Employability Engagement Leader in Manchester

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Job title: Employability Engagement Leader
Job reference: REQ
Date posted: 22/08/2025
Application closing date: 30/07/2026
Location: Manchester
Salary: £28,373 - £36,000 per annum
Package: Competitive Benefits plus Local Government Pension Scheme
Contractual hours: 35 Basis Full time
Job category/type: Business Development

Job description

We are seeking an ambitious and experienced people manager to join us as Work Experience Employability Engagement Leader. This exciting leadership role requires strong business development experience, ideally within education or skills, alongside a proven ability to lead teams, build employer partnerships, and work collaboratively with curriculum colleagues.

You will lead employer engagement and work experience activity across a diverse range of curriculum areas including Business, Management and Administration, Digital, Hospitality and Catering, Travel and Tourism, and Hair and Beauty. Working closely with employers, stakeholders, and curriculum teams, you will drive high-quality industry placements, strengthen partnerships, and support students to develop the skills and experience employers value most.

In addition to leading and supporting a team of Employability and Partnership Coordinators, the postholder will also manage their own caseload of students, ensuring they are placed in high-quality environments where they can develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for industry success. A key priority will be expanding business opportunities within the Hospitality Industry across Greater Manchester, aligned to our specialist courses listed here:

This is a permanent, full-time (35 hours per week) role.

Site Information

Our City Centre campus is a flagship site in the heart of Manchester, offering cutting‑edge facilities and a buzzing, creative atmosphere. Home to our Centre of Excellence for Creative and Digital Industries, it provides an inspiring setting for both staff and learners, with specialist studios, workshops, and collaborative spaces. With its central location and strong industry links, the campus is a hub for innovation, talent development, and real‑world learning.

Who are TMC?

The Manchester College is the Largest Further Education College in the United Kingdom and has the largest provisions for 16‑19yrs olds, adults, and higher education in Greater Manchester. We are part of the LTE group that consist of MOL, Total People, UCEN Manchester, Novus, and LTE Group Operations. We currently support more than 25% of Greater Manchester’s learning provision and are currently rated “Good” by Ofsted. The Manchester Colleges offering is bolstered by 18 Centres of Excellence across our campuses, ensuring we give our best and strive to achieve an unrivalled learning experience for our students. We have partnerships with over 1000 industry and employer partners nationally to ensure our students secure their place as the leaders of the future.

Proudly, The Manchester College is also 1 of only 57 organisations nationally recognised with the Princess Royal Training Award 2025, demonstrating our commitment to investing in our people and their development.

Benefits

• 35 days paid annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
• 3 well‑being days per year.
• Significant pension contribution.
• Retail discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Role Responsibilities

Please see the attached role profile for an overview of general role responsibilities.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• At least a GSCE or level 2 in literacy or numeracy (or equivalent).
• Experience of employer engagement, involving but not limited to networking, cold calling, negotiating and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative.
• Experience of engaging with employers at operational levels, particularly in relation to employer engagement.
• Experience of delivering qualifications, education, or employability sessions.
• Experience of delivering group work sessions as well as working on a 1‑2‑1 basis with participants.
• Experience of developing external relationships with employer and other agencies.
• Experience of utilising computerised management information systems.
• Experience of working to targets, implementing monitoring, and recording systems.
• Experience of delivering programmes that are focused on soft skills, mentoring and employability.
• Liaison and Networking – Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner, working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships.
• The ability to organise and to be self‑motivated.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to be fully competent in the use of Microsoft Office programs.
• A willingness to undertake continuous personal development.
• An understanding of, or interest in, the Hospitality and Catering sector would be a distinct advantage. The successful candidate will be able to establish and nurture meaningful employer partnerships that not only enhance student experiences but also help address skills gaps and meet workforce demand across Manchester.
• Successfully candidate must have access to a car for work and full driving licence.

Safeguarding

The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre‑screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities Statement

At The Manchester College, we’re committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation, where all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. The Manchester College is committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities where we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and student community that reflects Greater Manchester’s and the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.

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