Vice President Education International

Job description

We’re seeking an accomplished and visionary Vice President, Education – International to lead Purple’s growth strategy across the global education landscape. This senior, quota-carrying commercial role will drive revenue, expand Purple’s footprint within universities, colleges, schools, and multi-dwelling student accommodation, and position Purple as a strategic partner for secure connectivity, digital engagement, and intelligent campus experiences.

Reporting directly to the SVP Global Sales, you’ll bring deep experience selling into complex education environments. You will understand the dynamics of campus IT teams, student housing, cyber-security requirements, and the operational pressures placed on modern institutions.

You will combine executive presence with hands-on sales leadership — shaping the go-to-market approach, opening new regions, building senior stakeholder relationships, and securing large-scale education deployments across the UK, North America, and selected international markets.

This is a high-impact role where your work will directly influence how institutions connect students, staff, devices, and guest communities through secure, identity-driven WiFi and data-rich digital services.

Why Join Purple

Purple lives by values that cut through the noise: make it happen, stay positive, collaborate, avoid politics, keep learning, and raise the bar. Here you’ll shape strategy, operate with autonomy, and help institutions deliver secure, inclusive connectivity that improves student experience and operational efficiency.

What You Will Do:

• Own the international education growth strategy, leading expansion across the UK, North America and selective global markets.
• Execute a sales quota, achieving or exceeding revenue targets for large education institutions, campus networks, and multi-dwelling student environments.
• Establish senior relationships with CIOs, CTOs, Network Directors, Deans, and student accommodation operators.
• Position Purple at the centre of campus transformation agendas — including digital experience, identity-based authentication, secure device onboarding, and student engagement.
• Lead go-to-market strategies for the education vertical, building scalable messaging and value propositions for different institution tiers.
• Sell a full suite of Purple solutions including secure identity-based onboarding (IPSK), MDU-style resident connectivity, campus-wide guest WiFi, analytics, digital engagement, and access intelligence.
• Influence procurement frameworks and partner ecosystems within education and student accommodation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Customer Success and Partners to ensure vertical fit and repeatable success.
• Represent Purple internationally, speaking at education events and shaping thought leadership on secure campuses and digital transformation.

Who You Are

• A senior commercial leader with 7–10+ years selling into higher education or education-adjacent markets (SaaS, networking, cybersecurity, digital engagement).

• Experienced selling into complex, multi-stakeholder education environments with mid & long sales cycles.

• Proven success in quota-carrying roles closing large enterprise deals.

• Strong understanding of:

  • Campus network security
  • Student accommodation / MDU connectivity models
  • Identity-based onboarding (e.g., IPSK)
  • Multi-device authentication
  • IT and campus operations

• Exceptional communicator capable of influencing CIO/CTO-level stakeholders.

• Operates with autonomy, strategic clarity, and a commitment to delivering meaningful results.

• Passionate about improving educational experience and operational outcomes through technology.

Values

• Make it happen – We own things and get them done whatever it takes.
• Playful and positive – Life’s too short to take things too seriously; we love positivity.
• In it together – We’re always available to help for the greater good of the business.
• No bullsh*t, no politics – We want to enjoy coming to work and make it pleasant.
• Know your stuff, keep learning – We value knowledge and a thirst for more of it.
• No drama – Things don’t always go right, but a calm head always helps.
• Raise the bar – We aim high, take smart risks, and push what’s possible.

Bring Your Best Self to Work

At Purple, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings, and we believe that diversity enriches our team and drives innovation. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic. We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are open to conversations about flexible working arrangements that can accommodate your needs.

Benefits

• Executive-level base salary + bonus
• Hybrid working with international travel
• Commitment to leadership development
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) and the option to buy extra days
• 4 volunteering days each year - give something back to the community
• Life insurance at 2 x salary
• Employee Assistance Programme, ²⁴⁄₇ helpline
• Company pension, 4% employer contribution
• Private Healthcare & Long Term Incentive Plan after 12 months’ service