Developing Strategic Leadership: Jack’s Journey on the CMI Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship

At Towndoor, we are passionate about supporting our team’s professional growth and development. One great example of this is Jack’s recent journey through the CMI Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship, delivered by Huddersfield Business School in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Why This Programme Matters

Jack’s decision to take on this apprenticeship was motivated by his ambition to sharpen his leadership at a strategic level, not just to manage day-to-day operations, but to shape and drive Towndoor’s long-term vision. The programme is designed to build high-level leadership capabilities, focusing on areas that senior leaders grapple with every day:

• Leadership and strategy

• Governance and organisational performance
• People management and culture
• Financial decision-making
• Innovation and change management

One of the things that makes this course stand out is its practical, real-world focus. Rather than simply theorising, participants are encouraged to immediately take what they have learned and apply it in their workplace. For Jack, which meant working on real projects that directly impacted his team and Towndoor’s strategic goals.

Course Structure and Outcomes

This is not a light-touch qualification. Over the programme, Jack attended a blended mix of:

• In-person sessions at Huddersfield Business School
• Online learning
• Workplace-based tasks and projects

On successful completion, Jack will not only gain a postgraduate qualification but also achieve Chartered Manager status with the CMI, a prestigious recognition of professional excellence and leadership.

If you want to see more details about the apprenticeship, please visit: https://www.hud.ac.uk/about/schools/huddersfield-business-school/business-support-and-professional-development/professional-development/lvl7-app/

Jack’s Experience

Reflecting on his experience, Jack shared:

“It has been interesting to explore the academic side of leadership and understand how those theories translate into real-life situations. The course has pushed me to think more strategically and reflect on my own leadership style. It has been challenging at times, but equally extremely rewarding, and it has helped me grow both professionally and personally. I am also grateful to Towndoor for supporting me and allowing the time to complete it alongside my role.”

We caught up with Stella, Jack’s tutor during his course, here is what she had to say:

“Working with Jack and Towndoor has been a pleasure. Balancing work, home life, and a programme of this level takes an enormous amount of commitment and hard work. Jack has done incredibly well, and he has also been a very supportive class member with others in the group. One of the key elements of the Senior Leader programme is having the time and opportunity to apply the learning back into the business, whilst still working on the 'usual' job and its priorities. The importance of good support from employers is crucial for this to work well. Dan and Towndoor have been outstanding in this respect and are a great example of an employer that embraces the development of their people.”

Dan Bamforth, Managing Director of Towndoor commented:

“The team and I are tremendously proud of Jack’s commitment to taking on this challenge, in an already packed work schedule plus family life with a baby – we are not sure how he found the time! I first crossed paths with Jack a long while ago when he came to Towndoor for the week as part of a schoolwork placement. I was impressed by his maturity, interest in business, the ‘why’ & ‘how’ plus his technical ability (at which I am useless!). At the end of his placement, I clearly remember saying to him, good luck with the rest of your studies, stay connected and reach out when you want a job. The rest is history, as some years later he did just that! Fast forward to today, the shy lad that I met, has evolved into a core part of Towndoor who is respected by colleagues and our clients alike. So much so that I often get bypassed and forgotten in the office these days as Jack is ‘the go to.’ Jack always surpasses my high expectations and can manage many tasks/situations better than I can. It has been interesting to hear his thoughts on aspects of the strategic leadership course as he has progressed. It has without doubt further opened his inquisitive mind to exploring new improved ways of working which in turn benefits the business. I look forward to watching Jacks continued development and collaborating with him for years to come. Well done!