Head of Business Innovation and Development

CompanySouth Lanarkshire College

LocationEast Kilbride, Scotland, United Kingdom

Posted At1/16/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Occupation Type

Marketing, sales and advertising directors

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£87,300 (£44.77 per hour)

Occupation rate applies

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Description

Head of Business Innovation and Development

Permanent, Full-Time (applications of 0.8 FTE or more may be considered)

£65,261 per annum

Job Purpose & Objectives

The Head of Business Innovation and Development will lead the strategic development and operational delivery of all commercial income streams and ventures across the College. This role is pivotal in identifying, cultivating and scaling revenue-generating opportunities that align with the College’s values and long-term vision. Through dynamic stakeholder engagement and the creation of impactful partnerships, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, the postholder will drive innovation, sustainability and enterprise across the college community.

With a sharp focus on diversification of income, the Head of Business Innovation and Development will champion entrepreneurial thinking, foster cross-sector collaboration, and ensure that all income generating activities enhance the College’s reputation, financial resilience and contribution to regional economic growth.

The role reports directly to the Vice Principal – Finance, Resources and Sustainability and provides regular updates on the viability of existing and future projects to the Board of Management Committees including the Finance and Resources Committee as well as the Board of Management.

The Postholder will have significant autonomy in setting objectives and responsibilities for this role, within broad parameters established by the Board of Management, the Principal and Chief Executive and the Vice Principal – Finance, Resources & Sustainability.

The role is full time (may consider 0.8 equivalent) with the expectation of a set 4 or 5 day working week across core College hours within Monday – Friday.

To apply please download the Recruitment Pack and Staff Application Form from our website: https://www.slc.ac.uk/more/work-for-us

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Successful applicants will be required to become members of the relevant PVG scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by South Lanarkshire College.

For further enquiries please contact People Services Department, South Lanarkshire College, College Way, East Kilbride, G75 0NE, by telephoning 01355 807780 or by e-mailing humanresources@slc.ac.uk

Completed application forms can be emailed to humanresources@slc.ac.uk and should be returned by Wednesday 21st January 2026.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Developing Strategy and Setting Direction

Creating and maintaining the College’s Business Innovation and Development vision and strategy, working with key stakeholders to ensure clear alignment with, and direct contribution to, the College’s overall Strategy.
To contribute effectively to the operational planning process, working with the Business Innovation and Development team to ensure team goals are aligned to College strategic aims and tracking team performance against operational goals.

Commercial Activity

Oversee delivery of bespoke training, short courses and commercial programmes.
Ensure pricing models, contracts and service delivery are competitive and financially sustainable.

Monitor performance of commercial activities, reporting regularly to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Management

Administrative Duties

Ensure accurate, high-quality and robust administrative processes are in place to maintain up-to-date records for apprenticeship, work-based learning, contract-funded and commercial activity.
Check and prepare documentation for audits, contract monitoring, internal quality processes, working closely with the Business Innovation and Development Manager.
Monitor key deadlines relating to funding claims, commercial reporting, contract requirements, review cycles and data submissions, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
Maintain complete, accurate and audit-ready records for all work-based learning, apprenticeship and commercial learners, in line with funder, awarding body and College policy.

Innovation & Growth

Lead on product development, including digital learning, continuous professional development (CPD) programmes and employer-led initiatives.
Explore opportunities for international partnerships, licensing, and new revenue streams.

Drive continuous improvement in customer service and client experience.

To attend conferences/seminars/workshops to keep up-to-date with funding developments and explore any potential leads to securing new or continuing existing funding streams

To research and submit applications for funding in a timely manner, liaising with external agencies in the development of funding bids where applicable.

To remain vigilant to and engage in both national and international initiatives to strengthen the College’s position in the sector.

Initiating activities to monitor market trends and identify new market opportunities in terms of potential skills gaps, regional workforce development, reskilling and upskilling requirements within the local area.

Governance & Compliance

Ensure all commercial activity complies with college policies, funding regulations, and quality standards.
Manage budgets effectively, ensuring profitability and reinvestment into core education.
Ensuring that financial records for funding streams are complete and are appropriate and adequate for all relevant financial and non-financial audits.

Deliver on key performance indicators for commercial activity.

Providing information to Finance Department to enable funding from grantors to be claimed when required.

Ensuring that arrangements are made by Finance Department to invoice or claim amounts due to the College through operating activities.

Presenting ad-hoc reports and updates to the Finance and Resources Committee, ensuring transparency in matters related to funding and/or projects.

Preparing detailed reports, insights, and presentations for senior stakeholders, using data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

Supporting the design and implementation of Business and Innovation Development related policies and practices, ensuring alignment with sector regulations, risk management frameworks, and best practices within the college and education sector

Contract Management

Overseeing the development and negotiation of contracts, such as Modern Apprenticeships, ensuring that they include clear terms and conditions, performance metrics, and compliance requirements.
Managing a portfolio of innovation projects and initiatives, ensuring that they are aligned with the College's goals and have the necessary resources to succeed

Managing relationships with suppliers and partners, ensuring that they adhere to contract terms, conditions, and scope.

Identifying and mitigating risks associated with contracts, such as potential cost overruns, delays, or non-compliance

Continually evaluating contracts throughout life to ensure success and implementing improvements to future contracts where required.

Communicating effectively with stakeholders, including internal teams, suppliers, and senior management, to ensure transparency and alignment on contract-related matters.

Collaborative Partnerships and Communication

Promoting and fostering a collaborative cross-college approach to the development and delivery of business growth.
Collaborating with College Heads of Sector to support the development of initiatives to enhance the learning experience.
Working closely with other departments, such as marketing and curriculum areas, to integrate innovative ideas and solutions into the College's operations
Leading commercial projects and partnerships to grow and achieve associated College income and performance targets.

Representing the College on appropriate community and development groups to provide both input to those groups and inform College Management on current risks and opportunities.

People Management & Leadership

Leading, inspiring and managing a high-performing Business Innovation and Development team, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and excellence.
Setting clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct Career Reviews to support individual and team development.
Mentoring and supporting team members, encouraging professional growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
Developing and implementing succession planning and professional development strategies within the Business and Innovation Development function to build a resilient, future-ready team.
To ensure efficient and effective deployment of staff and provide robust budgetary control in the management of all resources.
Promoting an inclusive, supportive work environment, demonstrating and modelling the College’s Values.
Providing clear direction and vision for the team, aligning their objectives with the College’s strategic priorities and fostering a shared sense of purpose.

Encouraging an environment of CPD to provide the highest possible quality of service to students.

Participating in CPD and any training as required for the role.

Internal and External Relationships

The incumbent will engage with both internal stakeholders across the College and key external bodies to ensure that Business and Innovation Development strategies are aligned with the college’s strategic priorities, values, and regulatory requirements. This will include responding to both external and internal audit requests as and when required.