Associate Director (Maternity Cover), ImpactEd Consulting

As an Associate Director in ImpactEd Consulting you will lead partner relationships and high-complexity engagements, shape the work of the practice and deliver high-quality, value-driven solutions. You will scope and lead client engagements and hold a business development target supported by our ownership awards. You will take on an established portfolio of partnerships from colleagues going on parental leave, so the early months are about continuity: holding those relationships steady and keeping delivery to the standard our partners already expect. Alongside that you will lead business development in your own right, shaping propositions and bringing in new work. This role will suit someone who builds partner confidence quickly and is comfortable working with real autonomy from early on. Partnerships and delivery Design and lead consultancy partnerships, working closely with partners to diagnose challenges and develop tailored solutions, and sponsor engagements led by others, accountable for quality and partner satisfaction. Commission and manage associates where needed. Business development Hold a business development target, supported by our ownership awards, and take responsibility for commercial performance against it. Lead proposals, resource planning and partner negotiation for high-complexity engagements, identify renewals and extensions, and contribute to the practice pipeline and the weekly commercial meeting. Quality and expertise Bring depth in one or more of our specialisms, quality assure colleagues' outputs, and combine sector understanding with our offers to create propositions that drive partnership and business development opportunities. People and leadership Act as a coach and role model across the practice, supporting colleagues in their development. Foster an inclusive team culture in line with our values, and contribute to strong employee engagement. Practice and Group Contribute to Group-wide work, our residentials and professional development programme, and to setting and reviewing objectives. Person Specification - Essential: A strong record in consultancy or advisory work for education or purpose-driven organisations, including leading engagements end to end Experience of business development: scoping, proposals and winning work Depth in one or more of our specialisms and the ability to quality assure others' work Experience of developing or coaching colleagues Knowledge of the UK education system Alignment with our values and the ability to demonstrate them in your work  Person Specification - Desirable: Experience of proposition development or thought leadership Experience of commissioning and managing associates An established network across the education sector that you could draw on for partnership and business development conversations Experience of advising on AI adoption or data strategy in education or the charity sector Experience of advising on fundraising and philanthropy If you meet most, but not all, of these criteria, we would still like to hear from you.