Lead Growth. Build Partnerships. Transform Lives.
Capital City College is one of the UK's largest and most ambitious further education providers, educating more than 35,000 learners each year across multiple campuses in London.
We are entering an exciting period of growth and transformation. As we continue to expand our apprenticeship provision, strengthen employer partnerships, develop higher technical education and increase our international activity, we are seeking an exceptional leader to help shape the next chapter of our success.
This is a rare opportunity to join an ambitious Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in delivering 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 the College's Business Development, Partnerships and International function.
You will be responsible for developing and delivering a centrally coordinated, Group-wide strategy that drives employer engagement, commercial growth, strategic partnerships and international development across the College.
Working collaboratively with senior colleagues, curriculum leaders and external partners, you will identify new opportunities for growth, strengthen existing relationships and ensure our provision continues to respond to the changing needs of employers, learners and London's economy.
You will play a leading role in developing partnerships that support apprenticeship growth, workforce development, higher technical education, commercial training and international collaboration, helping to position Capital City College as a recognised leader in employer-led education.
This is a highly visible leadership role with significant influence across the organisation and the opportunity to shape how the College works with employers, government, industry and international partners over the coming years.
Our Vision
At Capital City College, we believe outstanding partnerships create outstanding opportunities.
Our ambition is to become London's leading provider of technical education, apprenticeships, higher technical skills and employer-led learning. We are investing in innovation, developing strategic partnerships and expanding our international reach to ensure our curriculum continues to respond to future skills needs.
This role will be central to delivering that ambition.
You will help us to:
- grow apprenticeships across priority sectors;
- strengthen relationships with employers and industry;
- develop innovative commercial and workforce development opportunities;
- expand international partnerships and transnational education activity;
- increase external investment and collaborative projects; and
- build a sustainable pipeline of business growth that supports our learners, employers and communities.
If you are motivated by creating opportunities, influencing strategy and making a lasting impact through education, this is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK's largest further education colleges.
About You
We are looking for an inspirational and commercially minded leader who enjoys building relationships, identifying opportunities and delivering sustainable growth.
You will be an experienced strategic leader with a successful track record in business development, commercial leadership, employer engagement or partnership development.
You will bring the vision and credibility to build relationships across education, business, government and international markets, whilst leading and developing a high-performing team.
Most importantly, you will share our passion for transforming lives through education and creating opportunities that benefit learners, employers and communities.
What You'll Bring
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Significant experience of leading business development, commercial growth or employer engagement within education, skills or a comparable sector.
- Experience of developing strategic partnerships with employers, public sector organisations and external stakeholders.
- Experience of developing international partnerships and collaborative delivery models, including transnational education, consultancy, commercial training or international student pathways.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and develop new markets.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills, with experience of leading high-performing teams through change.
- The ability to influence senior stakeholders and build productive partnerships.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
- A commitment to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Experience within further education is desirable, although we welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience from higher education, skills, training, public sector or commercial environments.
Why Join Capital City College?
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of London's most ambitious colleges at a time of significant investment and transformation.
You will become part of an Executive Leadership Team committed to innovation, collaboration and delivering outstanding outcomes for learners.
In return, we offer:
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Five dedicated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) days each year.
- Access to TELLUS, our wellbeing and discounts platform.
- Medicash healthcare scheme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loans.
- Occupational Health Services.
- Annual eye tests and contribution towards spectacles.
- Flu vaccinations.
- A supportive, inclusive and collaborative working environment where professional development is actively encouraged.
About Capital City College
Capital City College is London's largest further and higher education college group, supporting more than 35,000 learners each year across multiple campuses.
We are recognised for curriculum innovation, strong employer partnerships and our commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education that changes lives.
Through ambitious teaching, technical excellence and close collaboration with employers, we equip learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to succeed in work and life.
Our vision is simple:
To transform lives through exceptional education, outstanding partnerships and opportunities that enable every learner to realise their potential.
Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding
Capital City College is proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone is welcomed, respected and valued.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful applicants will be required to undertake the appropriate DBS checks for the role.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the learners and communities we serve.
Informal Discussion
We welcome informal and confidential conversations with prospective applicants.
If you would like to discuss the role, our ambitions for the future or the opportunities available at Capital City College, please contact:
Debbie Houghton
Group Principal – Apprenticeships, Partnerships and Innovation
📧 [email protected]
Apply Now
If you are an ambitious leader who is passionate about partnerships, innovation and sustainable growth, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Join Capital City College and help shape the future of technical education, apprenticeships, employer engagement and international partnerships in one of the UK's largest and most ambitious further education organisations
