Head of Business Growth
Location: Milan
Time type: 100%
Work Model: Hybrid
Your Role
As Head of Business Growth, you will lead the identification, validation, and scaling of new business opportunities—primarily in B2C but with openness to strategic B2B initiatives. You will combine a visionary mindset with hands-on execution, building innovation pipelines and also contributing to commercial results through partnerships and client development.
You will design and test scalable, tech-enabled business models and support go-to-market execution. You will work across functions—especially product, content, sales, and marketing—and align closely with senior leadership to drive growth.
Your Responsibilities
Build and manage a portfolio of business growth opportunities aligned with Sanoma Learning Italy’s strategy
Identify new market trends and opportunities via market research and user insight
Lead discovery, validation, and business modeling using design thinking and customer co-creation
Support B2C and selected B2B commercial opportunities: pitch development, client relationships, negotiation
Lead MVP and prototype development with cross-functional teams
Contribute to the creation of business cases and present to senior leadership for prioritization
Coordinate go-to-market activities and monitor early-stage KPIs and commercial traction
Leverage AI, data, and emerging technology to enhance offerings
Ensure structured communication with internal stakeholders and incorporate feedback loops
Collaborate with marketing, sales, and product teams to align strategic direction
Represent the company in client discussions and external opportunities when needed
What We Expect from You
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Innovation, or a related field
7 years of experience in business development, innovation, or growth strategy, ideally in education, edtech, or B2C
Proven track record in turning ideas into validated and revenue-generating business models
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
Deep understanding of user needs and customer-centric design
Experience with business planning, go-to-market, and commercial strategy
Strong problem-solving skills and data-driven mindset
Entrepreneurial and hands-on approach; able to operate independently
Proficiency with CRM tools, Microsoft Office, and innovation frameworks
Fluent in Italian and English ; other languages are a plus
Willingness to travel occasionally as needed
What We Offer
A purpose-driven company with passionate, diverse teams across Europe
A key leadership role with high visibility and tangible impact
Competitive compensation with bonus and benefits
A dynamic and flexible working environment (smart working, flexible hours)
Extensive personal development and learning opportunities
The chance to shape the future of education through innovation
About Sanoma Learning
How do you prepare students for the world, engage their curiosity, and inspire them to grow? That is the main question of teachers all around the world. At Sanoma Learning, it has always been our mission to help find and develop best-in-class answers to this question.
Sanoma Learning is a leading K12 European learning company, operating in 12 countries. Our products and services enable and support teachers and schools to help every child reach their potential. With printed and digital content, as well as learning platforms, we aim to grow our impact on education across Europe. With over 3000 employees, we help shape the future of learning for more than 25 million students.
So, are you ready to start your journey to help shape the future of learning and help teachers support all students to reach their potential?
Sanoma Learning is an equal opportunity employer; we are committed to inclusion and diversity, ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristics.