General Manager (Managing Director Designate) – Vocational Training / Skills

Location: London / Greater London

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Remuneration: Open / Competitive (depending on experience) - Basic plus bonus

Background

We have been retained by a well-established, profitable, and highly respected specialist training provider operating within the vocational / technical skills sector, with a strong reputation for quality delivery and employer engagement. A successful SME venture with proven capability and capacity to achieve significant growth over the coming years.

The business is now entering its next phase of growth and transformation with the Founder seeking to appoint a high-calibre General Manager who will work closely with them over a structured 18 to 24 month period, with a clear pathway to stepping into the Managing Director role, as the Founder likely then steps into a Non-Exec position.

This represents an opportunity to take responsibility for an ambitious SME business, shape its future direction, and ultimately lead it through growth, securing its strong reputation well into the future.

The Role

Working closely with the Founder, you will take increasing responsibility for the leadership and performance of the business, including:

• Driving revenue growth through employer partnerships, learner recruitment, and other new opportunities
• Leading and improving day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality delivery and outcomes
• Taking ownership of commercial performance, including budgeting and profitability
• Building strong relationships with employers, stakeholders (internal/external), and partners
• Leading and supporting a small, committed and experienced team
• Contributing to and executing a clear growth strategy

Over time, you will transition into full responsibility for the business as Managing Director.

Person Profile

We are deliberately open-minded and interested in hearing from a range of individuals. Likely backgrounds include:

• Current “number 2” leaders (e.g. Head of Apprenticeships, Operations Manager, Centre Manager, Head of Employer Engagement) within:

• Further Education colleges
• Independent training providers
• Vocational / skills-based organisations

• Individuals who have:

• Managed teams, delivery, and/or employer relationships
• Exposure to commercial performance, growth and/or budgeting
• A desire to step into a broader leadership role

We would also welcome interest from:

• More experienced leaders who are seeking a hands-on leadership role within a smaller, growth-focused business where they’ll likely have more scope and flexibility to achieve a big impact and feel the satisfaction of that!

What We’re Looking For

• Strong commercial instinct and ability to identify growth opportunities
• Proven experience in training, education, or skills-based environments
• Ability to engage and lead both people effectively - to take them with you
• Confidence engaging with employers and external stakeholders
• An understanding of and commitment to quality assurance & compliance - meeting the needs of accreditation bodies - and enhancing learner outcomes
• A proactive, hands-on approach suited to an SME environment
• Ambition to progress into a Managing Director role
• Experience of Construction would be beneficial - especially training / apprenticeships related to vocational trades - but is not essential

Why This Role?

• Clear and supported pathway to Managing Director
• Opportunity to run and grow an established business, not just a function, department or programme
• Work directly with an experienced Founder - initially more closely during transition, with greater autonomy as they become a NED
• Significant scope to shape strategy, culture, and performance
• A potentially career-defining move for the right individual

Application

To express an interest, please submit your CV ideally along with:

• A brief summary of your most relevant experience
• A guide to remuneration
• Notice period / availability to start

We are keen to explore this opportunity with both emerging and experienced leaders; remuneration will be aligned accordingly - success will also be recognised through a generous bonus scheme.

Note

NJR advises the organisation on the basis of an exclusive consulting assignment.

Any Third-Party applications and correspondence will be forwarded by our client for us, as their retained advisor, to review and no commercial consideration will be available for such unsolicited introductions.