At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for student placements and build strong referral partnerships.
- Company: Exciting new Alternative Provision organisation with national ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, and significant progression opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with an ambitious leadership team.
- Why this job: Join at launch stage and shape the growth of a fast-growing education venture.
- Qualifications: Strong sector relationships and experience in generating referrals within education.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 € per year.
Location: Flexible but focus areas are Midlands and North East/West
Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 + Annual Bonus
Do you know how to build trusted relationships that genuinely drive referrals?
We are launching an ambitious new Alternative Provision organisation and are seeking a commercially minded, relationship-led Head of Placements & Referrals to help shape the growth of the business from day one. This is an opportunity to join at the very start of an exciting journey building referral partnerships, filling provisions, and becoming a key part of a fast-growing education venture with national ambitions.
The Opportunity
As Head of Placements & Referrals, you will lead the strategy for student placements and local authority engagement across new AP centres. You will be responsible for developing strong referral pipelines, building trusted partnerships with commissioners, schools, and local authorities, and ensuring provisions achieve sustainable occupancy growth. This role is ideal for someone who understands how the AP market works commercially and operationally. We are looking for someone who can open doors, build credibility quickly, and convert relationships into long-term partnerships.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Developing and leading the placements and referrals strategy
- Building relationships with local authorities, schools, SEND teams, and commissioners
- Driving occupancy across AP provisions
- Identifying areas of demand and supporting growth decisions
- Representing the organisation externally across the sector
- Working closely with operational leadership to ensure appropriate student placements
- Supporting site launches and local market engagement
- Creating referral pathways and partnership frameworks from scratch
About You
We are looking for someone with strong sector relationships, commercial awareness, and a track record of generating referrals within education. You may currently work in:
- Alternative Provisions
- Specialist Education
- Specialist Independent schools
You will bring:
- Experience securing referrals and managing placement pipelines
- Existing relationships with local authorities and education stakeholders
- A strong understanding of the AP landscape
- Confidence operating in a start-up or high-growth environment
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset
This is a role for someone who enjoys building networks, creating momentum, and making a visible impact.
Why Join?
- Join a brand-new venture at launch stage
- Genuine influence over growth strategy
- Opportunity to build a national referral network
- Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Significant progression opportunity as the organisation scales
- Work alongside an ambitious and experienced leadership team
Contact Details: To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion please contact Jordanna Osborn.
Head of Placements and Referrals employer: Compass Associates
Join a pioneering Alternative Provision organisation that offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of education in the Midlands and North East/West. With a focus on building trusted relationships and driving referrals, you will thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment that values your influence over growth strategy and offers significant progression opportunities as we scale. Be part of an ambitious leadership team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Placements and Referrals
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to local authorities and schools. Building those relationships is key to landing that Head of Placements & Referrals role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Alternative Provision! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the sector. Share your ideas on how to drive referrals and occupancy growth – it’ll show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to organisations you admire, even if they’re not actively hiring. A well-timed email or call can open doors and lead to unexpected opportunities in the AP landscape.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings that can help you find the perfect fit. Plus, applying through us means you’ll be part of a community that’s all about supporting each other in the job search journey. Let’s get you that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Placements and Referrals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in building relationships and generating referrals. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of Placements & Referrals, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Sector Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of the Alternative Provision landscape in your application. We’re looking for someone who knows the ins and outs of the market, so share any insights or experiences that show you’re well-versed in this area.
Highlight Your Achievements:Use specific examples to illustrate your success in securing referrals and managing placement pipelines. We love numbers and results, so if you’ve driven occupancy growth or built strong partnerships, make sure to include those details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the Alternative Provision landscape. Understand the key players, current trends, and challenges. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Be ready to discuss your existing relationships with local authorities and education stakeholders. Prepare specific examples of how you've built trust and converted those connections into successful referrals in the past.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would develop and lead a placements and referrals strategy. Be prepared to share your ideas on building referral pathways and partnership frameworks, showcasing your proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your influencing skills and ability to drive occupancy across provisions.
