| Reference: | AQ2403 |
| Specialisms: | Education |
| Date posted: | 9th January 2024 |
| Closing date: | 8th February 2024 |
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) – Unlocking the Future at Aston University
As the new year starts are you ready to embark on a transformative journey as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Aston University, a new pivotal role designed to spearhead the University’s groundbreaking 2030 Strategy? Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, you will serve as a key architect in steering the University’s engagement and commercial development agenda, playing a central role in the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive Group.
In this dynamic role, you will lead Aston University’s “omni-channel” commercial delivery model, driving marketing, student recruitment, commercial training, online education, strategic partnerships, and international development. Your focus will be on quality, innovation, and growth, contributing to the realization of the Birmingham Innovation Quarter and UK Investment Zone strategy.
With a proven track record in leading commercial development portfolios in large, complex organisations, you will have experience operating at an executive level and be a visionary leader, able to shape the University’s commercial strategy, ensuring continuous enhancement of income-generating portfolios. To underpin this ambition, you will have an in-depth understanding of the higher education sector and commercialisation opportunities.
As a key member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive, you will contribute to the University’s overall strategic direction and provide strategic leadership for the University Engagement and Commercial Development portfolio. In overseeing various key departments, you will foster a culture of commercial acumen, innovation, and excellence, aligning with Aston’s values and behaviours.
Through inspiring and credible leadership of a diverse and high-performing team, you will oversee business development, alumni relations, marketing, communications, and international development. Collaborating with the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive, you’ll foster a culture of commercial acumen, innovation, and excellence, delivered with effective interpersonal and influencing skills.
You will bring a demonstrable ability to drive innovation, manage organisational change, and deliver commercial impact, presenting proven success in building relationships with key influencers and stakeholders. Internally, you will lead cross-university strategic projects, ensuring effective improvement strategies and operational plans, and externally, you will represent the University’s interests at local, regional, national, and international levels, collaborating with higher education institutions, industry partners, local authorities, governmental bodies, and commercial entities.
Your responsibilities will also include operations of the Aston Business Hub and Aston Enterprise Hub, and nurturing strategic partnerships leading to new investments, start-ups, and scale-ups.
If you’re an innovative leader with a passion for shaping the future of higher education, join us on this exciting journey at Aston University. Together, we will unlock a future of innovation and inclusive growth.
Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University, and an executive search process is being carried out in addition to the public advertisement.
Should you wish to discuss further details about the role in strict confidence, please contact Elyse Turner-Pearce at +44 (0)7808 648 559 or Elyse.Turner-Pearce@andersonquigley.com or Kiersten Avery at +44 (0)7510 384 735 or Kiersten.Avery@andersonquigley.com
The closing date for applications is midnight Thursday 8th February.
If you have any questions about your application, please get in touch.
