Make A Difference
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of professional development across the education sector. As Manager of ASCL PD, you will lead and grow a nationally recognised offer that directly supports school, college and trust leaders to thrive.
By developing high-quality learning, development and consultancy services, you will influence leadership practice across the UK—helping education organisations navigate complexity, improve outcomes and deliver excellence for their communities.
Why This Role Matters
ASCL PD plays a critical role in strengthening the Association’s impact and reach. This position sits at the heart of our strategic ambitions—ensuring our professional development offer is innovative, financially sustainable, and a “go-to” choice for leaders across the sector.
You will bridge strategy and delivery—aligning professional development with ASCL’s wider work, enhancing member value, and driving growth in a competitive market. You’ll play a key role in delivering ASCL’s mission:
“Speaking on behalf of members. Acting on behalf of children and young people.”
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a confident and strategic leader who combines commercial awareness with a passion for education and professional learning.
You will bring:
Proven experience leading and developing professional development services or similar commercial offers
Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire high-performing teams
Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and growth strategies
Excellent communication and influencing skills
Strong analytical capability, using data and insight to inform decisions
A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across teams and stakeholders
A commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuous improvement
Experience of the education sector or working with boards or trustees is highly desirable.
What You’ll Be Doing
Strategic leadership
Develop and deliver a clear growth strategy, including mission, vision, KPIs and commercial objectives
Ensure ASCL PD strengthens and complements the wider ASCL offer
Business and financial management
Lead budget planning and oversight, ensuring sustainability and growth
Monitor performance through data, reporting and KPIs to inform strategic decisions
Programme development and delivery
Expand and innovate PD products and services
Oversee delivery of flagship events, including ASCL’s annual conference and leadership programmes
Leadership and team management
Lead, motivate and develop a diverse team of specialists
Manage a network of trainers and consultants
Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture
Partnership and collaboration
Work cross-functionally to deliver a compelling and differentiated offer
Engage with marketing, policy and commercial teams to maximise impact and reach
Performance and continuous improvement
Evaluate programme impact and refine services based on feedback and insight
Drive efficiency, quality and innovation across all activity
What We Offer
ASCL is an equal opportunities employer and offers a very generous package of benefits including
Flexible working: Flexible working from home with at least two days office based in Leicester.
Generous leave: 33 days annual leave + bank holidays
Pension: 9% employer contribution
Professional development: Ongoing training and peer support
Expenses covered: Travel, home-working allowance, and equipment provided
Inclusive culture: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
We encourage applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
For this hybrid role the post-holder ideally would live within one hour of ASCL HQ. with a combination of working from home and being in-person at our Leicester HQ at least two days per week and travel across the UK as required. IT and telephone equipment will be provided.
If you’re ready to lead a service that makes a real difference to education leaders and organisations across the UK, we would love to hear from you.
INTERESTED?
The closing date for application is 4pm on Monday 15 June 2026.
Interviews will be held in-person, at ASCL HQ in Leicester on Monday 22 June 2026.
Start date: Tuesday 1 September 2026 but dependent on individual circumstances.
TO APPLY
To download the job description and person specification, follow the link on the 'Apply here' button above (which will take you to Networx Recruitment's website). From there, please complete your email address in the top right-hand box and click on the green 'Apply Now' button and follow the online application process. If you have any queries, please contact Angela Stewart, Workplace and Facilities Manager in the first instance on 0116 299 1122.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is the leading professional association and trade union for all school and college leaders. We are proud to support and represent more than 20,500 school and college leaders of primary, secondary and post-16 education from across the UK.
Our members are responsible for the education of more than four million young people and children. We work to shape national education policy, provides advice and support to our members and deliver first-class professional development.
