Partnership Manager

We are currently recruiting for a highly organised, Partnerships Manager to join the team. You will be responsible for driving income growth by securing funding contracts from councils, colleges and community organisations through strategic sales, relationship development, and funding expertise. This role combines consultative sales with an understanding of the funded learning landscape, including AEB, Skills Bootcamps, Apprenticeships, Multiply, and similar programmes. You will play a key role in identifying opportunities, pitching our offer, and closing deals that generate sustainable revenue for the organisation and value for academic partners. You will need a good understanding of funding knowledge within the apprenticeship, bootcamps and Adult Skills Fund and be able to evidence working with or managing key stakeholders This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to thrive, managing and developing a training business, taking a hands-on approach to their work, and possessing the drive to exceed targets and expectations. Skills People Group are a national provider of NVQ, Adult Learning, Skills Bootcamps, and Programmes for the unemployed and Compliance training. We specialise in both commercial and funded training and are proud to be nationally recognised as one of the UK’s largest private training providers. The successful candidate will undertake the following main Duties and Responsibilities: Business Development & Sales: * Identify, qualify, and pursue new funding opportunities with councils, colleges, and other commissioning bodies * Develop tailored pitches and proposals that align our training offer to the priorities of funders and academic partners * Represent the organisation at events, funding briefings, and networking forums * Meet or exceed revenue targets through proactive engagement and conversion Relationship Building: * Build and maintain strategic relationships with key decision-makers across local authorities, LEPs, colleges, and other institutions * Act as a trusted advisor to partners, understanding their challenges and aligning solutions accordingly * Maintain an active CRM pipeline and deliver accurate forecasting * Bid & Proposal Support: * Collaborate with internal bid writers to shape compelling funding proposals and EOIs * Contribute to partnership agreements and contracting discussions with new clients and funders * Feed intelligence into our funding calendar and strategic priorities Market Intelligence & Strategy: * Monitor trends in funded skills provision, particularly devolved funding and procurement cycles * Provide regular insight reports on opportunity pipelines and competitive positioning * Support the development of commercial strategies for new regions or funding streams The ideal candidate must possess the following Skills, Experience and Qualities: * Proven track record in B2B sales, partnership management, or business development (ideally in education, training, or employability) * Strong knowledge of the UK funded learning landscape, e.g. AEB, Skills Bootcamps, Multiply, Apprenticeships, etc. * Confident communicator with experience of high stakes pitching and presenting to public sector clients * Ability to interpret funding specifications and co-design solutions with delivery and curriculum teams * Commercially minded with a target-driven approach to growth * Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills * Knowledge of current relevant initiatives within the Education and Skills Sector * Knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation & requirements and experience in promoting safeguarding and welfare of children & young people * Knowledge of trends and initiatives within the education sector and their implication for the subject area. The ideal candidate must possess the following qualifications: ● Maths and English GCSE Grade C or equivalent ● Relevant Professional Qualification In return, Skills People Group will give you: ● 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays plus two days additional annual leave following two years’ service ● Holiday buy and sell scheme ● Employer contributory pension scheme ● Health Cash Back Scheme ● Continuous Professional Development ● Annual Volunteering Day ● Referral programme ● Free parking A challenging and rewarding role in a successful and growing business Other details: You will report to the Head of Funding & Partnerships You will be based from our Chesterfield office with the requirement for nationwide travel No Agencies – Thank you