Capital City College
Director of Business Development, Partnerships and International
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Director of Business Development, Partnerships and International
Executive Director: Business Development & Partnerships
Lead Growth. Build Partnerships. Transform Lives.
Capital City College is one of the UK's largest and most ambitious further education providers, educating more than 35,000 learners each year across multiple campuses in London.
We are entering an exciting period of growth and transformation. As we continue to expand our apprenticeship provision, strengthen employer partnerships, develop higher technical education and increase our international activity, we are seeking an exceptional leader to help shape the next chapter of our success.
This is a rare opportunity to join an ambitious Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in delivering our Corporate Plan, Curriculum Strategy, and long-term vision for sustainable growth.
About the Role
Reporting to the Group Principal – Apprenticeships, Partnerships and Innovation, you will lead the College's Business Development, Partnerships and International function.
This role focuses on developing and delivering a centrally coordinated, Group-wide strategy to drive:
- Employer engagement
- Commercial growth
- Strategic partnerships
- International development
In collaboration with senior colleagues, curriculum leaders, and external partners, you will:
- Identify new opportunities for growth
- Strengthen existing relationships
- Ensure our provision evolves with the needs of employers, learners, and London’s economy
You will take a leading role in fostering partnerships that support:
- Apprenticeship growth
- Workforce development
- Higher technical education
- Commercial training
- International collaboration
This is a highly visible leadership role with significant influence across the organisation, offering the chance to shape how Capital City College works with employers, government, industry, and international partners over the coming years.
Our Vision
At Capital City College, we believe outstanding partnerships create outstanding opportunities.
Our ambition is to become London’s leading provider of technical education, apprenticeships, higher technical skills and employer-led learning.
This role will be central to realising that goal.
What You Will Help Us Achieve
- Grow apprenticeships across priority sectors
- Strengthen employer and industry relationships
- Develop innovative commercial and workforce opportunities
- Expand international partnerships and transnational education activity
- Increase external investment and collaborative projects
- Build a sustainable pipeline of business growth that benefits learners, employers, and communities
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If you’re inspired by creating opportunities, influencing strategy, and making a lasting impact through education, this is an exceptional chance to shape one of the UK’s largest further education colleges.
About You
We are looking for an inspirational, commercially minded leader who thrives on:
- Building relationships
- Identifying opportunities
- Delivering sustainable growth
You will be an experienced strategic leader with a track record in:
- Business development
- Commercial leadership
- Employer engagement
- Partnership development
You must possess:
- The vision and credibility to engage with education, business, government, and international markets
- The ability to lead and develop a high-performing team
- A commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Most importantly, you must share our passion for transforming lives through education and creating opportunities that uplift learners, employers, and communities.
What You’ll Bring
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
Essential Experience
✔ Significant experience leading:
- Business development
- Commercial growth
- Employer engagement in education, skills, or related sectors ✔ Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships with:
- Employers
- Public sector organisations
- External stakeholders ✔ Experience in fostering international partnerships, including:
- Transnational education models
- Consultancy & training initiatives
- International student pathways ✔ Strong commercial awareness to identify and develop new markets ✔ Exceptional leadership and people management skills, including:
- Transforming teams through change
- Influencing senior stakeholders ✔ Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management ✔ Commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
Desirable Experience
✅ Experience within further education is beneficial, though we welcome candidates with expertise from:
- Higher education
- Skills development
- Training programmes
- Public/private sector leadership
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Why Join Capital City College?
This opportunity allows you to join London’s most ambitious college during a period of significant investment and transformation.
As part of an Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to innovation, collaboration, and outstanding learner outcomes.
In return, we offer:
🔹 Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme 🔹 Generous annual leave 🔹 Five CPD days per year 🔹 Access to TELLUS (wellbeing & discounts platform) 🔹 Medicash healthcare scheme 🔹 Cycle to Work Scheme 🔹 Interest-free season ticket loans 🔹 Occupational Health Services 🔹 Annual eye tests & spectacles contribution 🔹 Free flu vaccinations 🔹 A supportive, inclusive culture that encourages continuous professional growth
About Capital City College
London’s leading further and higher education provider, serving 35,000+ learners annually across multiple campuses.
We are recognised for:
- Curriculum innovation
- Strong employer partnerships
- High-quality, inclusive education
Our mission: "To transform lives through exceptional education, outstanding partnerships and opportunities."
We equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed for success in their careers and personal growth.
Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding
Capital City College is an inclusive organisation where diversity and belonging are celebrated.
We are committed to:
- Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
- Requiring appropriate DBS checks for candidates (Required in this role)
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and actively strive to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of our learners and communities.
Next Steps
Informal Discussion
If you’d like to explore the role—or discuss its future impact—contact:
Debbie Houghton Group Principal – Apprenticeships, Partnerships and Innovation
📧 debbie.houghton@capitalccg.ac.uk
Apply Now
For career-driven strategic thinkers passionate about partnerships, innovation, and sustainable growth, we’d love to hear from you.
Join Capital City College and help define the future of technical education, apprenticeships, employer engagement, and international collaboration in one of the UK’s most influential education organisations.
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