Head of Business Development - Employment Partnerships

This is a high-impact leadership role at the centre of building large-scale corporate employment partnerships that directly change young people’s futures. As Head of Business Development – Employment Partnerships, you will lead the strategy and delivery of new, high-value partnerships that create sustainable job opportunities, working across sectors and in close collaboration with design, delivery and fundraising teams. You will own a significant income target (£600k+), shape a 24‑month pipeline, and play a key role in positioning the organisation as a leader in employment-focused partnerships.

We are looking for a commercially minded, relationship-driven leader who understands the challenges employers face in attracting and developing entry-level talent. You'll have a proven track record of securing six‑figure partnerships through a consultative approach, working with senior decision‑makers to design solutions that create value for both employers and young people. With extensive experience across the entry-level employment landscape, you'll bring a deep understanding of apprenticeships, early careers, recruitment and workforce trends, alongside the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and translate insight into compelling partnership propositions.

This role will suit someone who thrives on building something meaningful at scale, combining strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery, and leadership with collaboration. You will be motivated by creating real opportunities for young people, and comfortable leading a team while navigating a matrix environment to drive results.

You will stand out if you bring:

• Significant experience helping employers solve recruitment, workforce or early careers challenges through strategic partnerships.
• A consultative business development approach, with experience engaging senior leaders including CHROs, Talent Directors, Recruitment Leaders, Early Careers teams and DE&I leaders.
• A strong track record of winning complex, high-value partnerships by understanding organisational needs and designing impactful solutions.
• Experience leading cross‑functional initiatives and influencing multiple stakeholders within complex organisations.
• A background in recruitment, workforce solutions, HR services, SaaS, apprenticeships, consulting or a related commercial environment where you've sold strategic solutions rather than products.

This is an opportunity to redefine how employers engage with young talent, bringing together commercial expertise, strategic partnerships and social impact to create sustainable employment opportunities at a national scale. You'll be engaging with senior HR and talent leaders from some of the UK's largest employers, helping them tackle real workforce challenges while creating life‑changing opportunities for young people.

Why do we need Head of Business Development - Employment Partnerships?

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 young people, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe a young person should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Head of Business Development - Employment Partnerships!

Perks for working at The Trust:

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays.
• Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year.
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home.
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc.
• In‑house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role.
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well‑being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas.
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave.
• Interest‑free season ticket loans.
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme.
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary).

Here at The King's Trust, we’re committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We want to be an organisation that is representative of the communities we serve, which is why we strive for diversity of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion and sex. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can be themselves and do the best work of their lives. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation and sector, such as candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. We’re a Stonewall Top 100 Employer and we are an employer that is Disability Confident.

Our staff, volunteers and young people are supported by KT CAN (our Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network) and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).

The King's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake basic disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all roles within the Trust, and for our roles working directly with young people, at an enhanced level. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.