Manager – (Professional Development)

MakeADifference

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 schoolcollegeand trust leaders to thrive.

By developing high-quality learningdevelopmentand consultancy services you will influence leadership practice across the UKhelping education organisations navigate complexity improveoutcomesand deliver excellence for their communities.

WhyThisRoleMatters

ASCL PD plays a critical role in strengthening the Associations impact and reach. This position sits at the heart of our strategic ambitionsensuring our professional development offer is innovative financially sustainable and a go-to choice for leaders across the sector.

You will bridge strategy and deliveryaligning professional development with ASCLs wider work enhancing member value and driving growth in a competitive a key role in delivering ASCLs mission:

Speaking on behalf of members. Acting on behalf of children and young people.

WhoWereLookingFor

Wereseekinga 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.

WhatYoullBeDoing

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 andfinancial 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 ASCLs 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 marketingpolicyand commercial teams to maximise impact and reach

Performance and continuous improvement

• Evaluate programme impact and refine services based on feedback and insight

• Drive efficiencyqualityand 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 workingfrom 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 beliefsexor sexual orientation.

For thishybridrolethe post-holderideally wouldlive withinone hour of ASCL a combination of working from home and being in-person at our Leicester HQ at least two days per weekandtravel across the UK and telephone equipment will be provided.

Ifyoureready 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 onMonday 15 June 2026.

Interviews will be heldin-person atASCL HQin LeicesteronMonday 22 June2026.

Start date:Tuesday 1 September2026but dependent on individual circumstances.

TO APPLY

To download the job description and person specification follow the link on theApply here button above(which will take you to Networx Recruitments website). From there pleasecomplete your email address in thetop right-hand box and click on the green Apply Now buttonand follow the online application process. If you have any queries please contact Angela Stewart Workplace and Facilities Manager in the first instance on 0.

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 20500 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.