Director of Commercial Enterprise – St Dunstan’s Education Group

A newly created, exciting opportunity for an ambitious, entrepreneurial and strategic commercial leader to drive income generation, diversification and enterprise across a high-performing and forward-thinking Group.

St Dunstan’s Education Group is one of the fastest-growing not-for-profit independent school groups in the UK, comprising a dynamic family of schools across south-east London. Educating close to 2,000 pupils from early years to sixth form, the Group is united by a shared ethos, a commitment to Excellence, Differently, and a bold ambition to be recognised as a modern, socially purposeful and commercially sustainable model for independent education.

Reporting to the CFO, and as a key member of the Professional Services Leadership Team, the Director of Commercial Enterprise will lead the development of a Group-wide commercial strategy, identifying and delivering opportunities across international partnerships, estate utilisation, new educational ventures and community engagement. They will oversee commercial activity within the Group’s trading subsidiaries, maximise the value of its assets and brand, and ensure that commercial initiatives are financially robust, operationally viable and aligned to the Group’s educational mission.

Candidates will have a proven track record of commercial success in complex organisations, thinking strategically and delivering results.  They will have strong commercial acumen, creativity, financial modelling skills and the ability to work at pace across multiple sites, stakeholders and business domains.  Applications are welcomed from candidates from a wide range of sectors; however, experience of commercial estate projects and developing community partnerships would be an advantage.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion:

Hannah Freestone-Smith: hannahfreestone-smith@rsacademics.com

Nina Lambert: ninalambert@rsacademics.com

The closing date for applications is 10.00am UK time on Monday 8th June 2026.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided. 

You should submit the following (both in PDF format):

• a completed application form 
• a covering letter addressed to the CEO, Mr Nick Hewlett. Your letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at: applications@rsacademics.com. Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

St Dunstan’s Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity, and inclusion in schools