At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employer engagement and develop strategic partnerships for workforce growth.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking training provider focused on impactful learning solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a commitment to safeguarding learners.
- Why this job: Shape business growth while helping employers build sustainable workforce strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in B2B sales and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Hybrid Working – Preston / Employer Travel Required
LT Selection is proud to be recruiting exclusively on behalf of our client. We believe that everyone we connect with an employer positively impacts the further education, skills, and employment sector.
Our client is a forward-thinking training and workforce development provider delivering funded and commercial learning solutions to employers across technical and vocational sectors. Their approach is centred around employer engagement, practical delivery, and building long-term partnerships that support workforce growth and skills development.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced business development and partnerships professional who enjoys consultative selling, strategic relationship building, and supporting employers with workforce development solutions rather than transactional sales.
The organisation is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Manager to lead employer engagement activity, develop new business opportunities, and establish long-term strategic partnerships across funded and commercial provision. The role combines business development, employer consultancy, and workforce planning, with a focus on sustainable growth and repeat business relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and secure new employer partnerships across funded and commercial training provision
- Manage the full employer engagement and sales cycle from prospecting through to onboarding and account growth
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligned to employer demand and workforce development needs
- Achieve agreed sales and engagement KPIs
- Conduct market research to identify employer trends, funding opportunities, and sector demand
- Build long-term employer relationships that support repeat business and partnership growth
- Provide consultative advice around apprenticeships, funded training, levy utilisation, and workforce development planning
- Develop tailored training proposals and workforce solutions aligned to employer objectives
- Support employers with workforce planning and future talent pipeline development
- Identify opportunities to cross-sell funded and commercial training solutions
- Represent the organisation at networking events, employer forums, and industry engagement activities
- Work closely with operational and enrolment teams to ensure smooth onboarding and delivery processes
- Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline reporting
- Provide market intelligence and performance updates to senior leadership
- Ensure all employer engagement activity complies with funding and internal quality requirements
- Support commercial proposals, tenders, and partnership opportunities where required.
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience in B2B sales, employer engagement, or partnership development
- Strong networking, relationship-building, and negotiation skills
- Experience managing sales pipelines and CRM systems
- Commercially aware and target driven
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Collaborative and accountable approach to work
- Ability to travel to employer sites and events when required.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within apprenticeships, adult skills, funded learning, or training environments
- Understanding of training funding and workforce development solutions
- Experience supporting bids, tenders, or commercial proposals
- Knowledge of employer-led training or technical skills provision.
Why Join?
This role offers the opportunity to work with an ambitious and growing organisation that values partnership, innovation, and long-term employer impact. You will play a key role in shaping business growth while helping employers develop sustainable workforce and skills strategies.
Additional Information
- Hybrid working model
- Employer and stakeholder travel required
- Full-time permanent opportunity
- Flexibility may be required during funding or operational peak periods.
Safeguarding & Compliance
This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Strategic Partnerships Manager - Hybrid in Preston employer: LT Selection
Join a forward-thinking training and workforce development provider that prioritises partnership and innovation in the Preston area. With a hybrid working model, this organisation offers a supportive work culture that fosters employee growth through meaningful engagement with employers, while providing opportunities to shape sustainable workforce strategies. Enjoy the benefits of a full-time permanent role with flexibility during peak periods, all while making a positive impact on the skills and employment sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnerships Manager - Hybrid in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, forums, and meet-ups to connect with potential employers. Remember, it’s all about building those long-term relationships that can lead to exciting opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your job search! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out to companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your previous successes in business development and partnerships. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings tailored for you. Make sure to check it out and submit your application through us for the best chance at landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnerships Manager - Hybrid in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Partnerships Manager role. Highlight your experience in B2B sales and partnership development, and show how your skills align with our mission of building long-term employer relationships.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your success in employer engagement and business development. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value a collaborative and accountable approach, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for workforce development and how you can contribute to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures it reaches us quickly and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LT Selection
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their approach to employer engagement and workforce development. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your B2B sales experience and partnership development skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's current partnerships and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and how you can help them achieve their objectives.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Trends
Stay updated on market trends related to workforce development and training funding. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can bring valuable insights to the team.
