Head of Commercial Ventures

Salary: Circa £80,000 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, EdCity, London, W12 7TF (hybrid working - office-based three days per week)

Lead the next chapter of commercial innovation at Lift Schools

Lift Schools is embarking on a major new chapter, expanding our commercial activity to generate sustainable income that fuels our mission. We're searching for an entrepreneurial and strategic Head of Commercial Ventures to build and lead our first commercial strategy, growing innovative ventures that balance financial sustainability with social impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering Lift Schools' commercial enterprise strategy. This is a unique opportunity to design, launch and scale commercial initiatives that will directly support our ambition: an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day.

About the role

As Head of Commercial Ventures, you will:

• Develop and deliver Lift's first commercial enterprise strategy, aligned to our educational mission
• Grow and optimise existing ventures such as estate lettings and apprenticeship provision
• Identify and build new market opportunities - products, services and partnerships across the education and wider sector
• Lead development of business models, pricing strategies, go-to-market plans and commercial governance frameworks
• Establish systems, processes and performance metrics to ensure all commercial ventures are sustainable, ethical, and aligned with our educational purpose

You'll work closely with senior leaders, schools and operational teams to turn ideas into scalable revenue streams, balancing innovation with integrity.

You'll be someone who:

• Brings a strong track record in commercial business development, product design or venture growth
• Has taken a commercial idea from concept to delivery and scaled it successfully
• Combines strategic acumen with hands-on delivery and entrepreneurial drive
• Understands commercial governance, risk, and compliance in charitable or educational settings
• Understands how to generate revenue in purpose-led contexts such as education, consultancy or social enterprise, ensuring all ventures reflect Lift Schools' values
• Builds credibility quickly and collaborates confidently with senior stakeholders
• Be a confident and collaborative leader, comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, including Trustees, school leaders and partners, and inspiring cross-functional teams to deliver new initiatives

You are commercially astute, creative, resilient and motivated by impact, someone who sees opportunity where others see limitation.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives - and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our mission:

1. We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
2. With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
3. We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

How we support you

At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: We offer bespoke training to help you hone your skills and progress your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle savings: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

Ready to apply? Get in touch here. We can't wait to hear from you.

The role is due to commence as soon as possible.

Closing date: 19th November 2025, 5 pm
Interview date: 3rd December 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.