Business Development Lead

Join us at a pivotal moment for the education sector.

ISBL is launching a major new initiative – the Centre for Education Operational Excellence – designed to transform how schools and trusts operate. We are seeking a proactive and strategic Business Development Lead to help shape, drive, and deliver this ambitious programme from inception.

About ISBL

ISBL has a 30‑year track record of supporting and developing a unique cadre of education professionals: school business leaders. Our work is underpinned by nationally endorsed professional standards and our OpEx for Education™ framework, placing us at the heart of sector improvement and operational excellence.

We serve a community of approximately 24,000 schools within a sector worth more than £80 billion, giving us significant reach, influence, and opportunity. Our core services span institute membership, professional development, research, events, sector innovation, and the sharing of best practice – creating a rich platform for partnership growth and impact.

Introducing the Centre for Education Operational Excellence

The Centre represents the next evolution of our work, extending ISBL’s focus from individual professional development to whole‑organisation operational excellence across schools and trusts.

It brings together three interconnected hubs:

• Solutions – Practical, high‑impact services and tools that support operational improvement.
• Research – Evidence‑based insights that shape best practice and drive innovation.
• International – Collaboration across global education systems to raise operational standards worldwide.

Working alongside ISBL, these hubs form a powerful ecosystem that connects practice, research, and international learning – strengthening organisational performance and, ultimately, educational outcomes.

About the Role

As Business Development Lead, you will play a central role in shaping the Centre’s commercial strategy, building new partnerships, and driving sustainable growth. This is a rare opportunity to influence a nationally significant initiative.

Full role details are available in the attached job description.