative, solution‑led selling; tell compelling stories that bring value to life
- Align sales activity with marketing and product to deliver a seamless customer journey
- Strengthen customer success and regional engagement to ensure measurable impact and renewals
- Mature sales operations (pipeline, forecasting, performance reviews and dashboards)
- Embed effective use of customer relationship management systems and data insight
- Lead, coach and mentor a small, high‑performing sales and customer success team
Skills / Experience Required
- Senior leadership experience in B2B sales, partnerships, or commercial development, ideally within the education, learning, or professional membership sector
- Deep understanding of the Further Education and skills landscape, including workforce challenges and sector priorities
- Demonstrable success in consultative, solution-based selling to senior leaders in colleges, training providers, or adult education organisations
- Experience designing and delivering people-focused solutions such as membership, CPD, or leadership development offers
- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing sales teams, with a collaborative and coaching approach
- Skilled in pipeline management, forecasting, and performance accountability, with strong CRM and data insight capabilities
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, able to engage credibly with education sector stakeholders
- Motivated by social purpose and sector impact; outward-facing and relationship-driven
Interview Process
- Screening and informal chats (pre‑Christmas) coordinated by TPP Recruitment
- Final interviews mid‑January 2026 (in‑person) with senior leaders at the organisation
- Assessment task included in the invitation to interview
To Apply
- Supporting statement (no more than 2 pages)
- CV
N.B. Thoughtful use of AI tools is acceptable; we also want to understand your voice, strengths and judgement through your statement.
Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on receipt. Early applications (before Christmas) are encouraged to secure January interview slots. We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
Associate Director of Sales employer: TPP Recruitment
Contact Detail:
TPP Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Sales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for education! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to express why you care about improving education and training. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to social justice and lifelong learning.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly and understand their mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in B2B sales and partnerships. Practise answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss your consultative selling approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in B2B sales and how it aligns with the education sector. We want to see your personality and passion for making a difference, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Focus on your leadership experience and consultative selling skills. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since storytelling is key in consultative selling, weave in some compelling narratives about your past successes. We want to see how you’ve built relationships and created value in your previous roles—make it engaging!
Apply Early Through Our Website: Don’t wait until the last minute! Apply early through our website to secure your chance for an interview. We’re excited to see your application and help you showcase your strengths and potential!
How to prepare for a job interview at TPP Recruitment
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the organisation and its mission in the education sector. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director of Sales, you'll need to lead teams and manage relationships. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Prepare for Consultative Selling Questions
Expect questions around consultative and solution-led selling. Be ready to discuss how you've built long-term partnerships and delivered value to clients. Think of stories that illustrate your ability to engage with senior leaders and address their needs effectively.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll be engaging with senior stakeholders, practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. You might be asked to deliver a short presentation during the interview, so rehearse your key points and ensure you can communicate them succinctly while keeping the audience engaged.
