Referrals Manager Education
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000
Location: Home Based with regular travel across England and Wales and occasional travel to the Head Office, Halesowen
Hours: 37.5 hrs Monday – Friday
About Keys
Keys Education is a national network of alternative learning solutions and pathways, designed to support learners with diverse needs to achieve their goals and realise their potential. It helps individuals with support needs build stability, resilience, and a sense of belonging through Connected Support.
As part of our ambitious growth plans, we are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Referrals Manager to lead our education referrals function, helping to maximise occupancy, strengthen commissioner relationships, and ensure an exceptional customer experience throughout the referral journey.
Role Summary
The Referrals Manager will lead and develop the referrals function across our specialist schools and adventurous education services. You’ll manage referrals from enquiry to placement, working closely with commissioners, local authorities, SEND teams and operational colleagues to ensure an efficient and positive experience for all stakeholders.
You will be responsible for maintaining a strong referral pipeline, improving conversion rates and response times, and building key relationships across the education sector, you’ll help position Keys as a provider of choice for children and young people with SEND. You’ll also lead a team of Referrals Administrators and a Sales Executive, driving performance, accountability and excellent customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the referral process from enquiry to placement, ensuring referrals are managed efficiently without delay.
- Manage referral pipelines to maximise occupancy and improve conversion rates.
- Monitor referral activity, enquiries, conversions and outcomes, using data and insight.
- Work closely with Head Teachers, Regional Directors and operational teams to ensure effective decision-making.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Local Authorities, SEND teams, commissioners and other key stakeholders.
- Represent Keys at meetings, networking events and conferences, promoting our education services.
- Line manage, coach and develop a team of Referrals Administrators and a Sales Executive.
- Support schools to overcome barriers to admission and ensure smooth transitions from referral acceptance through to placement.
- Maintain accurate referral records and reporting through Salesforce and other business systems.
- Analyse referral trends, market opportunities and stakeholder needs to support growth and service development.
- Support the growth of our PEAK education offer through effective leadership and sales pipeline oversight.
About You – Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Previous experience managing referral, admissions, occupancy or placement processes within education, children’s services, social care or healthcare.
- Experience building relationships with commissioners, local authorities and other purchasing stakeholders.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
- Strong understanding of SEND education and the commissioning landscape.
- Proven ability to manage complex pipelines and prioritise competing demands.
- Excellent relationship‑building, communication and influencing skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multiple teams.
Benefits
- Salary – £45,000 - £50,000 per annum
- Flexibility – Hybrid working pattern
- Annual Leave – 33 days, inclusive of bank holidays
- Career Progression – Opportunities within the organization, many managers have progressed into Senior Leaders.
- DBS Check – Covered by employer.
- Ongoing Training and Development – Supported by an award‑winning Learning and Development Team.
- Pension Scheme – Employer contributed pension.
- Wellbeing Support – Employee Assistance Program through online portal or phone.
- Staff Referral Scheme – Bonus for referring a friend.
- EPIC Awards – Recognition for exemplary service.
- Discounts – Blue Light card gives savings at retailers, days out, gifts, holidays and car purchases.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant.
Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview – please include details of your service on your CV.
Referrals Manager - Education in Halesowen employer: Keys
Keys Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its employees. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, we offer extensive growth opportunities and support for our team members in the housing sector. Located across England and Wales, our dynamic environment encourages innovation and partnership, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change in supported living.
