**Role Overview:** This newly created Director, Commercial Strategy (Early Career) sits at the heart of a strategic initiative to accelerate Pearson’s growth in the Early Career market, including the K12 Career and Technical Education market as well as the Adult Learning and Workforce training programs across Higher Education and other Workforce Development programs. You will partner directly with the Sr Director of Commercial Strategy & Growth Initiatives to develop and execute a commercial strategy that evaluates market opportunities, shapes product and solution development, and builds Go-To-Market discipline. As a subject matter expert, you will manage analyses and strategic workstreams that inform critical decisions, mentor colleagues and collaborate across functions to ensure insights translate into action. Success requires bringing clarity to ambiguity and creatively leveraging existing assets to meet emerging needs. The role supports a strategic priority for the business and offers a launchpad for broader Go-To-Market responsibilities. **Key responsibilities** **Commercial strategy & market evaluation** – Develop and refine the commercial strategy for the Early Career category. Conduct market and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and understand what it will take to build meaningful, differentiated solutions. **Product & solution development** – Translate market insights into product and commercial proposals. Build business cases for new offerings in areas such as college readiness pathways, industry credential programs and workforce development solutions. **Go-To-Market leadership** – Coordinate cross-functional execution, including sales operations, marketing, pricing/business management and policy/RFP responses. Prepare the organization to take new products and programs to market, ensuring operational readiness and revenue acceleration. **Stakeholder management & collaboration** – Work with internal teams (product, marketing, sales, finance, legal, policy) and external partners (educational institutions, employers, associations) to align on strategy and drive execution. **Performance & risk management** – Monitor commercial performance and market trends. Identify risks to strategic plans and develop mitigation strategies. **Leadership & mentorship** – Provide informal leadership to colleagues and project teams, fostering a collaborative, innovative work environment. **Continuous improvement** – Stay informed about evolving trends in workforce development, career and technical education and related sectors. Use this insight to adapt strategy and identify new opportunities. **Experience, skills and knowledge** + Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Marketing or a related field; MBA preferred. + Approximately **10 years** of experience in commercial strategy, revenue growth or product development roles, ideally within the education sector. + **Passion for the education market is essential** , and familiarity with the U.S. education landscape is important. Direct experience working in K12 career and technical education, community college, or workforce development markets is a plus. + Proven record of formulating and executing strategy in ambiguous or rapidly evolving markets. + Ability to collaborate effectively across functions and influence stakeholders at all levels. + Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to synthesize market data and performance metrics for decision making. + Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, to articulate strategy and influence diverse audiences. + Experience managing cross functional Go-To-Market initiatives (sales operations, marketing, pricing/business management) and leading or mentoring teams. + Proven experience in leading and managing organizational transformation initiatives. This includes the ability to develop and implement change management strategies, engage stakeholders, and ensure smooth transitions during periods of change. + Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments. This involves being adaptable, making decisions with limited information, and maintaining focus on strategic objectives despite uncertainty. **To be considered for this position, please submit your resume along with your application.** **Compensation at Pearson** is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York State, New York City, Vermont, Washington State, and Washington DC laws, the pay range for this position is as follows: The minimum full-time salary range is between $200,000 - $240,000. This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here. **_Applications will be accepted through Friday, August 29_** **_th_** **_, 2025. This window may be extended depending on business needs._** **Who we are:** At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson. Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com. **Job:** Strategy **Job Family:** ENTERPRISE **Organization:** Higher Education **Schedule:** FULL\_TIME **Workplace Type:** **Req ID:** 20705 \#location