Our Client is one of the largest learning materials and services provider in Europe, reaching about 20 million students across 11 countries.
Over the recent few years, they have growing both by M&A and through winning in their markets thanks to superior products and innovative commercial models. Consequently, they are undergoing multiple transformation processes in parallel, such as:
- Post-merger integration of large organisations
- Redefining go-to-market approach to leverage our presence across the value chain and create innovative commercial models that deliver the most value to learners and educators;
- Reshaping organisational structures to make the transition from a holding of traditional publishers to an integrated, agile, multinational content and edtech company (while respecting our publishing heritage and the value inherent in the content it delivers);
- Harmonization and integration of digital platform portfolio internally and with key edtech players to shape the future of K12 value chains.
These transformations take place in a complex context of multiple markets differing in structure of educational systems, regulation, funding, digital maturity and teacher preferences. They face changes in user behaviour, recently catalysed by the pandemic rise in distance learning, as well as challenges from a variety of disruptors.
They have developed the ability to navigate these circumstances as growth and profitability demonstrate. However, the transformation processes described above have accelerated significantly in 2019-2020 and will continue at a rapid pace. Therefore, in order to continue to manage these transformations successfully, they are seeking to strengthen their in-house capacities in strategy. As such, they are looking for:
Reporting to the Strategy Director the Strategy Associate will have the opportunity to engage in projects such as:
- Strategic Planning cycle – reviewing and updating the market analysis, overarching strategic logic and ambitions, key initiatives, financial forecasts, risk management etc.
- Commercial due diligences (in-house for smaller or initial, interface to advisors for larger M&As) and supporting the M&A funnel by reviewing incoming teasers as well as proactively scanning the edtech landscape including start-ups;
- Post-merger integration and subsequent proactive fostering of integration through embedding in newly acquired operating companies’ operations to support them in key strategic projects;
- Refining and upholding methodologies for analysing content and digital platform markets and key metrics to track Company's market position, return on investments, performance benchmarking, learning impact, societal benefit;
- Creating a centre of excellence for harmonising management practices and frameworks;
- Synthesising Company’s position, plans and impact in business and the broader society into a narrative for communicating to the capital markets and key stakeholders.
As this is a new role, the Strategy Associate will work in close collaboration with the Strategy Director to further define the role and its participation across specific projects; the focus may evolve with the needs of the company and the profile of the Strategy Associate.
Skills and Behaviours
- Strong analytic skills, both quantitative (including a sound understanding of financial metrics) and qualitative;
- Strong written, visual and oral communication skills, particularly in preparing and delivering lucid and concise management presentations;
- Strong people skills, including demonstrated ability to quickly build networks across a complex organisation and manage multiple stakeholders;
- Driven and motivated individual;
- Capable of delivering top quality work also with urgency or under stress;
- Team player with experience working in a matrixed environment;
- Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred. Educational profile relate to (or research experience) in pedagogics or educational policy will be an additional advantage;
- Prior experience in consulting and/or education and/or software, publishing, media businesses is not prerequisite but will be an advantage;
- Fluent in English. Polish or Spanish will be an additional advantage.
