Ian McGrady
Managing Director @Edsential
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WORK HISTORY
Managing Director @Edsential
Ellesmere Port, GB
Led the creation of Edsential, a joint‑venture Social Enterprise formed through the consolidation of 12 previously separate service units from two local authorities.What began as a highly complex merger and integration programme has grown into a purpose‑driven organisation of nearly colleagues, united by a single mission: to improve educational outcomes for children and young people across the North West.At Edsential, we combine the discipline and commercial focus of the private sector with the values and social purpose of public service. Today, we deliver the essential services schools rely on every day — including outdoor and residential learning, catering, physical and mental wellbeing, governor services, and school improvement support.My leadership has focused on building a sustainable organisation that delivers measurable social impact while staying true to its founding purpose.Alongside my executive role, I actively contribute to national policy, thought leadership, and sector development through a number of advisory and working groups:Memberships & RolesPartnership Advisory Board, Future Economy Alliance – Social Enterprise UKAll‑Party Parliamentary Group on Social EnterpriseAll‑Party Parliamentary Group on School FoodUK Government Sustainable Commodities Initiative – Foodservice Working GroupUK Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil – Communications Working GroupSocial Value International – Academic Research GroupSchool Governor & Interim Executive Board Governor
EDUCATION
Alliance Manchester Business School
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
Alliance Manchester Business School
Master of Philosophy - MPhil
University of Oxford - Said Business School
PG Diploma in Strategy and Innovation
The University of Sheffield
BA (Hons)
SKILLS
ABOUT IAN MCGRADY
PhD‑educated and internationally experienced, Ian McGrady is a Managing Director with a career spanning the consumer goods and education services sectors. He has led complex M&A programmes, built a large joint‑venture Social Enterprise from the ground up, and driven commercial growth across multiple international markets.Ian’s career includes senior commercial leadership roles such as Sales Director for a division of Mars UK and Commercial Strategy Partner at a global FMCG consultancy. His expertise covers general management, corporate strategy, commercial strategy, and Go‑to‑Market design, supported by deep experience in leading large‑scale business transformation.An internationally qualified project manager, Ian excels at orchestrating organisational change, aligning cross‑functional teams, and delivering commercially and socially impactful results.He has worked extensively across global markets including Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe.
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