Head of Commercial and Business Development (Education)

About Our Client

Our client is a prominent private education provider based in Ireland, specializing in career-oriented academic and language programmes for a diverse international student community. Part of a well-established global education group, they operate one of the country's leading language schools and are expanding their higher education offerings.

Job Description

Strategic Commercial Leadership

• Develop and implement long-term commercial strategies to support sustainable growth.
• Manage revenue targets, forecasting, sales pipelines, and performance metrics.
• Explore and capitalize on new revenue streams, partnerships, and programme offerings.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on market positioning, pricing strategies, and new programme launches.

Market Growth & Business Development

• Establish and nurture a global network of education agents, partner institutions, and strategic alliances.
• Design scalable student recruitment infrastructure and conversion strategies aligned with institutional goals.
• Represent the organization at international education events and industry forums.

Team Building & Operational Excellence

• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing commercial team.
• Implement effective sales processes, CRM systems, and performance KPIs.
• Foster an environment of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.

Partner & Stakeholder Engagement

• Negotiate and manage key commercial agreements with partners and clients.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with B2B partners, sponsors, and referral networks.
• Ensure alignment across academic, admissions, and operational teams to deliver a seamless student experience.

Market Intelligence & Risk Management

• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and regulatory developments.
• Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies proactively.

The Successful Applicant

• 7+ years of senior experience in international student recruitment, business development, or related fields within higher education or language training sectors.
• Proven track record of building and scaling commercial operations and teams.
• Deep understanding of student recruitment channels, agency partnerships, and B2B sales strategies.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with strong operational leadership capabilities.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to shape and lead the growth of a fast-expanding international education organization.
• High-impact role with direct influence on institutional strategy and performance.
• Global market exposure within an esteemed network.
• Hybrid working arrangement in a central location.
• Relocation and visa sponsorship options available for top-tier international candidates with relevant experience.

This role offers a significant leadership opportunity within a dynamic, growth-oriented environment, ideal for experienced professionals seeking to make a substantial impact in international education.