VP Of International Development

At FutureLearn, we’re passionate about the power of lifelong learning. We help learners from all over the world progress in their careers – and invest in their futures.

We truly believe that up-skilling is a worthy investment, and we hope to empower our learners to take control of their careers through personalised learning pathways – giving them progress at their fingertips.

Partnering with 260+ world-class educational partners, including prestigious universities, global brands and industry partners, we offer our 18 million-strong learner community the opportunity to discover and access flexible, high-quality online courses and degrees.

We’re not here just to teach new skills (although we do that well), we want to help transform lives. FutureLearn is looking for to build our teams with people who share our passion for lifelong learning, career empowerment and education for all. If that sounds like you, get in touch. You could help us achieve our biggest goal yet – becoming the world’s best AI-powered, career-based learning platform and OPM.

What is the opportunity?

As a key member of the Leadership team, you will be instrumental in driving the international division to achieve revenue targets across global markets. In this role, you will lead the development and execution of the international strategy and operational plan, establish business models and revenue streams, and set and monitor revenue objectives. You will also inspire and support the team in aligning with the company’s broader business goals.

Your role as a strategic leader encompasses day-to-day management, effective negotiation, communication, and influence, as well as thought leadership. You will represent FutureLearn in high-level commercial negotiations, international conferences, and key industry events. This position requires regular international travel.

What does success look like?

• Define, execute and effectively communicate international strategy and operation plans.
• Strategically identify business models, commercial opportunities and revenue lines on global markets.
• Forecast, set and review international revenue targets for the team and regions.
• Lead, motivate and develop a customer-centric high-performing international team.
• Provide day-to-day team management and regular reviews to monitor the team’s performance.
• Develop, maintain and harmonise a holistic business development and sales process.
• Working with Marketing and Technology teams, develop marketing and tech strategy to meet international development and revenue targets.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to support the international team to achieve revenue targets.
• Foster a culture of agility and continuous process improvement within the international team.
• Lead negotiations to develop strategic collaborative partnerships with international universities, enterprises and governments.
• Communicate regular updates on key performance indicators to business-wide stakeholders.
• Analyse data and deliver periodic reporting to provide key business and competitor insights and recommendations to the Executive team.
• Act as a thought leader on emerging international digital education trends and identify those that will become commercially relevant and potential for FutureLearn.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships with strategic partners and clients.
• Represent and promote FurtureLearn’s interests in international conferences, events and activities.

What you bring to the table:

Experience and Qualifications

• A professional qualification in marketing is desirable.
• Extensive senior-level experience in international business development and selling services or solutions within large and complex organisations, ideally within EdTech or Higher Education sectors.
• Demonstrated success in leading business development and B2B sales teams to achieve organisational goals.
• Proven track record of driving sales growth and delivering results aligned with business plans, including experience in implementing multi-channel (omnichannel) sales strategies.
• Expertise in key account management, distributor management, and strategic business development.

Knowledge and Skills

• Results-driven with the ability to inspire and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills with a high degree of cultural sensitivity.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with comprehensive knowledge of legal, technological, and financial aspects of business operations.
• Exceptional financial and commercial acumen.
• Proven leadership with strong managerial and motivational skills to optimise team performance.
• Skilled in analysing, reporting, and communicating performance data, business insights, and market trends to key stakeholders.
• Proficient in leading high-value commercial negotiations for strategic partnerships.
• Excellent communication and persuasion skills across all platforms, including written, verbal, and presentations.
• Ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders positively.
• Hands-on problem solver with a keen ability to generate innovative solutions and a strong attention to detail.
• Strong client management and relationship-building capabilities.
• Experience speaking at international conferences and industry events.

What we will offer you:

• 28 days of Annual Leave plus UK Public Holidays
• Roll over up to 5 days Holiday
• Access to FutureLearn courses
• Westfield Health Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Charity work – 1 day dedicated to a charity of your choice
• Calm Premium Subscription

What happens next?

Ready to go for it? Click 'Apply', include your CV and tell us why you'd like to become a FutureLearner, and how you’ll nail this role.

Recruitment Process

Please contact jobs@futurelearn.com if you require any reasonable adjustments or alterations to be made to support you through the recruitment process.

Diversity Statement

We value all the great benefits that diversity brings and encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work – At FutureLearn we are proud to have Diversity and Inclusion at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity regardless of race, colour, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.

We can't wait to meet you! #FutureLearnCareers