Commercial Manager Review
at Pearson
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Consumer Products/FMCG
London
Review Submitted: May 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
lead strategic relationships across UK Sales, acting as a trusted commercial partner to drive revenue growth and market performance. My role involves shaping channel and market strategy, using data, insight and segmentation to inform decisions, optimise investment, and improve outcomes. I collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance and Data teams to influence priorities, deliver integrated plans, and embed new capabilities such as AI and analytics. I also mentor colleagues, manage key initiatives, and translate complex insight into clear, actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Love it
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Strategic leadership & business planning (SWOT, PESTLE, VRIO, Value Chain)
Data‑led commercial decision making & insight storytelling
Financial planning, budgeting & ROI analysis
Change leadership, risk management & operational resilience
Cross‑functional stakeholder influence & senior leadership engagement
Process improvement, root‑cause analysis & continuous improvement
Executive communication, governance & board‑level presentation
Data‑led commercial decision making & insight storytelling
Financial planning, budgeting & ROI analysis
Change leadership, risk management & operational resilience
Cross‑functional stakeholder influence & senior leadership engagement
Process improvement, root‑cause analysis & continuous improvement
Executive communication, governance & board‑level presentation
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Overall, Pearson’s support was well‑organised, proactive, and highly engaged.
Pearson provided structured programme support, including a clear employer‑led induction, ongoing check‑ins, and strong coordination around key apprenticeship milestones such as Gateway and EPA. The Early Careers team acted as a consistent point of contact and actively supported EPA preparation, escalation, and employer liaison.
When issues arose, Pearson intervened quickly and decisively.
Pearson also stayed closely engaged during the final EPA phase, remaining copied into assessor communications, supporting clarity on assessment requirements, and ensuring employer visibility through to successful completion.
In summary: Pearson’s support was structured, responsive, and apprentice‑centred, combining formal process with pragmatic intervention when required.
Pearson provided structured programme support, including a clear employer‑led induction, ongoing check‑ins, and strong coordination around key apprenticeship milestones such as Gateway and EPA. The Early Careers team acted as a consistent point of contact and actively supported EPA preparation, escalation, and employer liaison.
When issues arose, Pearson intervened quickly and decisively.
Pearson also stayed closely engaged during the final EPA phase, remaining copied into assessor communications, supporting clarity on assessment requirements, and ensuring employer visibility through to successful completion.
In summary: Pearson’s support was structured, responsive, and apprentice‑centred, combining formal process with pragmatic intervention when required.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Pearson gave me strong and consistent support throughout my Level 7 apprenticeship. The Early Careers team stayed actively involved, supported key milestones such as Gateway and EPA, and intervened quickly when issues arose with the training provider. Their advocacy, coordination with the university and CMI, and hands‑on guidance went beyond basic requirements and played a key role in my successful completion.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Pearson gave me strong and consistent support throughout my Level 7 apprenticeship. The Early Careers team stayed actively involved, supported key milestones such as Gateway and EPA, and intervened quickly when issues arose with the training provider. Their advocacy, coordination with the university and CMI, and hands‑on guidance went beyond basic requirements and played a key role in my successful completion.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification significantly improved my performance in role. The programme strengthened my strategic thinking, data‑led decision making, and financial and change‑management capability, all of which I apply directly in my day‑to‑day work. The focus on real business outcomes, senior‑level communication, and practical implementation meant the learning was immediately transferable and has increased both my confidence and effectiveness as a leader.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes. There are a range of extra‑curricular activities available at Pearson, including professional networking events, apprenticeship ambassador roles, National Apprenticeship Week activities, and formal celebration and awards events. Pearson also encourages use of volunteering days to support careers fairs and school engagement, alongside wider internal networking and development opportunities led by the Early Careers team
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Pearson to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Pearson provides strong, well‑structured support for apprentices, with an engaged Early Careers team, clear programme milestones, and active encouragement to give feedback and share experiences. The organisation promotes development opportunities, celebrates achievements, and stays involved through key stages such as Gateway and EPA, creating a supportive and positive environment for professional growth.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pearson?
Be clear about what you want to learn and apply. Pearson values candidates who can link development opportunities directly to business impact.
Make the most of the Early Careers and apprenticeship support. Engage early, ask questions, and use the team as a partner throughout the programme—they are responsive and proactive at key milestones such as Gateway and EPA.
Take ownership of your development. Pearson offers strong support, but applicants who are organised, reflective, and proactive tend to get the most value from the experience.
Get involved beyond your role. Networking events, ambassador opportunities and volunteering initiatives are a great way to broaden your exposure and profile within the organisation.
Make the most of the Early Careers and apprenticeship support. Engage early, ask questions, and use the team as a partner throughout the programme—they are responsive and proactive at key milestones such as Gateway and EPA.
Take ownership of your development. Pearson offers strong support, but applicants who are organised, reflective, and proactive tend to get the most value from the experience.
Get involved beyond your role. Networking events, ambassador opportunities and volunteering initiatives are a great way to broaden your exposure and profile within the organisation.
