Job Description
About Us:
ABP School of Automation is a specialist training provider in AI and Automation, delivering career pathway, reskilling, and upskilling programmes. We use a unique methodology for selecting, training, and mentoring talent, empowering learners to build meaningful, sustainable careers in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.
As part of the wider ABP Group, we work closely with industry partners such as UiPath and IBM, ensuring our learners have access to the latest tools, practices, and training content across Intelligent Automation and emerging AI technologies.
We deliver:
* Government-funded training (e.g., academies & career pathways)
* Commercial AI & Automation upskilling for employers
* Talent deployment, placing trained automation professionals into organisations
As part of the ABP Group we work closely with our sister organisation, ABP Consultancy, we support clients end‑to‑end, from advisory and transformation work through to workforce capability building.
We are entering a period of growth and innovation, and this addition to the Sales Team will be central to shaping our next phase.
Purpose of the Role
You will lead the strategic development, positioning, and commercial growth of ABP School of Automation. This is a senior, outward‑facing, trusted‑advisor role designed to:
* Shape our AI & Automation training strategy
* Develop and position compelling training products and pathways
* Build and grow strategic relationships with funders, employers, and partners
* Generate revenue across funded, commercial, and talent deployment streams
* Spot and shape opportunities that connect training with ABP Consultancy’s advisory services
You will represent SOA in senior‑level discussions, own our commercial conversations, and help shape the future direction of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Strategy & Market Development
* Lead the development of the commercial strategy for SOA, covering funded programmes, commercial training, and talent solutions.
* Analyse market trends, industry skill gaps, and emerging technologies to shape new training offers.
* Define and articulate SOA’s value proposition across AI, automation, and digital skills.
* Identify new growth opportunities across public sector, private sector, and strategic partnerships.
Product & Proposition Leadership
* Own the development and positioning of SOA’s training products and pathways.
* Work closely with technical trainers, curriculum designers, and industry specialists to ensure offers are current and commercially compelling.
* Shape learning solutions that integrate with ABP Consultancy’s advisory and transformation services.
* Oversee the creation of tailored proposals and commercial bids for employers and partners.
Strategic Business Development
* Lead high value client and stakeholder conversations with senior decision makers (C‑suite, Transformation Directors, Digital Leaders, Training & Skills Commissioners).
* Develop long term relationships that generate recurring income and strategic positioning.
* Lead the commercial approach to government funded training opportunities in partnership with operations and compliance teams.
* Generate new employer clients for paid training and upskilling programmes.
External Positioning & Thought Leadership
* Represent SOA at events, industry groups, and strategic meetings.
* Act as a trusted expert on AI, Automation, and the future of work.
* Strengthen SOA’s brand visibility in the UK & IE digital and skills ecosystem.
Revenue Responsibility
* Own revenue targets across:
* Funded training
* Commercial employer training
* Consultancy linked opportunities
* Day rate placement of learners
* Build a sustainable pipeline of opportunities aligned to strategic priorities.
* Provide commercial reporting, forecasts, and insights at SOA executive meetings.
Collaboration Across ABP Group
* Work closely with the Group CRO to align SOA’s growth strategy with broader group ambitions.
* Partner with ABP Consultancy to identify cross sell opportunities.
* Ensure training, consultancy, and talent deployment work together as an integrated value proposition.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
* Senior commercial experience in training, digital transformation, AI, automation, or related sectors.
* Proven ability to shape strategy and turn it into commercial growth.
* Strong consultative selling and solution design skills.
* Ability to engage and influence senior leaders and stakeholders.
* Experience designing or positioning technology or skills-based products/services.
* Understanding of government funded skills programmes or workforce development.
* Exceptional communication and proposal writing skills.
* Highly credible as a trusted advisor to clients and partners.
Desirable
* Experience in adult education, apprenticeship, skills bootcamps, or employability pathways.
* Familiarity with AI governance, automation technologies (e.g., UiPath, IBM), or digital innovation.
* Experience linking training solutions with consultancy/advisory work.
* Background in digital, tech, education, or transformation environments.
What Success Looks Like
* Growth in revenue across funded, commercial, and talent streams.
* Well defined and market aligned training products that differentiate SOA.
* Strong partnerships with employers, funders, public bodies, and industry groups.
* Increased visibility and positioning of SOA as a leader in AI & automation skills.
* Clear commercial pipeline aligned to strategy and group priorities.
* Measurable consultancy crossover opportunities delivered to ABP Consultancy.
* High client satisfaction and repeat business driven by trusted expert relationships.
What we offer:
* Predominantly remote role.
* Occasional travel (around once per month) to meet with the team in London or Glasgow.
* In-person client delivery may be required from time to time.
We know great people don’t always tick every box. If you believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.