Job Description
MK College Group is seeking an ambitious and commercially minded leader to shape the future of our commercial enterprises. Reporting to the Group Director: Adult HE & Commercial, you will lead a diverse portfolio of commercial operations including sports facilities, catering and hospitality services across multiple campuses, and the development of partnership and event opportunities through the effective use of our estate.
We are looking for someone who can identify new opportunities and develop innovative approaches to maximise the value of our facilities and services. Working within the framework of our Fairer Futures for All strategy, you will play a key role in supporting financial sustainability whilst ensuring that every commercial activity enhances the experience of our students, staff, employers and wider community.
You will be responsible for creating and delivering a commercial growth strategy that balances income generation with educational purpose. This includes developing new partnerships, increasing utilisation of college facilities, exploring new markets, and creating opportunities that strengthen employer engagement and community connections.
The successful candidate will be a creative problem-solver, an experienced commercial leader and an enthusiastic advocate for the role that college facilities can play in supporting students, communities and economic growth. They will be motivated by the challenge of using College assets to offer vibrant, high-performing services which support both organisational sustainability and student success.
OUR BENEFITS
- 35 days annual leave
- 3 additional company closure days during the festive season
- Birthday off
- College organised day working in the Community
- UK Bank Holidays (entitlement will be pro-rated for part-time employees)
- Generous pension scheme
- Professional development opportunities, including professional qualifications
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) accessible 24 hours per day, 365 days per year
- A variety of amazing discounts with NUS Card, Blue Light Card and our reward and recognition platform
- Employee wellbeing platform
- Access to a variety of EDIB related Employee Networks
- Great working environment with complementary parking at both our Milton Keynes and Bletchley sites
Milton Keynes College Group was formed in 2021, with the mission of Building Fairer Futures. The College Group includes 1,200 colleagues who work across MK College, the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) Bletchley, our prison education services in 30 prisons and MK Commercial which comprises The Brasserie restaurant, Sport Central, Courtside and the Chaffron Centre.
At MK College, our colleagues support more than 3,000 16-19 year olds currently studying with us and a total student population of over 8,000. Founded in 1982, MK College offers a broad variety of qualifications, including vocational courses, apprenticeships, T levels, higher education and professional certificates, as well as employability skills and community training.
We are proud to have opened one of the biggest Institutes of Technology in the country. The South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) in Bletchley is a consortium of prestigious partners led by Milton Keynes College. Anchor partners include Microsoft, Evidence Talks, Activate Learning, Cranfield University and KPMG. The SCIoT provides higher level technical qualifications, apprenticeships and short courses. We offer a hub of innovation and world-leading technological advancements with relentless dedication to future-proof the lives and skills of learners. At South Central IoT, our learners can be anything ready.
The College is also a national provider of education services in prisons across the country. For nearly 30 years, we have worked with offenders in both custody, the wider community and currently work with 30 prisons across England. This includes 13 prisons which make up the Long Term High Security Estate, 16 category B, C and D prisons and the new HMP Fosse Way.
Founded on the principle of Further Education’s ability to transform lives through learning, we’re proud to create an environment that attracts the best colleagues and students from Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas, and supports education in prisons nationally. The value we gain from the diverse communities we serve is immeasurable. We want all our colleagues, students and learners to feel they are an integral part of the College Group and together we will create an inclusive culture where everyone can contribute to College life and our collective knowledge and growth.
We know that education has the power to build fairer futures for all, and we know that we can’t create real change on our own. That’s why we work with employers to ensure that our learners develop the skills that their industries need, as well as partnering with local charities and community groups to make a difference in our local communities.
When applying for a role at the College Group, you can expect the same level of commitment towards diversity and inclusion as you’ll experience when you’ve started with us. We treat all our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their background, disability or any other individual characteristic. We particularly encourage applications from people with backgrounds which are currently under-represented within Milton Keynes College Group.
Milton Keynes College Group is a committed safer recruitment employer in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). We take extreme care in ensuring the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.