Commercial Manager

Commercial Manager Overview

This is a remote commercial role focused on a defined UK region, with responsibility for developing and protecting Ascentis business across existing and prospective education customers. The post combines account management, new business development, relationship building, and event representation, with a strong emphasis on long-term partnerships, customer care, and achieving commercial targets. Although the role is target-driven, the approach expected is consultative and collaborative rather than transactional.

What the role involves

• Taking ownership of Ascentis provision across the assigned territory and ensuring that the business is maintained and expanded over time.
• Managing a balanced portfolio of Ascentis products and services so that opportunities are pursued at the most appropriate times during the year.
• Building new business from both current centres and new prospects, with a focus on sustainable growth.
• Representing Ascentis qualifications at a variety of internal and external events.
• Working closely with education providers to promote the organisation’s qualifications and support commercial growth.
• Meeting agreed targets while also strengthening relationships with existing customers.
• Providing a high level of account management and customer service to support long-term collaboration.
• Keeping in regular contact with accounts through online meetings and in-person visits.
• Travelling frequently within the region to meet customers and prospects, including staying away overnight when needed.
• Travelling to the Lancaster head office as required.

What the organisation is looking for

• A team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational ability to manage a regional workload, meetings, travel, and targets.
• Confident communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to influence and engage others through a consultative sales style.
• Ambition and a clear focus on results, combined with an interest in building lasting partnerships.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with colleagues.
• Willingness to travel extensively across the West Midlands, Wales, and the South West.
• Comfort working remotely from a UK base.
• Experience selling educational products is useful, but not essential.
• Full product training will be provided, so the employer is open to candidates who can learn quickly and apply their skills in role.

Pay, contract, and working arrangements

• Permanent position.
• Salary of £36,849 per year.
• Additional market supplement of £11,010 per year.
• Generous bonus scheme.
• 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Flexible working options will be considered.
• Role based remotely in the UK, with travel to the Lancaster head office and across the region as needed.
• Frequent travel and overnight stays are part of the job.

Benefits and perks

• 25 days of annual leave plus 8 public holidays.
• Birthday day off.
• Extra closure days during the Christmas period.
• More holiday for longer service.
• Ability to purchase additional leave, up to a total of 43 days.
• Competitive pension arrangements, including salary sacrifice.
• Access to flexible working arrangements where operationally possible.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, neonatal, paternity, shared parental, adoption, sick pay, life insurance, and compassionate leave.
• Access to modern office and break-out facilities when on site, including refreshments, leisure amenities, and shower/dressing facilities.
• Free parking and secure bike storage.
• Electric vehicle charging points, with charging paid by the employee.
• Learning and development opportunities tailored to the role.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Home and Tech scheme.
• Discounted gym membership at 3-1-5 Health Club.
• 24-hour employee support line and wellbeing-focused support.
• Aviva DigiCare+ access, including virtual GP appointments and an annual health check.
• Reward and recognition scheme.
• Regular team-building and communication activities.

About the employer

Ascentis describes itself as one of the UK’s leading educational charity groups, bringing together an awarding organisation and a provider of dyslexia intervention software. The organisation works across colleges, training providers, local education authorities, primary and secondary schools, and international schools. It has a strong national presence, including a significant customer base in London, and it highlights its market-leading position in ESOL and its status as a leading Access Validating Agency. The company also notes recent award wins for Innovation of the Year and Awarding Organisation of the Year at the 2024 Federation of Awarding Bodies awards.

The organisation emphasises its commitment to diversity and equal opportunities, stating that it values people with different backgrounds, personalities, experiences, and skills, and that it does not tolerate less favourable treatment on protected grounds.

Additional information

Interested candidates are invited to apply for the role. For further discussion about the post, the contact named on the page is Alexander Houghton, Head of Commercial, via email. The page also notes that the role may meet the eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

Visa Sponsorship Promising