Rodeo
ResourcesPartnersSign in

Activate Learning

Head of Commercial Business Innovation

Reading
Posted about 15 hours ago
Sign up to applySee more jobs like this

How your CV stacks up

1Upload CV
2Analyse CV
3Improve CV

Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role

?%

About the Role as Head of Commercial Business Innovation at Activate Learning

Shape the future. Create new opportunities. Drive commercial growth.

Activate Learning is seeking an exceptional Head of Commercial Business Innovation to lead the development of new commercial opportunities, strategic partnerships and innovative ventures across the Group.

This is a newly created senior role for an individual who thrives on turning ideas into impact. You will be responsible for identifying and shaping opportunities, assessing their potential, and developing compelling business cases that drive sustainable growth. You will lead initiatives from concept through to delivery, ensuring ideas are translated into practical, commercially viable outcomes.

Working to the Director of Sales and alongside the Head of Commercial Finance, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of commercial growth for Activate Learning. This highly visible and dynamic role spans both educational and non-educational activity, offering exposure to a wide range of strategic opportunities including significant commercial projects, new product development, partnerships, and market expansion.

Importantly, we welcome candidates from outside the education sector. We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and commercial expertise that are often underrepresented within education, helping to drive new thinking and unlock growth opportunities across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Identify, develop and deliver new commercial opportunities, strategic partnerships and revenue streams across a range of sectors, taking a proactive approach to spotting gaps in the market and converting them into viable propositions.
  • Lead the development of high-quality business cases, feasibility studies and commercial proposals, ensuring all opportunities are clearly evidenced, well-structured and suitable for senior decision-making and investment.
  • Translate ideas into practical, deliverable projects, taking ownership from initial concept through to implementation, ensuring strong project discipline, pace and measurable outcomes throughout.
  • Conduct market research, horizon scanning and stakeholder engagement to understand emerging trends, customer needs and growth opportunities, using insight to shape direction and priorities.
  • Work closely with senior leaders and the Head of Commercial Finance to ensure all opportunities are commercially robust, strategically aligned and financially sustainable, presenting clear recommendations to support effective decision-making.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

Start with a chat, not a search bar

Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.

P

Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

See breakdown
Save jobNot relevant
View details

It searches the market for you

Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.

Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

See breakdown
Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

See breakdown
Strong

Only hits

No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.

This is a permanent full-time opportunity and can be based at any Activate Learning campus, operating on a hybrid working model with a minimum of three days per week in the office.

What Do You Need to Be Successful as the Head of Commercial Business Innovation at Activate Learning?

We are seeking a commercially astute, entrepreneurial and highly driven individual who thrives on creating opportunity from ambiguity. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating at pace in a complex environment, quickly understanding new markets and challenges, and turning ideas into clear, deliverable and commercially sound propositions. They will combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and have the credibility to influence senior leaders and external partners alike.

  • A strong track record in business development, commercial strategy, consultancy, innovation or growth-focused roles, with proven success in delivering measurable outcomes.
  • Excellent ability to develop business cases, commercial plans and proposals, translating complex opportunities into clear, actionable strategies.
  • Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging and presenting to senior leaders and external partners.
  • Strong commercial acumen and financial awareness, with the ability to assess opportunities quickly and make sound, evidence-based decisions.

Who We Are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits

  • Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
  • Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
  • Company Benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
  • Learning and Development: Continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
  • Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
  • Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for Activate Learning staff.
  • Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
  • Flexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.
  • Competitive Salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
  • On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

Get help with your application

Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.

Get help applying for this job

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit Wellbeing at Activate Learning - Activate Learning.

Application Process

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.

Trusted by 25,000+ job seekers

“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

Jessica, London

Get help applying for this job

Skills

Commercial Strategy
Business Development
Innovation
Project Management
Market Research
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Partnerships
Financial Analysis
Communication
Influencing
Problem Solving
Entrepreneurial Thinking
Decision Making
Growth Strategy
Feasibility Studies
Business Cases

Location

Reading, England, United Kingdom

Sign up to applySee more jobs like this