Head of Commercial
- Role
- Business Development
- Experience
- C-Level
- Employment
- Full-time
Open to GB only. Set where you work from to check your eligibility.
No BS summary
Experienced commercial leader to lead Business Development, Client Development and Marketing across KnowledgeBrief. Head-level role reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, focused on B2B pipeline, forecasting and consultative sales. Remote within the UK (monthly travel to London) and permanent full-time.
Optional skills
Head of Commercial
Contract: Full-time, Permanent Location: Remote within the UK, with travel to London required monthly Reports to: Chief Revenue Officer Closing date for applications: Monday 14th September
We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so we encourage you to apply promptly.
Join KnowledgeBrief
KnowledgeBrief is a leadership and business management training provider specialising in apprenticeship delivery, leadership development, business competency training and professional skills development. Through apprenticeships, commercial learning solutions, qualifications, workshops and coaching, we help individuals and organisations build the knowledge, confidence and capability they need to grow and succeed.
Our vision is to inspire the next generation of leaders through high-impact learning experiences that empower great leadership at every level.
We are a values-driven organisation with a strong focus on innovation, authenticity, inspiration and relationships, creating meaningful impact for our learners, clients, colleagues and partners.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and grounded commercial leader to provide strategic and operational leadership across KnowledgeBrief’s Business Development, Client Development and Marketing functions.
Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, you will translate the commercial strategy agreed by the C-suite into clear plans, priorities and measurable results. You will align our Enterprise, SME, Public Sector, Commercial Specialist, Marketing and Client Development teams around sustainable organisational growth.
Commercial success at KnowledgeBrief is not defined by learner numbers alone. You will ensure growth is built around suitable learners, appropriate employer partnerships, high-quality sales conversations and our capacity to deliver an excellent experience, not just for clients but for learners also.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
Translate the agreed commercial strategy into clear plans, priorities and measurable objectives. Lead and align our Enterprise, SME, Public Sector, Commercial Specialist, Client Development and Marketing functions. Line manage and develop the Sales Managers, Marketing Manager and Client Development Team Leader, while providing direct leadership to specialist sales colleagues. Oversee pipeline health, conversion, revenue, learner starts and forecasting, ensuring risks and barriers are addressed early. Embed a consultative, quality-led sales approach that considers employer need, learner suitability, programme fit and delivery capacity. Support strategically important and complex commercial opportunities, helping to build lasting client partnerships. Ensure marketing campaigns, events and content support commercial priorities and deliver measurable value. Maintain effective commercial systems, CRM standards, reporting and handovers throughout the client and learner journey. Work closely with the Chief Revenue Officer, Head of Apprenticeships, Finance and operational leaders to balance growth with quality, capacity and financial sustainability. Use commercial, client and market insight to identify opportunities, strengthen performance and support senior decision-making. Create a supportive and accountable leadership environment through clear expectations, coaching, constructive challenge and consistent performance management. Promote collaboration across the organisation, ensuring Commercial operates as a connected part of KnowledgeBrief rather than as a standalone function.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications
Essential
Significant leadership experience across sales, business development or commercial growth. Proven success delivering results through managers and multidisciplinary teams. Experience translating executive strategy into clear plans and measurable activity. Strong knowledge of B2B pipeline management, forecasting, conversion and performance reporting. A track record of sustainable growth through consultative, relationship-led sales. Experience aligning Sales, Marketing and Commercial Support around shared objectives. Strong commercial and financial judgement, including budgets, return on investment and risk. Proven ability to coach, develop and hold managers accountable. Credibility with senior leaders, clients and partners, alongside the confidence to challenge constructively. A commitment to ethical, appropriate and quality-led commercial practice.
Desirable
Commercial leadership experience within apprenticeships, education or professional training. Knowledge of apprenticeship funding, employer responsibilities and learner eligibility. Experience across Enterprise, SME and Public Sector markets. Understanding of public-sector procurement, frameworks, tenders and bids. Experience with CRM, business-intelligence and marketing-performance systems.
Interpersonal Fit
We are looking for someone who:
Leads authentically and builds trust. Brings energy, clarity and momentum without being overly directive. Listens carefully and adapts their approach. Challenges confidently and constructively. Balances support with clear expectations and accountability. Communicates complex priorities clearly and engagingly. Values collaboration and understands the wider impact of commercial decisions. Is motivated by sustainable growth and meaningful learner and client outcomes.
Why Work With Us?
This is an opportunity to shape a broad Commercial function within a growing, values-led organisation, working closely with the Chief Revenue Officer and wider C-suite.
You will benefit from:
Remote working with regular opportunities to connect with colleagues.
Opportunity to study a fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification. 5.6 weeks’ annual leave, plus bank holidays. Paid company closure over the winter holidays. Two weeks’ full sick pay and two weeks’ half sick pay per year following successful completion of probation.
Our Commitment to Safer Recruitment and Inclusion
KnowledgeBrief is committed to safeguarding learners and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Offers are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including right to work, references and DBS checks where required.
Recruitment Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial 45-minute Microsoft Teams call with our People Partner. Candidates who progress will then interview with our Chief Revenue Officer, with final-stage candidates meeting other members of our C-suite.
Ready to Apply?
If you can bring together people, strategy and performance while protecting quality and long-term value, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and we will be in touch.
Nathan People Partner KnowledgeBrief
What you'll do
- Translate the agreed commercial strategy into clear plans, priorities and measurable objectives.
- Lead and align our Enterprise, SME, Public Sector, Commercial Specialist, Client Development and Marketing functions.
- Line manage and develop the Sales Managers, Marketing Manager and Client Development Team Leader, while providing direct leadership to specialist sales colleagues.
- Oversee pipeline health, conversion, revenue, learner starts and forecasting, ensuring risks and barriers are addressed early.
- Embed a consultative, quality-led sales approach that considers employer need, learner suitability, programme fit and delivery capacity.
What they require
- Significant leadership experience across sales, business development or commercial growth.
- Proven success delivering results through managers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong knowledge of B2B pipeline management, forecasting, conversion and performance reporting.
- A track record of sustainable growth through consultative, relationship-led sales.
- Proven ability to coach, develop and hold managers accountable.
- Preferred: Commercial leadership experience within apprenticeships, education or professional training.
- Preferred: Knowledge of apprenticeship funding, employer responsibilities and learner eligibility.
- Preferred: Experience with CRM, business-intelligence and marketing-performance systems.
Benefits
- Remote working with regular opportunities to connect with colleagues.
- Opportunity to study a fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification.
- 5.6 weeks’ annual leave, plus bank holidays.
- Paid company closure over the winter holidays.
- Two weeks’ full sick pay and two weeks’ half sick pay per year following successful completion of probation.
KnowledgeBrief is a leadership and management training provider specialising in apprenticeship delivery, leadership development, business competency training, and professional skills development. Through a blend of apprenticeships, digital learning, workshops, coaching, and practical development programmes, we help individuals and organisations build the knowledge, confidence, and capabilities they need to grow and succeed. Our vision is to inspire the next generation of leaders through high-impact learning experiences that empower great leadership at every level. We support organisations through core leadership and management training, digital and AI upskilling, and broader organisational performance and professional development solutions. We are a values-driven organisation with a strong focus on innovation, authenticity, inspiration, and relationships, creating meaningful impact for our learners, clients, colleagues, and partners.