Head of Commercial Finance

About the role as Head of Commercial Finance at Activate Learning

Are you a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys turning ideas into sustainable and profitable business ventures?

Activate Learning is seeking an ambitious and commercially focused Head of Commercial Finance to play a pivotal role in shaping and accelerating the growth of our commercial activities. This is a newly created leadership position, offering a unique opportunity to influence strategy, develop new income streams and support innovative projects across a large and diverse organisation. As part of a Group committed to transforming lives through learning, you will help ensure that commercial growth and financial sustainability enable us to expand our impact for learners, employers and communities.

Working to the Director of Sales and alongside the Head of Commercial Business Innovation, you will provide the financial insight, commercial challenge and strategic analysis needed to ensure opportunities are not only exciting, but financially robust and capable of delivering long-term value.

This is far more than a traditional finance role. You will be at the heart of commercial decision-making, helping to assess new markets, build business cases, develop pricing strategies, support customer negotiations and evaluate investment opportunities.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the financial evaluation of new commercial opportunities, products and services.
• Develop detailed costing models covering the full lifecycle of commercial activity, from concept through to contracting and delivery.
• Create pricing strategies that maximise both customer value and commercial returns.
• Assess market opportunities, demand and commercial viability.
• Work closely with sales colleagues to develop effective sales and pricing strategies.
• Support commercial negotiations and contractual discussions with customers and partners.
• Act as the bridge between the commercial team and the wider finance function.
• Develop financial forecasts, investment appraisals and business cases.
• Monitor profitability, margins and commercial performance across the portfolio.
• Present recommendations and commercial insights to senior leaders and stakeholders.

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 Finance at Activate Learning?

We are looking for an individual who combines strong financial expertise with commercial curiosity and strategic thinking. You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can evolve quickly, using financial insight to support decision-making, evaluate opportunities and drive sustainable growth.

• Significant experience in commercial finance, financial planning, business partnering or commercial analysis, with a strong track record of supporting business growth and strategic decision-making.
• Advanced financial modelling, forecasting and investment appraisal skills, with the ability to evaluate opportunities, assess commercial risk and develop robust business cases.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and credibly to senior stakeholders and translate analysis into practical business recommendations.
• Strong commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills, combined with a collaborative approach and the ability to build effective relationships across diverse teams and functions.

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.

Why work with the Activate Learning Group?

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.

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

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.