Capital City College
Director of Business Development, Partnerships and International
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Director of Business Development, Partnerships and International
Lead Growth. Build Partnerships. Transform Lives
Capital City College is one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious further education providers, educating 35,000+ learners each year across multiple London campuses.
We are at an exciting stage of growth and transformation, expanding apprenticeships, strengthening employer partnerships, developing higher technical education, and increasing international activity. We seek an exceptional leader to help shape our next chapter of success—a rare opportunity to join our Leadership Team and deliver 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 Business Development, Partnerships and International operations for the College.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Develop and deliver a centrally coordinated, Group-wide strategy that drives employer engagement, commercial growth, strategic partnerships, and international expansion.
- Work collaboratively with senior colleagues, curriculum leaders, and external partners to:
- Identify high-impact growth opportunities.
- Strengthen existing employer relationships.
- Ensure our provision adapts to employer, learner, and economic needs.
- Lead partnerships supporting:
- Apprenticeships and sector growth.
- Workforce development and higher technical education.
- Commercial training and international collaboration.
- Position Capital City College as a leader in employer-led education, influencing engagement with government, industry, and international partners.
This is a highly visible leadership role with broad influence across the organisation—shaping how the College works with employers, stakeholders, and global partners for years to come.
Our Vision
"Outstanding partnerships create outstanding opportunities."
Our goal is to become London’s leading provider of technical education, apprenticeships, and employer-led learning. By:
- Investing in innovation.
- Strengthening strategic partnerships.
- Expanding international reach.
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This role is central to delivering our ambition.
Why This Role Matters
You’ll help us:
- Grow apprenticeships across priority sectors.
- Strengthen employer-industry relationships.
- Develop commercial and workforce opportunities.
- Expand international partnerships and transnational education.
- Secure external investment and collaborative projects.
- Build a sustainable pipeline of business growth—enabling impact for learners, employers, and communities.
This is an exceptional chance to shape technical education’s future within the UK’s largest further education group.
About You
We’re looking for an inspirational, commercially savvy leader who thrives on:
- Building relationships and identifying growth opportunities.
- Delivering sustainable success in environments requiring vision and influence.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
You will demonstrate:
- Strategic leadership in business development, commercial growth, or employer engagement—preferably in education, skills, or related sectors.
- Experience developing partnerships with:
- Employers and industries.
- Public sector organisations.
- External stakeholders.
- International partnerships expertise, including transnational education, consultancy, commercial training, or international student pathways.
- Strong commercial acumen to identify and develop new markets.
- Effective leadership skills, including:
- Leading high-performing teams through change.
- Influencing senior stakeholders and building productive partnerships.
- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship management.
- A commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Desirable: Experience in further education, though candidates from higher education, skills, training, and commercial sectors are welcome.
Why Join Capital City College?
An exciting opportunity to join one of London’s most ambitious colleges during a period of transformation and investment.
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Benefits & Rewards
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- 5 dedicated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) days annually.
- Access to TELLUS (wellbeing and discounts).
- Medicash healthcare scheme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loans.
- Occupational Health Services.
- Free annual eye tests, contribution towards spectacles.
- Flu vaccinations.
- A supportive, inclusive environment based on collaboration and professional growth.
About Capital City College
We are London’s largest Further and Higher Education group, serving 35,000+ learners across campuses.
Known for: ✔ Curriculum innovation. ✔ Strong employer partnerships. ✔ High-quality, inclusive education.
Through ambitious teaching and financial training, we equip learners for work and life.
Our Simple Vision
"Transform lives through exceptional education, outstanding partnerships, and opportunities that unlock potential."
Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding
Capital City College values diversity and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming, respectful workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
We uphold safeguarding principles and require DBS checks for all successful applicants.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Informal Discussion & Next Steps
Before applying, we welcome confidential conversations with prospective candidates.
Contact Debbie Houghton (Group Principal) for discussions on the role, vision, or opportunities.
Apply Now
If you’re an passionate, ambitious leader who wants to drive partnerships, innovation, and sustainable growth, we’d love to hear from you.
Join Capital City College and help shape the future of: 🔹 Technical education. 🔹 Apprenticeships. 🔹 Employer engagement. 🔹 International partnerships.
Join the next chapter of impactful education.
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