Head of Market - Pakistan

Opportunity Overview

A leading international education organization seeks a Head of Market for Pakistan to formulate and implement the market strategy encompassing learning, assessment, examinations, and internationally recognized qualifications. The role demands a commercially astute leader capable of overseeing the overall market performance by aligning Operations, Business Development, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service under a unified growth vision. The position is based in Islamabad (preferred), with consideration for Karachi or Lahore, and involves frequent travel within Pakistan.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement growth strategies for the organization's education and assessment offerings in Pakistan.
• Manage the Pakistan market's P&L, including revenue, profitability, forecasting, and resource distribution.
• Identify commercial opportunities and strategize expansion of products, services, and clientele.
• Integrate cross-functional teams—Operations, Business Development, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service—into one cohesive market plan.
• Provide inspiring leadership to a multidisciplinary team of approximately 150 members, mainly through influence in a matrix organizational structure.
• Adapt global strategies and standards to the local Pakistani context.
• Utilize market, competitor, and customer insights to prioritize initiatives, boost performance, and spot growth areas.
• Ensure high-quality customer experiences focused on satisfaction, retention, conversion, and service excellence.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with educational institutions, government entities, communities, and strategic stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with Head of Sales and Business Development teams to support pipeline and commercial target achievement.
• Monitor key performance indicators, identify risks, and deploy corrective measures as necessary.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-achieving organizational culture.
• Advocate for Pakistan market needs and opportunities to regional and global leadership teams.

Candidate Profile

• Seasoned commercial leader with experience in managing P&L for medium to large markets or business units.
• Proven history of driving revenue growth, profitability enhancements, and uncovering new business prospects.
• Excellent leadership skills encompassing cross-functional and matrix management.
• Strong business development, commercial strategy, and financial management aptitude including forecasting, investment decision-making, cost control, and performance evaluation.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilities, with confidence in interacting with senior management, government officials, and partners.
• Data-driven decision-making and performance management approach.
• Comprehensive understanding of customer experience and service delivery principles.
• Proficiency in English is required, with Urdu language skills considered advantageous.
• Availability for regular travel across Pakistan is essential.

Preferred Sector Experience

• Backgrounds in education, assessment, examinations, international awarding bodies, educational publishing, universities, professional certification, or education technology sectors are favored.
• Candidates from other industries with strong commercial leadership skills, a connection to education's impact, and rapid market comprehension are also considered.

Additional Information

• The candidate should ideally hold a degree in business, marketing, education, or related fields.
• This role represents a strategic leadership opportunity in the organization's most significant growth market, offering a chance to influence Pakistan's commercial and educational landscape.
• Applicants will join a well-established operation with existing products and processes, yet with significant scope to tailor strategy and unlock further expansion.
• The recruitment process is urgent, with applications reviewed as received.