At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships to connect diverse young talent with exciting tech careers.
- Company: Join Ada, a mission-driven college transforming lives through tech education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social mobility while driving growth in the tech sector.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and passion for empowering diverse young people.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
This is a unique opportunity to shape one of the UK’s most powerful social mobility programmes, connecting diverse young people with careers in tech. We need a passionate leader who balances social purpose with the commercial acumen and drive to lead a small team toward ambitious targets.
Location: Manchester (Ancoats) with regular travel to our London office expected
Pension: Stakeholder pension scheme (10% employer contribution)
Nature of the Role: 0.6 or 0.8 FTE. Hybrid working
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for: Apprenticeship and T-level Business Development & Sales
Direct Reports: 4
Annual Salary: £60,000 pro rata
Holidays: 30 days per annum
Closing Date: Friday 12th June 2026. Candidates’ applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are advised.
The English tech apprenticeship market is increasingly mature and competitive. Your mission is to maximise our USPs: Access to our unique talent pool of 6th form students, industry-led delivery model, city centre campuses and ‘above and beyond’ apprentice support. A particular opportunity is the conversion of our fast-growing digital T-level provision into apprenticeships and harnessing the benefits of these complementary sales pipelines.
Ada boasts stellar partners, from flagship brands like Bank of America and Deloitte to high-growth SMEs like Clearscore. However, the market is evolving rapidly due to macroeconomic shifts and the sophisticated use of the apprenticeship levy. We have recently launched new AI-focused courses to meet this changing demand. We now require an astute leader for our team of four to hit annual targets, leveraging our Salesforce CRM, marketing function, and Business Leaders Council. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will hold a high profile within the organisation and among our industry partners. The challenge is to convert these significant opportunities into revenue-generating placements that fuel growth and change lives.
Welcome to Ada! We are a mission-driven specialist technical College, the first brand new Further Education College in England since 1993. We work to enable positive social mobility by supporting diverse people into tech-focused employment. We use our deep relationships with our industry partners to deliver a transformative education experience and train the next generation of diverse digital talent. Employers are drawn to Ada by its compelling mission, supportive and inclusive culture and the opportunity to build new, diverse tech talent pipelines and engage their staff in educating the next generation of digital pioneers…as well as our fantastic city centre campuses!
About You
- You will enjoy identifying, cultivating and closing new employer partnerships that transform the life chances of diverse young people through employment or work experience opportunities.
- You will enjoy being the most capable member of a team and thrive on leading them to new heights.
- You will be able to demonstrate your track record in driving sales growth as well as articulate your personal alignment to our mission.
- You will also be able to demonstrate you are comfortable cultivating C-suite relationships at large corporates as you are engaging the CTO of a fast growing start-up.
- Your role will be prominent within Ada and our wider ecosystem and you will enjoy the opportunity to represent the College in a wide variety of forums though always keeping an entrepreneurial eye out for an opportunity.
We’d really like to hear from you, if…
- You get a real kick out of identifying and cultivating new employer relationships that lead to the creation of life-changing employment opportunities for diverse young people.
- You believe higher level and degree apprenticeships, especially in the tech sector, offer diverse young people a fantastic opportunity to launch their careers.
- You love talking to people and are passionate about evangelising Ada’s mission to employer partners and wider stakeholders.
- You are curious, data-oriented and proactive, always searching for, and following up on, leads and possible opportunities.
- You enjoy leading and managing a small team to achieve ambitious sales targets.
- You are as adept at cultivating existing employer relationships as pitching for new business.
- You are a meticulous record keeper who loves a good quality CRM database.
- You will feel a strong sense of ownership for the Business Development function at Ada and clearly understand its vital purpose in serving young people and driving forward Ada’s social impact and revenue growth.
SAFEGUARDING
The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to the interview day. Further information about the DBS can be found at www.gov.uk
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
- To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
- To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
- To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
- To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation;
- To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.
Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If there is anything in this regard that you would like to discuss in relation to your application please contact Jobs@ada.ac.uk
Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.
Head of Partnerships & Growth – Tech Apprenticeships in Manchester employer: Ada, National College for Digital Skills
At Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven organisation that champions social mobility through tech apprenticeships. Located in the vibrant Ancoats area of Manchester, we offer a supportive and inclusive work culture, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, and ample opportunities for professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working alongside industry leaders and shaping the future of diverse digital talent.
Contact Details:
Ada, National College for Digital Skills Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Partnerships & Growth – Tech Apprenticeships in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from a company you love, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about why their mission resonates with you and how you can contribute to their goals. People love to hire those who genuinely care!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. You never know when an opportunity might arise, and being on their radar can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings tailored for you. Make sure to check it out regularly and apply directly through us. It’s a great way to show your commitment and get noticed by employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Partnerships & Growth – Tech Apprenticeships in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for social mobility and tech shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission and how you can help transform lives through employment opportunities.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in business development and sales. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a track record of driving growth, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Be Personable:We love a good chat! Use your application to showcase your communication skills. Whether it’s engaging with C-suite executives or connecting with young people, we want to know how you build relationships and advocate for our mission.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! Since we review applications on a rolling basis, getting your application in early gives you a better chance. Head over to our website and submit your application today!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ada, National College for Digital Skills
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into Ada's mission and values. Understand how they connect with social mobility and tech apprenticeships. This will help you articulate your alignment with their goals and show genuine passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Sales Savvy
Prepare specific examples of how you've driven sales growth in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your strategies for cultivating employer partnerships and converting leads into placements. Use data to back up your successes!
✨Engage with the Team Dynamic
Since you'll be leading a small team, think about your leadership style and how you can motivate others. Share experiences where you've successfully led a team to achieve ambitious targets, highlighting your collaborative approach.
✨Be Ready for C-Suite Conversations
Practice discussing complex ideas simply and effectively, as you'll need to engage with both large corporates and start-ups. Prepare to demonstrate your comfort in building relationships at all levels, especially with C-suite executives.
