At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships and drive funding strategies in the engineering construction sector.
- Company: Join ECITB, a key player in skills development for engineering construction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and home office support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping strategic programmes and building trusted relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnerships, strong communication skills, and understanding of workforce development.
- Other info: Flexible working and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Up to £65,000 - £70,000 (base) and Car Allowance £7,965 (depending on experience)
37.5 hours per week
Full-time, home based with some UK-wide travel.
Closing Date: 13/02/2026
Join ECITB as Head of Partnerships and lead the organisation’s partnership, funding, and stakeholder engagement agenda at a pivotal time for the engineering construction industry. You’ll shape and deliver strategic programmes that translate our business plan into real impact, forging trusted relationships with senior leaders across industry, government, and regional bodies. In this role, you’ll drive commercial innovation, secure external funding, and expand co-investment to scale our skills programmes nationwide. Guided by labour-market insight and future skills data, you’ll ensure our partnerships champion equity, inclusion, and long-term value while positioning ECITB as a trusted national skills partner.
About you:
- Experience in strategic partnerships, funding strategy, stakeholder engagement, or programme development in public, private, or cross-sector environments.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to produce clear written materials and engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Experience developing and delivering successful external engagement strategies.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and influence through trust and collaboration.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding of the engineering construction sector and workforce development challenges.
- Familiarity with Industrial Strategy, Spending Review processes, UKRI, DfE, DESNZ, and regional growth agendas.
- Existing professional network across government, industry, or media.
What we offer:
- Company laptop & mobile provided.
- 25 days holiday including Christmas closure, rising to 30 over the first five years’ service.
- Generous pension scheme via salary sacrifice.
- Cycle to work and e-car lease schemes.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay and leave.
- Home office set-up support.
About us:
The ECITB works with employers and training providers to attract, develop and qualify the engineering construction workforce in a wide range of craft, technical and professional disciplines. We invest about £28 million each year to support skills development within the industry. We are funded by a statutory levy paid by employers and use this to drive up skill levels and fund training that would otherwise not take place. Along with the education sector, government and employers, we work to ensure the UK has workers with the skills to meet the needs of the engineering construction industry.
The ECITB is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all individuals, particularly those underrepresented in the engineering construction industry. We aim to ensure a fair and accessible recruitment process and offer flexible working, alternative application methods, different interview formats, and reasonable adjustments where needed. Please let us know if you require any support.
Head of Partnerships employer: ECITB
Contact Detail:
ECITB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your existing contacts in the engineering construction sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet new people and expand your network. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research ECITB thoroughly and understand their mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in partnership and stakeholder engagement. Practise answering common interview questions and be ready to showcase your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and interested. It’s a simple way to keep you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there, so keep checking back for new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Partnerships role. Highlight your experience in strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement, as these are key to what we’re looking for at ECITB.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is crucial for this position, include examples of how you've effectively engaged with senior stakeholders. We want to see your ability to produce clear written materials that resonate with diverse audiences.
Demonstrate Your Industry Knowledge: Familiarise yourself with the engineering construction sector and its workforce development challenges. Mention any relevant insights or experiences that show you understand the landscape we operate in.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECITB
✨Know Your Partnerships Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into ECITB's current partnerships and funding strategies. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and how they align with industry needs. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience can enhance their existing initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Head of Partnerships, strong communication is key. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Think about specific instances where your clear written materials or presentations made a significant impact on decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to developing and delivering successful external engagement strategies. Highlight any innovative ideas you've implemented in previous roles that led to securing funding or building strategic partnerships, especially in the engineering construction sector.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing trust and collaboration is crucial for this role. During the interview, take the time to connect with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who values relationships.