Education Sector Specialist

I work at the intersection of education strategy, sector analysis and workforce alignment.

Currently Regional Commercial Lead at Pearson Middle East, I lead regional growth initiatives across five markets - combining market intelligence, policy awareness and institutional partnerships to deliver sustained impact, including 18% year-on-year revenue growth.

My work focuses on:

  • Analysing education systems - where institutions are today and where policy and workforce demands are taking them

  • Building close relationships with universities, vocational providers and public stakeholders to understand operational realities

  • Translating sector insight into practical, scalable strategy

Background:

  • 10 years in education and EdTech (teacher → learning consultant → regional sales leadership)

  • MSc in Business Analytics (completing 2026), with a focus on causal inference and decision modelling

  • Deep experience across the Middle East education landscape

I am particularly interested in advisory and consulting opportunities that sit at the intersection of education reform, workforce development and data-informed strategy.

Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What I Do

Market Analytics

Analyzing education markets, competitive landscapes, and institutional trends to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic decisions.

Policy and Sector Insight

Understanding education systems, policy direction, and institutional realities to bridge strategic planning with on-the-ground execution.

Growth Strategy

Leading market expansion and revenue growth through strategic planning, customer segmentation, and relationship building across diverse education markets.

Strategic Communication

Translating complex data and market insights into clear narratives that drive decision-making and stakeholder alignment.

Resume

7 Years of Experience

Education Sector Specialist

Connecting education strategy to measurable workforce outcomes through market insight, institutional partnerships and applied analytics.

Experience

July 2021 - Present
Pearson Middle East

Regional Commercial Lead

Led regional commercial and growth strategy across five Middle East markets, integrating market segmentation, competitive landscape assessment and institutional demand forecasting - delivering 18% year-on-year revenue growth for our LoB.

Directed cross-line-of-business initiatives at Regional Headquarters, aligning product, assessment and partnership strategy to evolving education system priorities and workforce demands.

Designed and implemented multi-market expansion and market entry strategies, establishing long-term institutional partnerships across universities and vocational providers.

Integrated CRM and market data analysis into regional planning processes, strengthening forecasting accuracy and strategic resource allocation.

Partnered with product, academic and senior leadership teams to translate sector insight into pricing strategy, positioning and scalable go-to-market frameworks.

October 2019 - July 2021
Pearson Middle East

Learning Consultant

Advised regional universities on English language program development and learning outcomes optimization, aligning institutional needs with Pearson solutions

Led implementation of digital learning platforms across major assessment projects, managing stakeholder relationships and change management processes

Conducted regional market analysis and education trend research to inform product strategy and sales approach

November 2017 - September 2019
Pearson Saudi Arabia

Sales Manager

Managed regional sales operations including revenue forecasting, territory planning, and account strategy development

Conducted market analysis and competitive intelligence to inform product selection and sales representative training programs

Led development of regional product line that became multi-million revenue generator and market leader in the region

April 2016 - October 2017
King Saud University

Language Teacher

Delivered academic English instruction to preparatory year students, designing curriculum and assessment strategies

Contributed to EdTech initiatives including interactive video content and digital exam preparation platforms

Education

January 2025 - Present
Aston University

Masters in Business Analytics

Specializing in causal inference and education policy analytics.

Capstone project: Causal analysis of international reading achievement using PIRLS data.

November 2021
Pearson Education

iSell (Sales Academy)

Internal training on advanced sales practices, including consultative selling techniques and strategic account management.

December 2017
Pearson Education

PASS Training (Sales)

Sales methodology training for new hires, focusing on solution selling and customer engagement strategies.

September 2010 - September 2011
University of Warwick

MA - International Relations

Modules in International Relations Theory, EU and the World, and Democracy and Development.

September 2006 - June 2009
Aston University

BSc - Modern Languages

Modules in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Language Pedagogy and Linguistics

Strategic Capabilities

Education Sector Analysis

90%

Multi-Market Growth Strategy

90%

Institutional & Public–Private Partnerships

80%

Workforce & Skills Alignment

80%

Commercial & CRM Analytics

90%

Market Entry & Expansion Planning

80%

Analytical and Technical Capabilities

Python (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn)

80%

SQL

70%

Causal Inference & Decision Modelling

90%

Data Visualisation and Dashboard Design

80%

Applied AI and Analytics

70%

Git / Version Control

70%

Portfolio

My Works
Menacon – Analytics-Based Consultancy and Tools

Menacon – Analytics-Based Consultancy and Tools

AI, Analytics, Business Development
Regulated Plants: Geospatial Analytics

Regulated Plants: Geospatial Analytics

Analytics, Data Visualisation
Market-Driven Product Strategy in a Regulated Education Ecosystem

Market-Driven Product Strategy in a Regulated Education Ecosystem

Product Development

Contact

Get in Touch

Currently in...

Riyadh, KSA

Send an email

[email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn

/georgelindley

Let's be in touch!