At a Glance
- Tasks: Build partnerships with schools to enhance learning support for children with SEND.
- Company: Explore Learning, a leading provider of maths and English tuition in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible leave, staff discounts, and subsidised tuition for your kids.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding children's welfare.
- Why this job: Shape impactful educational programmes while working remotely and making a difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnership development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Explore Learning is one of the UK's leading providers of maths and English tuition, supporting children from age 4 to 16. We are expanding our work directly with schools, delivering structured, evidence-based learning support to pupils with SEND, and we are looking for an experienced partnership professional to grow this area of the business. You will own school relationships end-to-end, from first contact and onboarding through to ongoing account management. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new programme from the ground up, at the intersection of education, impact and commercial growth.
The Role
- Partnership Development & Pipeline Growth
- Collaborate with marketing to build a strategy that grows awareness and drives inbound interest
- Identify and approach prospective school partners, including mainstream schools, MATs and specialist settings to build a strong pipeline
- Build relationships with SENCOs, SEN leads, Headteachers and MAT directors, understanding their needs and positioning Explore Learning's programme compellingly
- Manage a pipeline of school accounts from first contact through to signed agreement
- Account Management
- Serve as the primary relationship holder for each school account, building trusted long-term partnerships
- Conduct regular reviews with school leads, sharing progress data, addressing concerns and identifying opportunities to deepen each partnership
- Report on pipeline activity, programme progress and partner satisfaction to SLT
- Project Management
- Own end-to-end management and delivery of the school programme: planning, coordination, onboarding and review, ensuring they run on time and to a high standard
- Manage the onboarding process for each new school, from signed agreement through to platform set-up, staff briefing and first sessions
- Maintain detailed project plans, track milestones and proactively manage risks across multiple concurrent partnerships
- Coordinate internally across education, technology and operations to ensure a seamless school experience
- Capture and document learnings from the programme to inform the offering
What We're Looking For
- Essential
- Proven experience in a B2B partnership, business development or account management role
- Confident relationship-builder, able to engage credibly with senior stakeholders in schools or similar public sector settings
- Self-starter who can work autonomously and bring structure to ambiguous, early-stage situations
- Familiarity with SEND provision, EHCPs and/or SENCO responsibilities
- Exceptional, engaging communication skills
- Comfortable with data, able to interpret progress reports and use evidence in partner conversations
- Strong project management skills, able to run multiple workstreams concurrently and keep delivery on track
- Desirable
- Experience working with schools, MATs or within the education sector
- Demonstrable awareness, curiosity and use of AI tools to maximise productivity
Logistics
- Location: Remote (UK based) with travel to various schools
- Job Type: 12 month fixed term contract. Full time across Monday-Friday
- Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 (based on experience)
- Start date: Summer 2026
Please note: Proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required. Unfortunately we are not able to offer any form of sponsorship.
Additional Perks:
- Enjoy 22 flexible annual leave days (pro rata) + bank holidays + 4 gifted days when centres are closed at Christmas.
- You’ll have an additional 3 paid days you can take for a personal or religious celebration, wellbeing or a volunteer day.
- You'll also receive additional holiday time based on your length of service.
- Benefit from staff discounts including gym memberships and sportswear, free 16-25 or 26-30 railcard, free counselling services, access to My Possible Self (a wellbeing app), a cycle to work scheme, and a discounted Tastecard.
- An additional length of service reward will give you access to private health insurance with Vitality.
- We offer fully subsidised tuition for the children of all salaried staff and 50% off Explore Learning membership fees for all immediate relations of staff members.
- Take advantage of our referral bonus offering, payroll giving scheme, enhanced parental leave, and pension options.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is paramount. Our safer recruitment processes are rigorous and designed to deter, identify and reject anyone who may pose a risk to children. Any offer is strictly conditional upon satisfactory references (taken directly from referees) and an Enhanced DBS check. You must provide a full employment history with all gaps clearly explained and evidenced where required. Any omission, inconsistency or misleading information may result in your application being rejected, an offer withdrawn, or dismissal. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (and relevant Exceptions Orders). Relevant disclosures will be required in line with DBS and safer recruitment requirements.
Partnership Development Manager employer: Explore Learning
Explore Learning is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the education sector. With a flexible work culture, generous benefits including subsidised tuition for staff's children, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, Explore Learning fosters an environment where partnership professionals can thrive and shape innovative educational programmes. The remote working model allows for a balanced lifestyle, complemented by opportunities for professional development and a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding children's welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnership Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know SENCOs or Headteachers. A warm introduction can make all the difference when you're trying to build those crucial partnerships.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for conversations! Brush up on your knowledge of SEND provisions and how they impact schools. When you chat with potential partners, showing that you understand their needs will help you stand out as a credible partner.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up, follow up, follow up! After your initial meetings, don’t just leave it hanging. Send a quick email summarising your discussion and next steps. This keeps the momentum going and shows you're serious about building that relationship.
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply! We’re all about making connections, so if you see a role that fits, don’t hesitate to throw your hat in the ring. The more we know about you, the better we can match you with opportunities that suit your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Partnership Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Partnership Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in B2B partnerships and account management, and show how your skills align with what we're looking for at Explore Learning.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves building relationships with school stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your exceptional communication skills. Use clear and engaging language in your application to reflect how you can connect with others effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked with schools or have experience in the education sector, make sure to mention it! We want to see how your background relates to our mission and how you can contribute to our growth in this area.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and securely, and you'll get all the latest updates about the hiring process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Explore Learning
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Explore Learning and its mission. Understand their approach to education, especially regarding SEND. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built partnerships in the past. Highlight your ability to engage with senior stakeholders and how you've managed relationships over time. This is crucial for a role that focuses on long-term partnerships.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key metrics related to partnership success. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions or improve outcomes in previous roles. This will show that you're comfortable with data and can leverage it in conversations with schools.
✨Project Management Prowess
Since this role involves managing multiple projects, be prepared to discuss your project management experience. Share specific examples of how you've coordinated complex tasks and ensured timely delivery, as this will demonstrate your organisational skills.
